Make a Difference in the Lives of Young Children and Families
Families & Communities Rising (FCR), Inc. is seeking a qualified Mental Health Consultant (Independent Contractor) to support the social-emotional well-being of children, families, and staff within our Head Start and Early Head Start programs. This professional will collaborate with educators, families, and leadership to promote healthy social-emotional development, strengthen classroom environments, and support positive behavioral outcomes for children from birth to age five.
This is an excellent opportunity for a licensed behavioral health professional who is passionate about early childhood development, family engagement, and creating supportive learning environments.
Primary Responsibilities
As the Mental Health Consultant, you will:
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Conduct classroom observations and provide recommendations to support children's social-emotional development.
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Consult with teachers and staff regarding child behavior, classroom management, and individualized support strategies.
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Assist families by providing referrals and connecting them with appropriate community resources.
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Deliver professional development and training on topics including:
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- Trauma-informed care
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Social-emotional development
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Positive behavior support
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Mental health awareness
- Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and consultations as needed.
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Support program efforts to prevent suspension and expulsion through proactive intervention and coaching.
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Maintain accurate documentation and submit monthly activity reports.
What FCR Provides
At FCR Head Start & Early Head Start, we believe strong partnerships lead to better outcomes for children and families. As our Mental Health Consultant, you will work alongside a dedicated team committed to supporting the social-emotional well-being of young children while fostering positive learning environments.
FCR will provide:
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Access to classrooms, staff, and families across our Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
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Collaboration with Education, Family Services, Disabilities, and Health Services teams.
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Opportunities to provide consultation, coaching, and professional development to staff.
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Support with coordinating classroom observations, meetings, and family referrals.
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Participation in multidisciplinary team meetings focused on child and family success.
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Administrative support for scheduling and communication as needed.
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A mission-driven environment dedicated to serving children and families throughout Durham and Orange Counties.
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The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the social-emotional development and school readiness of children from birth to age five.
We value the expertise that mental health professionals bring to early childhood settings and are committed to fostering a collaborative partnership that supports children, families, educators, and program staff.
Minimum Qualifications
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Master's Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, or a related behavioral health field.
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Current North Carolina professional license:
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- LCSW
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LCMHC
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LMFT
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Licensed Psychologist
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Or equivalent licensure
- Minimum three (3) years of experience working with young children and families.
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Experience in early childhood, educational, healthcare, or community-based settings.
Preferred Qualifications
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Experience working within Head Start or Early Head Start programs.
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Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) experience.
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Knowledge of trauma-informed practices and positive behavior support frameworks.
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Experience providing consultation, coaching, and training to educators and families.
Pre-Contract Requirements
Selected candidates must:
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Provide proof of current licensure and professional credentials.
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Submit professional references.
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Successfully complete all required background checks prior to the start of services.
FCR Head Start & Early Head Start Program
Rate: $85.00 per hour
Hours: 720 hours annually (approximately 15 hours per week for 48 weeks annually)
Maximum Annual Compensation: $61,200 annually
Location: In-Person
