Head Start Mental Health Specialist

Job Description:

Head Start Mental Health Specialist

Description

Job Posting Closes at 11:59PM on:
08/10/25
Division:
Public Health Division
Management Level:
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Benefit Eligibility:
This position is eligible for Standard Benefits which includes dental, medical, and vision insurance, paid time off and holidays, retirement matching, wellness programs, and tuition reimbursement.

Description:

The Mental Health Specialist supports the Head Start department and is responsible for providing a range of mental health services. Work involves increasing the capacity for parents and teachers to support the social emotional development of children , ages 6 weeks t o 5 years old . This individual provides therapeutic services to children through play therapy and small group work. The candidate is a dynamic resource, providing training, education, and consultation to Head Start staff to enhance staff’s ability to support challenging behavior in the classroom. The Mental Health Specialist also works closely with parents offering training, education, and consultation to enhance parenting skills.

SCHEDULE :

This position is typically Monday-Friday, 8 :00 AM - 4:30 PM . Occasional evenings may be required . This position is predominantly performed in the office, with some flexibility for remote work when children are not present. This is a full-time, year-round , stretch position .

COMPENSATION :

Hiring Range: $ 52,000.00 - 55,500.00 $USD Annual

This will be a ten-month working position (stretch) that will be paid over twelve months. Compensation will be determined based on education, experience, and skills.

BENEFITS :

Benefits include dental, medical, and vision insurance, paid time off and holidays, retirement matching, wellness programs, tuition reimbursement , flexible schedules, remote work options and more. Click here for our Total Rewards summary.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Work involves direct support to classrooms in a school-based setting. Conduct observations and assessments to appropriately identify needs of individual children and classrooms. Provide classroom consultation, along with the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), to develop evidence-based, developmentally appropriate interventions to support the needs of all children at Head Start. Assist the MDT in developing social-emotional support plans for children exhibiting challenging behaviors in the classroom.
  
• Provide therapeutic services to children , ages 6 weeks to 5 years old , through play therapy and small group work.
  
• Provide consultation to parents and caregivers around social-emotional development and behavior concerns related to Head Start students. Facilitate parenting education classes and workshops. Provide appropriate referrals for outside services and manage care coordination for families receiving services outside of Head Start.
  
• Support the development of trauma sensitive practices among Head Start staff. Assist in the delivery of mental health trainings, facilitate group reflective supervision, and attend relevant Head Start meetings to provide trauma-informed feedback.
  
• Ensure accurate and timely reports of observations and assessments completed on individual children. Maintain accurate and timely records of consultations and interventions.
  
• Performs o ther duties and responsibilities as assigned.
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

Research shows that women and other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups tend to apply only when they check every box in the posting. If you are reading this and hesitating to click “apply” for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! A true passion and excitement for making an impact is just as important as work experience.

Minimum Qualifications:

• O ne year of work-related experience.
  
• Master’s degree in a social service, behavioral science, or related field.
  
• Note an equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.
  
• Recent Master’s degree graduates welcome to apply!
  

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

• Master’s degree in a social service or behavioral science field.
  
• 2 years’ work-related experience in mental health, early childhood education, Head Start, work with vulnerable populations, diverse cultures and groups, and/orlow-income families.
  
• Experience with trauma informed care.
  
• Microsoft Office proficiency .
  
• Must have or be able to obtain LCSW or LPC within 2.5 years.
  
• Experience working with and within multi-disciplinary teams.
  
• Spanish speaking candidates highly preferred.
  

All Head Start Employees are expected to demonstrate the following competencies:

• Accountability : Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely , and cost-effective results. Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail. Determines objectives and sets priorities. Accepts responsibility for mistakes. Contributes to maintaining the integrity of the organization; displays high standards of ethical conduct and understands the impact of violating these standards on an organization, self, and others; is trustworthy.
  
• Communication : Provides regular, consistent, and meaningful information. Listens carefully to others and ensures message is understood. Ensures important matters are shared with all appropriate parties ; uses discretion and demonstrates sensitivity to confidentiality concerns. Communicates in a clear and concise manner. Uses appropriate grammar , pronunciation and tone to enhance understanding. Demonstrates professionalism through body language, including eye-contact and posture. Tailors communication style to needs of the recipient. Engages listener and helps them understand and retain the message.
  
• Continual Learning : Assesses and recognizes own strengths and weaknesses; pursues self-development. Uses training, feedback, or other opportunities for self- learning and development. Sets well-defined and realistic individual and professional goals; displays a high level of initiative, effort and motivation to achieve goals.
  
• Flexibility : Responds quickly to change and easily considers new approaches ; is open to change and new information ; adapts behavior or work methods in response to new information , changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles; effectively deals with uncertainty and ambiguity.
  
• Teamwork : Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.
  
• Use of Technology: Uses computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work.
  

Additional Job Information:

• Offer of employment contingent upon successful completion of criminal history background check, motor vehicle report, education verification, and/or references.
  
• Current Jefferson County employees must apply through their employee profile in Workday.
  
• In any materials you submit , you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
  

Perjury Statement : Any applicant who knowingly or willfully makes a false statement of any material fact or thing in the application is guilty of perjury in the second degree as defined in Section 18-8-503, C.R.S., and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished accordingly.

About this Recruitment:

At Jefferson County, we’re always looking to connect with passionate, caring professionals who believe in the mission of Head Start and early childhood education.

While we don’t have any current job openings for this role, we expect to have opportunities for the fall school year - and we’d love to get to know you ahead of time.



As positions become available, we will reach out to schedule first round interviews with the intended hire date of September 15, 2025. Candidates will be notified when positions become available and if other candidates were selected for the role.



We hope you’ll consider applying for the chance to be part of this amazing program!



APPLICATION:

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately . All applicants must submit an online employment application by 11:59PM on the posted cut-off date. Follow this link to apply now: Jefferson County Colorado Career Opportunities



A resume and cover letter submitted with your application are encouraged but will not substitute for the information requested on the application . Applications are reviewed for minimum qualifications listed in the qualifications section of the job bulletin, and applicants are contacted directly by the hiring team if selected . To view the status of your application, please log into your candidate portal .



For more details on the recruitment process, please visit: https://www.jeffco.us/1860/FAQs

Questions? Contact the Jefferson County Recruitment Team at 303-271-8420 or CareerTalent@Jeffco.us

Education:
Master's Degree
Experience:
Work Experience: Minimum three years

Certifications:

Languages:

Category:
Health & Human Services