Behavior Health And Wellness Manager

About our organization

Since 1981, Options for Learning has been at the forefront of helping families break the cycle of poverty and improve their lives by providing tools to create a positive foundation for school, social, and life success. Our dedicated and passionate employees have helped our organization become one of Southern California's most innovative and progressive child development organizations, serving more than 9,600 children throughout the San Gabriel Valley.

About this position

This position is responsible for managing the planning, launch, and ongoing implementation of Options for Learning's Behavior Health and Wellness Department. This department will provide direct mental health services, as well as classroom behavior and management support, to classrooms enrolling children from infancy through elementary school.

The successful candidate must be able to communicate effectively, work both independently and collaboratively within a small, close-knit team, and thrive in a fast-paced environment. We are looking for someone with an upbeat, positive attitude who is eager to support the organization's mission and achieve its strategic goals.

What you'll be doing

• Managing and supervising the Behavior Health and Classroom Behavior teams;
• Ensuring that the program aligns with state and federal regulations in the delivery of mental health services to children, families, and staff;
• Developing partnerships with community-based mental health organizations, healthcare providers, and social services agencies;
• Coordinating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure integrated care;
• Preparing reports on program outcomes and effectiveness;
• Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of mental health services and resources;
• Completing all documentation as required by the contract and according to the organization's procedures and practices;
• Collaborating with center-based education programs and the Inclusion team, Health Services team, and Family Engagement team to address the needs of the children, families, and teachers to ensure that all staff receive support and training for children with challenging behaviors and behavior health needs;
• Supporting the referral process for community-based services and resources;
• Communicating effectively with community partners, families, and staff;
• Providing interventions to assist with mental health or behavioral crises as they arise, including situations related to mandated reporting and any suspected child abuse, in adherence to laws and regulations;
• Reviewing appropriate documentation and providing feedback as a member of the department management team, including collaborating as needed to complete the Head Start Program Information Report (PIR) and self-assessment and the annual California state self-evaluation;
• Overseeing the documentation and tracking of mental health services identified, delivered, and referred for children in Options for Learning's Early Learning and School-age programs;
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

What you bring to the table

• Master's degree or higher in marriage and family therapy, psychology, social work, child development, or a related behavioral science field;
• Clinical licensure as an LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, or psychologist in California (preferred);
• At least four years of experience working with children (from newborn to age 5);
• At least five years of supervisory experience;
• A deep understanding of early childhood through adolescent development, child behavioral health interventions, and Head Start and California State Preschool regulations;
• Experience working in group settings with children with challenging behaviors;
• Demonstrate an understanding of early childhood mental health consultation to support the mental health capacities of teachers, staff, families, and others who care for young children;
• Ability to utilize the principles of the consultative stance in the oversight and implementation of the program;
• Certifications and training in individual and environment assessment tools such as Ages and Stages Questionnaire, CLASS Classroom Assessment Scoring System, or CHILD: Climate of Healthy Interactions for Learning and Development (preferred);
• Health screening and TB clearance, to be renewed every five years;
• Successful background screening;
• Ability to correctly and effectively communicate in written and oral English;
• Command of Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, or Vietnamese (preferred);
• A California driver's license, daily use of an automobile, and automobile liability insurance (preferred).

What we can offer you

• Medical/dental/vision for part- and full-time employees (organization pays up to 95% of employee's premiums; prorated for part-time);
• Organization-paid and matching retirement plan;
• Professional growth opportunities, including free child development courses and college reimbursement;
• Generous and flexible PTO;
• Dedicated, mission-driven colleagues, and much more!

Job specifications

• Reports to the director of education support services;
• Full-time, year-round position;
• Eight-hour workday, four-day workweek;
• Hybrid work schedule with approval by management;
• Organization-wide winter break;
• Limited evening or weekend work may be required;
• Employment, responsibilities, compensation and other factors may be affected by changes in governmental regulations, the organization's contracts, or at the organization's discretion.

Salary

• $119,000 to $137,000 per year (candidates should anticipate receiving an offer within the first quartile of the salary range).