Mental Health Associate

Posting Date

07/18/23

Application Deadline

07/25/23

Pay Range

$52,000 - $66,747 annually

The expected ENTRY pay range is $52,000 - $66,747 annually, based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification. The position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Job Type

Unclassified

Department

Human Services

About the Position

Are you seeking an opportunity to strengthen families of young children, are skillful at building collaborative relationships, and are a licensed mental health counselor in Arizona (or are able to become licensed in Arizona), then look no further and join Maricopa County Human Services team as a Mental Health Associate!

As a Mental Health Associate, you will work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary team members to build positive relationships among children, ages birth to five, families, and the community to enhance awareness and understanding of mental wellness. Your expertise as a Mental Health Associate would be utilized to provide social-emotional and positive behavior support, prevention information, and referrals for mental health services for children under five years of age and their families enrolled in the Maricopa County Head Start Zero-Five Program.

Are you ready to promote the mental well-being of young children and their families in our communities and truly make a difference in someone’s life? Apply now!

About Us

The Early Education Division is dedicated to ensuring children have the knowledge and skills to be successful in school and life through service delivery to children and families in core areas of early learning, health, and family well-being while engaging parents as partners every step of the way. Head Start encompasses Head Start preschool programs, which primarily serve 3- and 4-year-old children, and Early Head Start programs for infants, toddlers, and pregnant women.

Proud to Offer

Perform work with a greater purpose: provide support to teachers, children, and families
Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County
Professional development provided: social-emotional curriculum, inclusive class profile, CLASS, CPR/First Aid, NHSA Credential
NACO (National Association of Counties) award earned for COVID mitigation strategies
Memberships: National Head Start Association, National Association for the Education of Young Children Membership, Infant/Toddler Mental Health Coalition of Arizona
Paid travel to conferences as needed
Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents
Enrollment in Arizona State Retirement System
Paid vacation, sick, and parental (birth/adoption) leaves
Extensive wellness program with $60 monthly medical premium discounts
Employee discounts for goods and services
Learn more at
maricopa.gov/5284/Why-Work-Here

We Require

Master’s degree in counseling, marital and family counseling, social work, psychology, or a closely related field
Recognized certified mental health professional OR
A valid, unrestricted license issued by the Arizona State Board of Behavioral Health Examiners as a
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), OR
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), OR
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) OR
- Applicants must be in the process of obtaining their LCSW, LMFT or LPC licensure. If hired, the employee must complete their licensure within 6 months of the hire date to remain employed

We Also Value

Experience working with families to promote positive social/emotional development in young children
Post-masters experience involving work with young children and infant-child mental health, including working in a classroom setting or consulting with teachers and families
Experience with special education procedures and the special needs of young children with disabilities and their families
Experience working with monolingual Spanish families and children
Infant Mental Health Endorsement® (IMH-E®)

Job Contributions

Assess and assist program staff in implementing program practices that support children’s social/emotional development, including preventative action plans
Prepare and facilitate training for staff and parents on positive discipline, social/emotional development, and successful techniques for eliminating challenging behaviors
Provide on-site training and technical assistance to instructional staff and parents related to understanding social/emotional development, handling challenging behavior, using positive discipline, and identifying children with social/emotional development concerns
Conduct classroom visits/observations and provides mental health, modeling, feedback, and a plan of action for staff and parents based on observations
Coordinate services with the Inclusion Coordinator, Program Assurance Supervisors, Family Support Specialists, instructional staff, and community behavioral health agencies
Evaluate mental health data and information to identify trends that affect current and future child/family outcomes monthly
Develop corrective action plans from trend evaluation and lead efforts to modify that will meet programmatic requirements
Monitor outcomes and performs data entry of mental health information to ensure that mental health performance standards are met for all enrolled children
Provide appropriate professional mental health referrals and resources for both children and parents, as needed, based on behavioral observations, assessments, or family’s needs
Lead the Wellness group initiatives and related responsibilities for the Human Services Department

Working Conditions

Work may be performed remotely as assigned, in the parent’s home, a classroom, or an office environment
Position is located in the Mesa (EVC) office, with at least half of the time in the field providing support to teachers, children, and families
Requires travel to other program sites and parents’ homes using a personal vehicle
Must be able to stand, sit on the floor, and be indoors and outdoors for extended periods
Possible exposure to bodily fluids and infectious disease

Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Arizona driver’s license by the time of hire

Must complete a background check and fingerprint identification upon hire to secure and maintain an Arizona Department of Public Safety Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card
Must complete a medical exam that includes screening for tuberculosis (TB)

Selection Procedure

Only the most qualified candidates will be considered
Consideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applications
Candidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profile
Must pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy, including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety-sensitive

Maricopa County is an equal opportunity employer.

Apply Now!