Mental Health Coordinator

POSITION SUMMARY

The Mental Health Coordinator will play a pivotal role in providing mental health consultation and services to children and families as well as resources and referral for program staff within the YMCA's early childhood programs, including Head Start and Early Head Start programs. This role involves conducting mental health assessments, providing direct interventions, crisis management, and consultation services to ensure the social-emotional well-being of children and families served by the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles. The Mental Health Coordinator will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, community partners, and educational staff to create trauma-informed, culturally responsive environments that align with federal Head Start Performance Standards and the mission of the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Mental Health Services/Clinical Operations

Assessment & Screening:

• Oversee developmental and behavioral screening follow-up processes in collaboration with education staff in compliance with Head Start Performance Standards
• Complete comprehensive mental health assessments within 45 calendar days of parental consent
• Conduct classroom and individual observations to identify mental health needs in children
• Utilize standardized assessment tools and evidence-based practices
• Conduct depression screening for pregnant people and primary care takers

Direct Service Delivery:

• Provide direct mental health consultations and interventions to children and families
• Conduct individual and group therapy sessions as appropriate
• Provide parent and staff training in various mental health topics
• Develop individualized intervention plans in collaboration with families and multidisciplinary teams
• Ensure timely response to mental health referrals (14 calendar days for initial contact, 3 days for urgent situations)

Crisis Management & Emergency Response:

• Provide immediate response to mental health emergencies and safety threats
• Implement crisis intervention protocols and coordinate with emergency services when needed
• Support families and staff following traumatic incidents using evidence-based approaches
• Develop and maintain crisis response procedures and train all staff on these procedures

Documentation & Compliance:

• Maintain confidential mental health files and ensure accurate ChildPlus data entry
• Complete all required LACOE standardized forms and documentation
• Conduct monthly reviews of mental health reports and data for ongoing monitoring purposes
• Ensure compliance with federal Head Start Performance Standards and state regulations

Consultation & Training

Professional Consultation:

• Provide monthly on-site mental health consultation at each program site
• Conduct classroom observations and provide consultation to teaching staff
• Collaborate with education coordinators and multidisciplinary teams
• Support staff in implementing trauma-informed care practices

Training & Capacity Building:

• Deliver required training to staff and parents on mental health topics, behavior management, and crisis response
• Develop and implement professional development opportunities related to social-emotional development
• Provide technical assistance to program staff on mental health best practices
• Create educational materials and resources for families and staff

Program Development & Quality Improvement

Program Enhancement:

• Participate in program planning and quality improvement initiatives
• Analyze mental health data to identify trends and inform program decisions
• Collaborate with community mental health providers and resources
• Develop partnerships with local mental health organizations
• Participate in health and mental health services advisory committee

Family Engagement & Support:

• Provide mental health education and support to families
• Connect families with community resources and services
• Facilitate support groups and workshops for parents and caregivers
• Ensure culturally responsive and family-centered service delivery

Staff Engagement & Development

Professional Supervision:

• Provide guidance and support to mental health interns and practicum students (must meet the supervision requirements set forth by the licensing boards)
• Mentor program staff on mental health and trauma-informed care practices
• Participate in case consultation and peer supervision activities

Training & Development:

• Support professional development through training, technical support and providing resources. This can be attending professional development and training or hosting professional development and trainings.
• Stay current with best practices in early childhood mental health through continuing education
• Maintain professional licensure and continuing education requirements

Collaborative Partnerships:

• Work closely with education staff, family service coordinators, health coordinators, and other relevant staff, vendors, participants, and leadership.
• Collaborate with external mental health providers and community agencies
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and case conferences

Other Essential Functions

• Participate as a member of the overall YMCA Early Learning Readiness department.
• Support and attend Association special events. Support branch special events, as appropriate.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings, as required.
• Uphold YMCA policies for safety, supervision, mandated reporting and risk management.
• Demonstrate the YMCA Core Values of Caring, Respect, Honesty and Responsibility when working with members, guests, volunteers and fellow staff.
• Demonstrate competencies in, and willingness to develop, in the Cause-Driven Leadership areas of Mission Advancement, Collaboration, Operational Effectiveness and Personal Growth.
• All other duties as assigned

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

The Y's Leadership Competency Model is comprised of 14 Leadership Competencies (leadership knowledge, skills, and behaviors required for success in the Y), organized by the four disciplines of Cause Driven Leadership:

• ADVANCING OUR MISSION & CAUSE: Provide visionary leadership to the organization and to ensure that all resources are mobilized to adapt to new challenges and needs in the community.

• Competencies include: Change Leadership, Engaging Communities, Philanthropy, Volunteerism

• BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS: Connect people to the Y's cause by developing inclusive relationships, partnerships and collaborations so that Ys can co-create solutions to pressing social needs

• Competencies Include: Collaboration, Communication & Influence, Inclusion.

• LEADING OPERATIONS: Ensure relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability of the organization so that we can continue to fulfill our promise to the community

• Competencies include: Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Fiscal Management, Functional Expertise, Innovation, Program/Project Management.

• DEVELOPING & INSPIRING PEOPLE: Support the holistic development of self and others so that everyone can embrace the Y's cause, sustain the Y's culture, and inspire others to take individual and collective action to further our impact.

• Competencies include: Developing Self & Other, Emotional Maturity

While all competencies are significant the following are critical to success in this position:

• Engaging Communities
• Communication & Influence
• Inclusion
• Functional Expertise (Mental Health)
• Critical Thinking & Decision-Making
• Emotional Maturity

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Licenses & Certifications:

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), licensed professional counselor, or licensed psychologist required.

• Infant/Child/Adult CPR & AED and Basic First Aid certified or willing to obtain the certification within 60 days of hire (certification courses available free of charge through the YMCA for all employees).

• Education:

• Master's degree or higher in Social Sciences or Behavioral Sciences, Mental Health, Psychology, or related fields from an accredited higher education institution.

• Related Experience:

• Minimum of three (3+) years of experience working with early childhood programs (Head Start/Early Head Start preferred), social services involving social work, family or mental health counseling, psychology or related field.

• Experience in mental health assessment and intervention strategies for young children and families.
• Experience with crisis intervention and emergency mental health protocols.
• Immunizations & Physical: TB Test clearance

• Specialized Skills:

• Expert knowledge of child development ages 0-5 and trauma-informed care practices.

• Experience with evidence-based mental health interventions for young children ages 0-5.
• Familiarity with developmental and behavioral screening tools. Strong documentation and data management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Bilingual capabilities in Spanish and English, strongly preferred.

• Other:

• Familiarity with mandated reporting procedures, safety and risk management.

• Knowledge of federal Head Start Performance Standards.
• Must be able to clear a criminal record background check (DOJ/FBI/CACI).

WORK ENVIRONMENT/MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• You must have the physical, visual, and auditory ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Ability to conduct mental health observations, assessments, and intervention in various classroom, home, and community settings.
• Job is performed in indoor/outdoor environments at multiple program sites throughout the year.
• Ability to lift 25-30lbs
• Job is based out of YMCA Center. This is not a remote position.
• Reliable transportation, as this position requires regular travel to program sites for assessments, consultations, and crisis response. This position also requires travel to off-site locations throughout LA County for meetings, trainings, and other work-related activities. All work-related mileage in excess to normal daily commute is a reimbursement employee expense.