Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

*Job Title*

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

*Reports To*

Director of Programs

*Schedule*

FT [40 hours per week]

*FLSA Status*

Salary (variable-entered hours)/ Non-Exempt / Benefited

*Pay Range*

$50 - $65 per hour

_Those who apply by Friday, August 16, 2024, will receive first consideration in the hiring process. The position will remain posted until filled._

*Join our team of mission-driven professionals*

Whatcom Center for Early Learning (WCEL) provides transformational services for children and their families located in beautiful Whatcom County, WA—where the mountains meet the sea. Founded in 1973, WCEL partners with families to provide high-quality, equitable, and comprehensive therapy and support services to children experiencing developmental delays and disabilities. WCEL is a non-profit organization with a $4 million annual budget and approximately 50 employees. For more information, please visit www.wcel.net.

*Position Summary*

The Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker position will provide strategic support to our program teams and families in Whatcom County with children aged 0-5. The successful candidate will be a hands-on and participative team member with expertise in infant/early childhood and perinatal mental health. This is a tremendous opportunity for a mental health provider to strengthen the capacity of a well-respected, high-impact organization.

Parenting a child with a chronic or complex health issue, extra medical equipment, or severe behavior challenges can be depleting for a child’s family. Parents and caregivers may struggle with a child’s diagnosis, concerns about housing and basic needs, financial stability, mental health concerns, as well as additional environmental, institutional, or cultural stressors which can inhibit a caregiver’s ability to focus on their child’s needs and therapy services. A child’s mental health is closely linked to that of their caregiver, therefore mental health support for parents is crucial.

This position provides consultation and training to empower and build the capacity of early childhood professionals and families to cultivate positive and inclusive environments, support the social-emotional health and development of the children ages 0-5. This position will work effectively, responsively and collaboratively with children and families with mental health concerns, challenging behaviors and individual developmental differences. The specialist’s aim is to enhance all relationships involved in the care setting, create nurturing and emotionally responsive environments, strengthen staff effectiveness in interactions with young children ages 0-5 and families. The position requires travel to assigned settings within Whatcom County.

*Location:* Works primarily out of any of the three WCEL Whatcom County locations, and/or remotely as appropriate.

*Duties and Responsibilities*
* Provide telehealth and in-home parent-child relational support around issues of attachment, social/emotional development, child directed play, daily structure and routine, and other issues of concern reported by parents and caregivers.
* Promote the growth of responsive parenting skills in caregivers by listening to and understanding individual family values and concerns, reflecting on individual children's social/emotional needs, and strengthening caregiver competence through positive instructive feedback.
* Promote overall family health and wellness by providing mental health treatment to parents and caregivers experiencing mental health challenges, including perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and other mental health disorders unrelated to parenting.
* Assess the development of social-emotional functioning; design and implement individual treatment plans; prepare progress reports; review medical reports; and maintain accurate records of contact.
* Collaborate and consult with community multi-disciplinary staff on treatment(s) for children receiving therapy services, and their families.
* Participate in program planning and execution including presentations, materials, referrals, inter-team collaborations, etc.
* Complete all documentation as required including case notes, treatment plans, session notes, and reports in accordance with Washington State’s Early Support for Infants and Toddlers Program (ESIT).

*Skills and Abilities*
* A motivated self-starter and problem solver with energy, flexibility, creativity, a sense of humor, and a willingness to pitch in wherever needed.
* A high level of work skills such as punctuality, responsive, organized, ability to manage multiple projects, and attention to detail.
* Excellent communication and conflict management skills including via written, in-person and telephone.
* Ability to prioritize effectively and handle multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously and strong organizational/record keeping skills.
* Demonstrated ability to collaborate with staff as a foundational team member.
* Experience with reflective practice with families and coworkers is preferred.

*Education and Knowledge*
* Independently licensed in Washington State as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC).
* Endorsed as an Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist or willingness to become endorsed.
* Certified in Perinatal Mental Health or willingness to become certified.
* Training in infant mental health, perinatal mental health, early childhood diagnostic evaluations, and infant/early childhood development preferred.
* Experience working with families of young children and diverse populations, or a willingness to learn.
* Willingness to work a flexible schedule.
* A fundamental understanding of current issues and challenges facing individuals from underserved communities including sensitivity to racial equity/diversity.
* Respect for and ability to develop skills to engage with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
* Bilingual fluency is an asset and bilingual applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.
* Strong word processing and proficient with MS Word and Outlook
* Valid Washington State driver’s license and valid automobile insurance including access to dependable personal transportation.

*Benefits (if applicable)*
* 401(k) with company match
* Health insurance (Medical/Dental/Vision) – including family coverage options
* Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
* Employee assistance program
* Professional Development Stipend
* Flexible schedule
* Paid time off

*Other Requirements*
* Vehicle in working condition, driver’s license, and auto insurance
* Consent to background check and fingerprinting

*FLSA Status Options*

*Non-Exempt:* This position is eligible for overtime pay for any hours worked over 40 in a workweek in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Washington State regulations.

*Exempt:* This position is exempt from overtime pay in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Washington State regulations.

*Whatcom Center for Early Learning (WCEL)* is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50.00 - $65.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:
* 401(k)
* 401(k) matching
* Dental insurance
* Employee assistance program
* Flexible schedule
* Flexible spending account
* Health insurance
* Life insurance
* Paid time off
* Professional development assistance
* Retirement plan
* Vision insurance
Medical Specialty:
* Pediatrics
Schedule:
* 8 hour shift

License/Certification:
* LICSW (Required)

Ability to Relocate:
* Bellingham, WA: Relocate before starting work (Required)

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