Associate Early Childhood Mental Health Clinician (Paid Internship)

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate

• Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT)
• to join our preschool team and provide therapeutic support to young children. This position is designed for a professional who is passionate about supporting young children and their families through therapeutic services. The ideal candidate will have a strong passion for early childhood mental health and a commitment to fostering a nurturing space for children and families.
• Essential Functions :

Works directly under the Clinical Supervisor and / or Senior Program Director.

Provide individual and group therapy sessions for preschool-aged children to address emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges.

Evaluate the developmental and social-emotional needs of children through observation, consultations with teachers and parents, and developmental screenings.

Provide parents and caregivers with effective tools and support to foster their child's emotional and behavioral growth at home.

Advocate, as appropriate, for the rights of the children with Special Needs and their families.

Collaborate with teachers and other school staff to implement positive behavior management strategies in the classroom.

Organize and facilitate workshops on mental health topics for parents and childcare providers across various agency departments.

Maintain accurate, confidential, and up-to-date clinical records in compliance with ethical guidelines and state regulations.

Participate in team meetings and provide consultation to staff on child behavioral and emotional needs.

Attend supervision meetings and participate in ongoing training opportunities.

Ensure timely completion of case documentation in line with Neighborhood House Association (NHA) standards.

• Qualifications :

Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), Psychology, or a related field.

Active registration as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) in the state of California.

Experience working with young children, preferably in a preschool or early childhood setting.

Knowledge of child development and effective behavioral interventions.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with children, families, and multidisciplinary teams.

Ability to maintain a compassionate and patient approach while addressing emotional and behavioral concerns.

Willingness to adhere to ethical standards and stay current with professional development.

Ability to work effectively with a diverse cultural population. Bilingual in English and Spanish is highly desirable.

Availability to fulfill internship hours as required by the program.

Additional Requirements : Must be able to pass background check.

Current Health Screen (Required)

TB Clearance (Required)

Proof of MMR, Tdap and flu vaccines (Required)

• Physical Demands :

Frequent Bending and Kneeling : Engaging with young children often requires getting down to their level, which involves a lot of bending, crouching, kneeling, and even sitting on the floor.

Sitting in Small Chairs or on the Floor : Preschool settings often have child-sized furniture, which means you may spend a lot of time sitting in low chairs or on the floor, which can be challenging for posture and back comfort over time.

Lifting and Carrying : You may need to lift or carry children occasionally, whether to help them with physical tasks or provide comfort and support.

Moving Between Classrooms and Activity Areas : Clinicians may move between different rooms or areas, such as playgrounds, classrooms, and quiet spaces, to observe children or conduct sessions, which can involve prolonged standing and walking.

• Education and Qualifications :

Masters degree in psychology or a related field. Must hold a current California BBS Associate License (with registered license number).

• Operating Responsibility :

Must interact with agency employees at all levels in a personal and respectful manner. Requires excellent communication skills to represent the agency in a professional manner. Confidentiality is of major importance for this position in dealing with private information on the daily operations of the agency. Must present a positive attitude and work independently.

• Contacts :

Has contact with all levels of agency employees as well as external contacts partners, sponsors and other non-profit executives.

• Working conditions :

Works in a pre-school environment. Occasional travel required. Must have a vehicle, current CA drivers license and proof of insurance.

Job Types : Part-time, Internship

Pay : $27.00 - $30.00 per hour

Benefits :

• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance

Work Location : In person

by Jobble