Mental Health and Disabilities Manager

We're Hiring: Mental Health & Disabilities Manager

Location: We have sites in Providence, Pawtucket, and Central Falls, RI. 
Reports To: Vice President of Programs
Employment Type: Full-Time (Monday - Friday, 8 hour shifts)

Are you a passionate clinical leader who believes every child deserves the opportunity to thrive? Do you want to use your clinical expertise and leadership skills to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young children and families?

Children’s Friend is looking for a Mental Health and Disabilities Manager to lead our mental health and disabilities services across our Head Start, Early Head Start, and Kids Connect programs. This is an opportunity to combine clinical leadership, staff development, and community collaboration to help ensure children receive the support and services they need to succeed.

What You’ll Do:

As the Mental Health and Disabilities Manager, you will play a vital role in strengthening services and supporting the professionals who work directly with children and families. Your responsibilities will include:

• Lead and Inspire: Supervise, coach, and develop a team of clinicians, providing clinical guidance, performance feedback, and support toward professional licensure.

• Champion Children’s Mental Health: Oversee the delivery of mental health and disabilities services across Head Start, Early Head Start, and Kids Connect.

• Advocate for Children and Families: Help connect children with suspected or identified disabilities to appropriate services, resources, and supports.

• Build Strong Partnerships: Collaborate with families, Head Start teams, school districts, Early Intervention programs, and community agencies to coordinate services and promote positive outcomes.

• Oversee Program Quality: Support Kids Connect operations, ensure services are delivered appropriately, and maintain compliance with applicable program requirements.

• Drive Continuous Improvement: Use data, reporting, policies, and effective systems to strengthen service delivery and improve collaboration across the organization.

What You Bring:

We’re looking for a thoughtful, collaborative leader who is committed to supporting children, families, and the professionals who serve them.

Required qualifications include:

• Master’s degree in social work or a related field, with independent clinical licensure (LICSW).

• 5–7 years of relevant experience, including program management and staff supervision.

• Experience working with at-risk families.

• Knowledge of services and supports for children with special needs.

• Ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with school districts and community partners.

• Excellent communication and computer skills.

• Valid driver’s license, access to an automobile, and appropriate insurance coverage.

• Ability to meet pre-employment background screening requirements.

• Bilingual skills preferred. 

Why Join Children’s Friend?

At Children’s Friend, we believe every child deserves a strong start. As part of our team, you’ll have the chance to grow professionally, contribute meaningfully, and be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace where your efforts matter every day.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to equity and diversity in the workplace. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at talent@cfsri.org.

• Medical Dental and Vision coverage 
• Employer contributions to the 403(b) plan
• Employer-paid Life and Disability insurance 
• Flex Spending Accounts 
• 12 Holidays 
• Competitive Vacation Benefits 
• Training and Professional Development 
• Education Assistance 
• Student Loan Repayment Assistance