Infant Mental Health Provider

When you join the staff of Whatcom Center for Early Learning (WCEL), you join a dedicated, mission-driven team of professionals who believe every child should have access to Early Support services and the opportunity to grow their skills and abilities. Our staff are passionate about our county-wide work with children and families with developmental delays and disabilities and aim to actively contribute to an equity-minded culture of appreciation and growth.

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WCEL’s mission is to partner with families to provide high-quality, equitable, and comprehensive therapy and support services to children experiencing developmental delays and disabilities. Our vision is an equitable society where children with disabilities and their families thrive, experience meaningful connections, and have a deep understanding of their strengths and needs.

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This position is located in beautiful Bellingham, WA. Bellingham is uniquely placed at the heart of the Pacific Northwest, nestled between the mountains and the sea. Living here you can discover your inner adventurer by exploring iconic cities, trying countless outdoor activities, and becoming part of a welcoming community.

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Join our life-changing organization today!

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Position Summary:

The Family Mental Health Provider is a new position at WCEL. The position will provide strategic support to our program teams. The successful candidate will be a hands-on and participative team member with expertise in mental health. This is a tremendous opportunity for a mental health provider to strengthen the capacity of a well-respected, high-impact organization.  

Parenting a child with a chronic or complex health issue, extra medical equipment, or severe behavior challenges can be depleting for a child’s family. Parents and caregivers may struggle with a child’s diagnosis, concerns about housing and basic needs, financial stability, mental health concerns, as well as additional environmental, institutional, or cultural stressors which can inhibit a caregiver’s ability to focus on their child’s needs and therapy services. A child’s mental health is closely linked to that of their caregiver, therefore mental health support for parents is crucial. 

This position provides consultation and training to empower and build the capacity of early childhood professionals and families to cultivate positive and inclusive environments, support the social-emotional health and development of the children WCEL serves. This position will work effectively, responsively and collaboratively with children and families with mental health concerns, challenging behaviors and individual developmental differences. The specialist’s aim is to enhance all relationships involved in the care setting, create nurturing and emotionally responsive environments, strengthen staff effectiveness in interactions with young children ages birth to three and families. The position requires travel to assigned settings within Whatcom County. This position reports to the Early Support Program Director.

Locations: 

This position works out of any of the three WCEL Whatcom County locations, and/or remotely as appropriate.

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Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide telehealth and in-home parent-child relational support around issues of attachment, social-interaction, transitions in daily routines, and emotional development. 

• Provide caregivers who are supporting children receiving early support services to gain skills to better support the needs of their children 

• Assess the development of social-emotional functioning; design and implement individual treatment plans; prepare progress reports; review medical reports; and maintain accurate records of contact. 

• Collaborate and consult with community multi-disciplinary staff on treatment(s) for children receiving therapy services, and their families. 

• Participate in program planning and execution including presentations, materials, referrals, inter-team collaborations, etc. 

• Complete all documentation as required including case notes, treatment plans, session notes, and reports in accordance with Washington State’s Early Support for Infants and Toddlers Program (ESIT). 

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Skills and Abilities:

• A motivated self-starter and problem solver with energy, flexibility, creativity, a sense of humor, and a willingness to pitch in wherever needed. 

• A high level of work skills such as punctuality, responsive, organized, ability to manage multiple projects, and attention to detail. 

• Excellent communication and conflict management skills including via written, in-person and telephone. 

• Ability to prioritize effectively and handle multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously and strong organizational/record keeping skills. 

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with staff as a foundational team member. 

• Experience with reflective practice with families and coworkers is preferred. 

Education and Knowledge

• Master’s degree in related area of study (MSW, LMHC, LMFT, or related) 

• Valid Washington State professional license for providing Early Intervention (Early Support) Services in Washington State (e.g. Washington State Mental Health Counselor or Washington State Associate Mental Health Counselor or related field such as Social Worker or Marriage and Family Therapist). 

• Experience and training in infant mental health, psychotherapy, and attachment theory are preferred. 

• Experience working with families of young children and diverse populations, or a willingness to learn. 

• Willingness to work a flexible schedule. 

• A fundamental understanding of current issues and challenges facing individuals from underserved communities including sensitivity to racial equity/diversity. 

• Respect for and ability to develop skills to engage with people from different cultures and backgrounds. 

• Bilingual fluency is an asset and bilingual applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. 

• Strong word processing and proficient with MS Word and Outlook 

• Valid Washington State driver’s license and valid automobile insurance including access to dependable personal transportation. 

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Pay Range: $26-$36/hr DOE

Schedule: Part-time, 10-15 hours a week 

Please send resume and cover letter to careers@wcel.net

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Please send your resume and cover letter describing your interest in our mission and how your work or life experience had prepared you for this role.