Therapeutic Early Learning Specialist - Mental Health Therapist
Full-time, Regular Status, FLSA Nonexempt
Part-Time also available
Locations: Seattle; King County, WA
$61,850 – $107,100 annually
SIGN-ON BONUS: Up to $6,000 for mental health-licensed professionals; up to $2,500 for non-licensed mental health professionals
(terms and conditions apply)
Salary is dependent on licensure and years of experience

Childhaven is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity. We are upholding this by recruiting candidates of every race, creed, color, religion, caste, national or ethnic origin, gender or gender identity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, and all other historically marginalized and excluded communities other protected status as provided by law.  Qualified individuals who bring diverse perspectives to the workplace are highly encouraged to apply!

ABOUT CHILDHAVEN
We are proud to be a values-driven organization that serves families from diverse communities. Our values guide us in the way we treat each other, the decisions we make, and the success we achieve. The following are the values guide our work:

• TEAMWORK:   Relationships come first.
• EQUITY:           There’s infinite value in every human.
• EXCELLENCE:   Constructively dissatisfied with the status quo.
• DEDICATION:   Do more. Do better.
• RESPECT:         Meet people where they are.
• REFLECTION:   Feelings Matter. Stepping back and exploring possibilities.

Childhaven is a leader in serving children, families, and communities that have experienced trauma and adversity. We are building a continuum of care model that is growing to respond to the changing needs of families by combining our legacy of healing-centered care, with the expertise of community partners. Going forward, we are embarking on a new and ambitious strategic impact plan to further strengthen programs, expand impact, and embrace innovation.

ABOUT YOU
You are a passionate and dedicated individual who shares our vision: To help ensure that all children are safe and healthy; thriving physically, socially emotionally and educationally; and well nurtured by family and by their community.  You too are constructively dissatisfied with the status quo. You are equal parts learner, leader and mentor and see around the corners of a challenge, replaying the question of “What if…” with a reply of “Why not…” If this sounds like you, then we want to meet, get to know you, and talk more about the positive impact we could have together.

ABOUT THE ROLE
The Therapeutic Early Learning Therapist (TELCap) is responsible for providing additional therapeutic services to early learning providers, children and families through an infant early childhood mental health (IECMH) lens. They will support ECEAP/Head Start and Early ECEAP/Early HS providers, other Early Care and Education Providers, children and their families to build relational health. This role will support all important caregivers in a child’s life by building the skills to create and sustain safe and supportive environments that foster the development of healthy and secure relationships, and overall child well-being.  

The TELCAP Therapist will provide a broad range of services, including levels of IECMH consultation in classrooms and through home visits; training and coaching staff; reflective practice for early learning providers; screening, assessment, and referral services for children and families; and providing family/caregiver trainings (all of which may be provided in-person and/or virtually). The TELCAP Therapist will also collect data, maintain records, and support compliance in all facets of ECEAP and Early ECEAP Performance Standards and state regulations.  

Serving Seattle and King County, WA, this role reports to the TELCAP Program Manager and works collaboratively with the Mentor Teacher.   

TYPICAL DUTIES
Child, Family, and Provider-Centered Services:

• Partner with all child caregivers and the multidisciplinary team in the screening, assessment, and referral process to inform the creation and collaboration of an Individual Care Plan (ICP) as well as progress reviews.
• Through classroom observations assist providers in the identification of behavioral or emotional needs of young children using a strengths-based approach using written and oral feedback.
• Help providers understand the effects of stress and trauma on families and consider all levels of influence to support young children and their caregivers.
• Using a team approach to collaborate with childcare staff, directors, families, and multidisciplinary teams to generate suggestions and trauma informed strategies to promote optimal mental health in all children.
• Engage in relationship-based work that supports healthy caregiver-child attachment relationships and encourage responsive, nurturing learning environments.
• Provide reflective practice and consultation services.
• Build capacity of all child caregivers to meet the needs of children experiencing challenging behavior.
• Conduct standardized developmental, behavioral, social-emotional, or other mental health assessments for children or their caregivers as assigned or referred for services.
• Collaborate with Child and Family Specialist(s) and Mentor Teacher(s) to ensure all family, provider, and program needs and goals are being addressed and met.
• May provider brief therapy to a family if an immediate opening for behavioral services are not available.

Other Duties as Assigned:

• Participate in professional development opportunities, in-service trainings regarding antiracism, oppression, and cultural humility/curiosity, and regularly assess own performance and program for related improvements.
• Assist with internal Childhaven staff training opportunities as available.
• Comply with all Childhaven policies and procedures.
• Comply with the agency’s policies and procedures regarding the identification and reporting of child abuse.
• Participate in regular administrative, clinical, and reflective supervision with designated supervisor.
• Participate in scheduled team and administrative meetings.
• Contribute to federal, state, and local reporting requirements and reporting of child abuse.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a closely related field.
• Endorsement by the Washington Association of Infant Mental Health (WA-AIMH) or willingness to complete the process at onset of employment.
• Knowledge of early childhood development, including an understanding of the concepts and dynamics underlying young children’s social-emotional development (such as attachment and separation), as well as an understanding of family dynamics and the importance of child-caregiver interaction.
• Ability to identify key signs, symptoms, impact, and manifestations of trauma, disrupted attachment, and racism and adversity in children and adults.
• Demonstrated understanding of how behaviors, including those that appear to be “problems” or symptoms often reflect trauma-related coping skills.
• Willingness to examine personal beliefs about and experiences of trauma, childhood adversity, racism, and the impact these have on interactions with clients, colleagues, organizations, and systems.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
• Experience working and communicating with immigrant and marginalized communities and families.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with diverse groups, including programmatic documentation.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including engaging presentation and public speaking skills. Demonstrates a communication style that is open, adaptable, reflective, engaging, honest, and culturally sensitive and eliminates the use of labels that stigmatize.
• Must have reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, safe driving record, and auto liability insurance OR must have acceptable alternative and reliable transportation.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
We are dedicated to recruiting candidates who reflect the diversity and lived experiences of the communities we serve. Multilingual and multicultural candidates are encouraged to apply! In addition to position specific qualifications, preferable skills include:

• Bilingual in English/Spanish highly desired.
• Specialized clinical training in infant early childhood mental health, including provision of reflective supervision/consultation for individuals and groups.

COMPENSATION
Childhaven has committed to equitable compensation practices, including pre-determining what roles require and the qualities needed from the individual that will fill the role. To achieve this, Childhaven uses a grade and step approach to determine the compensation of each team member.

WHY CHILDHAVEN?
We strive to make Childhaven a great place to work by living our values: Teamwork, Equity, Excellence, Dedication, Respect, and Reflection. Here’s a bit of what we offer our staff:

• We believe in a fully transparent hiring process.
• We offer a comprehensive Benefits Package including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance. Expanded benefits include a flexible spending account (FSA), healthcare reimbursement account, and 403(b) savings program. A full listing of benefits is available.
• Opportunities to attend a wide variety of trainings on clinical and educational topics, advocacy, and more.
• We’re dedicated to serving the full range of cultural diversity in our community, and to providing families with care that’s relevant to them. As a member of Childhaven staff, you’ll be encouraged to contribute to community engagement strategies and our antiracism council, which makes ongoing recommendations to ensure that our programs and protocols are doing their part to dismantle systemic racism.

Childhaven values organizational culture and professional development. Team members at Childhaven have the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge through the following:

• Trainings
• Project work groups
• Clinical and/or reflective supervision
• Community advocacy and engagement
• Diversity, Inclusion, and Racial Equity Council (DIREC)

NOTE
***HOW TO APPLY***

Please apply through our website. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application or selection process, please let us know.

This position will be open until filled; applicants are encouraged to apply. In addition to completing the application online, please attach a resume and cover letter when prompted.

Childhaven would like to get an accurate understanding of each applicant’s experience and interest.