Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant

Make a difference from day one

Southwest Human Development is Arizona’s largest nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development. The first five years of life are the most critical in a child’s development. At Southwest Human Development, our services improve lives and help families by supporting young children and their caregivers during this important time.

Your skills, experience, and passion are needed at one of the nation’s largest nonprofits dedicated to early childhood development. Join our team and experience a long-term career which brings joy and satisfaction in knowing you make a difference.  We offer over 40 programs and services to more than 140,000 children.

Why candidates love working here

• Engage in meaningful work that helps children and families build strong foundations for the future.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, wellness plans, generous paid time off, and 401(k) employer contribution every paycheck.
• Participate in a comprehensive onboarding program with a variety of professional development activities including, monthly professional book club, individual and group reflective supervision and new consultant competency training.
• Join a Great Place to Work®Certified organization, with a culture shaped by employee feedback and built on trust, support, and collaboration.

Why choose us?

• Achieve a work/life balance with a part-time or full-time manageable caseload
• Receive weekly reflective supervision to support you in this new role
• Participate in a comprehensive onboarding program with a variety of professional development activities including, monthly professional book clubs, and trauma and attachment group.  Participate in a comprehensive onboarding program with a variety of professional development activities including, monthly professional book club, group supervision, and trainings to increase capacity within the work.
• Enjoy supportive and collaborative mental health work in an environment that supports the mental health of our staff

Job title: Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant

We are seeking to hire experienced mental health professionals who are looking for an expanded role as an early childhood mental health consultant to provide consultation services within early care and education settings.  Smart Support is a nationally recognized program comprised of mental health professionals who work within early care and education settings, including center-based and home-based childcare centers, school district preschools and home visiting programs throughout our state. We partner with early childhood educators to enhance their understanding of and capacity to meet the mental health needs of young children living in urban, rural, and tribal communities.

What you’ll do:

• Engage in relationship-based work that supports healthy caregiver-child attachment relationships and encourages responsive, nurturing learning environments
• Demonstrate sensitivity to linguistic, cultural, social, economic, individual, and role differences among persons and families served
• Help providers understand the effects of stress and trauma on families and consider all levels of influence to support young children and their caregivers
• Assist providers with the identification of behavioral or emotional needs of young children, through classroom observation and provide community resources as needed to the families they serve
• Collaborate with childcare staff, directors, and families to generate suggestions and strategies to promote optimal mental health in all children
• Provide training on overall social and emotional wellness with specific topics related to child development, emotional regulation, communication, self-care, and other related topics
• Join us in a state-wide effort to reduce preschool expulsion

If you don't think you can meet every qualification below, we still encourage you to apply. We value both current experience and future potential!

What you’ll bring:

• Completed Masters degree in either: Social work, Counseling, or Marriage and Family Therapy
• Degree must be eligible for licensure through the AZ Board of Behavioral Health.
• Possess an insured & registered vehicle and a valid AZ driver’s license.
• In addition to traveling to the office at least once per week, must be able to travel to multiple sites within the community for consultation, collaboration, and trainings.
• Valid Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card - OR - must qualify for a valid Arizona Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card
• DES Criminal Affadavit Required

What sets you apart:

• At least one year post-masters experience.
• Clinical experience working with children aged birth to five and their families
• Experience working in a classroom setting or consulting with teachers
• Experience working in a home visiting program

Southwest Human Development is committed to creating a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for our employees and the communities we serve.  

Learn more about working with us 

Our core values reflect our commitment to children, families, caregivers, and the communities we serve. They guide how we work, how we support one another, and how we grow as a team. Learn more about our values and benefits here.