Mental Health and Wellness Specialist

Are you a socially conscious, dedicated individual who is committed to building a better future for children, families, and their communities? If so, join us as we support early childhood education programs across the country to create positive outcomes for the children and families served.

Are you a mental health professional with a passion for supporting children, families, and educators in early learning settings? Acelero, Inc. is seeking a Mental Health and Wellness Specialist to lead trauma-informed, resilience-focused strategies across our Early Head Start and Head Start programs—advancing our mission to eliminate the gaps between young children’s potential and their success in school and life.

Why Acelero?

Our mission is bold: To design and deliver research and evidence-based approaches to eliminate the gaps between young childrenʼs inherent potential and their achievement in school and life. With our partners, we accelerate child and family outcomes that honor all of the aspirations and cultures of the communities we serve.

Our values: Data-Informed Learning; Transparent & Open Communication; Growth Mindset; Championing Equality; Caring Teams & Communities.

Your Role:

The Mental Health and Wellness Specialist is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive mental health and wellness strategy for children, families, and staff in the Early Head Start and Head Start programs. This role integrates trauma-informed care, resilience-focused practices, and system-wide behavioral health initiatives to ensure inclusive, supportive, and well-structured mental health environments.

The Specialist will provide coaching, professional development, and Mental Health consultation to educators, families, and leadership teams while developing statewide policies, training materials, and tools to support

mental health and wellness.

What You’ll Do:

• Develop and implement a trauma-informed, culturally competent mental health and wellness framework for children, families, and staff across Early Head Start, Head Start, and Home Visiting programs.

• Create and share resources to help staff identify and address mental, social, and emotional health challenges, including trauma, and promote proactive intervention strategies.

• Design and lead professional development and coaching that builds staff capacity to support child mental health, well-being, and classroom behavior.

• Conduct classroom observations and case consultations to assess needs, guide behavioral strategies, and recommend referrals to external mental health or early intervention services.

• Engage families through mental health education, home learning activities, and collaborative care strategies that support emotional wellness.

• Coordinate with Family Services and Health teams to ensure children receive required health/mental health screenings and support, in alignment with Head Start standards.

• Support fidelity of implementation through data-driven monitoring, feedback, and action plans to improve mental health strategies across programs.

• Supervise and coach Mental Health and Wellness Coordinators , providing guidance, training, and performance feedback.

• Serve as a crisis resource for staff, offering confidential support and promoting overall staff wellness initiatives.

• Collaborate with leadership to report on program-wide mental health trends and outcomes, informing continuous improvement efforts.

What You Bring:

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Clinical Psychology, Early Childhood Education, or a related field required

• State licensure or certification as a Mental Health Provider required

• Experience with Child Study Teams, Part C, and IEP/IFSP state protocols preferred

• At least 5 years of experience in child mental health, early education, or a related field

• Proven ability to design and deliver training and professional development on mental health and wellness

• Strong knowledge of trauma-informed care, behavioral health interventions, and culturally responsive mental health practices

• Experience working with children and families in diverse, low-income communities

• Ability to travel locally or long-distance up to 10% for work-related meetings and events

• Valid driver’s license, vehicle insurance, and access to reliable personal transportation (mileage reimbursement available)

• Successful completion of a physical exam and background checks

When/Where/How Much:

When : Fall 2025

Where : Milwaukee, WI

How Much : up to $82,739

Why You’ll Love Working with Us:

• A meaningful mission that drives real change in the lives of children and families

• A collaborative, inclusive team that values your growth and well-being

• Robust benefits that support your total wellbeing, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with multiple plan options to fit your needs

• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributions up to $400/individuals & $800/family annually

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health and dependent care expenses

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with up to 3% company match

• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance

• Up to $500 per year in Professional Development Reimbursements

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with counseling and mental wellness support

• Wellness Programs , including virtual fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes

• Pet Insurance , Legal Assistance , ID Theft Protection , and Employee Discount Perks

If you’re ready to take on a challenge that matters and lead growth in a company where purpose and values drive every decision, apply now to join us as our next Mental Health and Wellness Specialist. Together, we’ll help every child reach their fullest potential

Why Acelero Learning or Shine Early Learning? - Ability to make an impact in the lives of the children, families, and partners we serve - Career growth and professional development opportunities - Supportive working environment - Average of 5 weeks of paid time off during 1st year of employment - Comprehensive benefits, including 401K matching and 100% vesting program We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and healthy work place.