Advisor , Program Mental Health Tennessee; Hybrid

Advisor I, Program Mental Health – Tennessee (Hybrid)

Position Title:

Advisor I, Program Mental Health
Supervisor

Title:

Senior Advisor, Mental Health
Employee Type:
Full-time Regular-Hybrid
Division:
Head Start

Save the Children has been fighting for the rights of children for over 100 years. The mental health advisor role supports the Tennessee Head Start program, ensuring mental and behavioral health services are implemented with fidelity to Head Start regulations and ADA requirements.

The Advisor I, Program Mental Health oversees the mental health content area of the Save the Children Tennessee Head Start program in collaboration with the Program Director and content area management team. The role promotes a program‑wide culture that supports children's mental health, social, emotional well‑being, safety, and overall health.

• Implement and monitor mental health program policies and procedures in partnership with the Program Director.
• Conduct regular site and classroom visits (4–6 hours per month per site) to observe classrooms, provide training and technical assistance, coaching, and mentorship.
• Meet with center staff following observations to discuss strengths, recommendations for classroom management, and mental health and trauma‑informed care practices.
• Facilitate the individual behavior support process in compliance with the Behavior Guidance Policy, ensuring all required reports are completed.
• Ensure psychological diagnostic evaluations occur for children when needed, performing evaluations or making referrals.
• Facilitate staff training on developmental and social‑emotional screening, disabilities, and behavioral health and family dynamics.
• Provide parent training and individual consultation to support children's social‑emotional growth.
• Coordinate pre‑service and ongoing in‑service training with program director and specialists.
• Build and enhance the network of mental health service providers for low‑income families.
• Develop and implement quality assurance activities including database monitoring, on‑site visits, program reviews, and follow‑up.
• Support Health and Family Services Advisory Committees and participate in inter‑agency coordination councils and care coordination teams.
• Assist in IEP/1
  
  FSP meetings and maintain communication with educational cooperatives, providers, and specialists.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Master’s degree and state licensing in counseling, social work, or psychology (or equivalent).
• Demonstrated experience providing mental and behavioral health services.
• Knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and health/nutrition services for infant, toddler, and preschool programs.
• Experience with administration, fiscal accountability, and public relations.
• Experience building consistent, stable, and supportive relationships with young children.
• Professional judgment and evaluation skills.
• Effective working relationships with staff, children, parents, and agencies.
• Strong problem‑solving and time‑management skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and English.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

• Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs, perform repetitive tasks, and work in diverse environments.
• Clear background check, sex‑offender registry check, and valid driver’s license if required.
• First‑time or experienced Head Start/EHS professionals preferred.

• Paid time off: 10 days winter break, 5 days spring break, 5 personal days, 11 holidays, 2 floating holidays.
• Health, dental, vision, short‑term and long‑term disability.
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
• Life and accidental death & dismemberment benefits.
• Family benefits: parental/adoption, fertility.
• Employee rewards: merit increases and incentives.
• Retirement savings with employer contributions after one year.
• Wellness and employee assistance programs.
• Learning & growth: tuition assistance and mentorships.

Save the Children is committed to child safety and providing a safe working environment for employees. For disability assistance request applicant support.