Mental Health Specialist - Oakland/Hayward
Join the YMCA of the East Bay and make a real difference in the lives of children, families, and staff! As a Mental Health Specialist, you will provide classroom consultation, guidance, and support to teachers, families, and Center Directors, using a relationship-focused, social-emotional approach. You will work as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team—including Inclusion Specialists, Education Coaches, and Family Advocates—helping create nurturing and inclusive environments for children to thrive.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – Full-time employees are eligible for heavily subsidized coverage with several plan options.
- Basic Life and AD&D Insurance, with options for Voluntary Life and AD&D coverage.
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health and dependent care expenses.
- Long-Term Disability Insurance for added financial protection.
- Employee Assistance and Wellness Programs to support mental health and work-life balance.
- Commuter Benefits available for eligible employees.
- 12 Designated Holidays, including New Year’s Day.
- Paid Time Off for vacation and sick leave.
- Professional Development Opportunities and ongoing training to support your career growth.
- YMCA Membership Benefits and discounts on programs for you and your family
Key Responsibilities
Consult with teachers and staff to support children’s social-emotional development.
Provide guidance and resources to families and caregivers.
Partner with Center Directors to create a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
Contribute to program compliance, quality improvement, and effective documentation.
Make a direct impact on the well-being of children, families, and staff.
Collaborate with a passionate, supportive, and diverse team.
Use your expertise to shape culturally responsive, trauma-informed practices across our programs.
Work in dynamic classroom and community settings, bringing your skills to life every day.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, or a related field (license preferred).
- Minimum of two years’ experience in early childhood mental health or education, preferably with diverse, low-income populations.
- Deep cultural awareness and commitment to culturally responsive practices.
- Knowledge of CLASS and CSEFEL frameworks.
- Strong communication, mediation, and problem-solving skills.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
- Valid CDL, personal automobile with insurance, and ability to travel locally.
- DOJ and CCL clearance, plus required health screenings (e.g., TB test).
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database systems.
- Work Environment
- Dynamic indoor and outdoor program settings.
- Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and work on a computer for extended periods.
- Travel locally for meetings, trainings, and special events.
- Reasonable accommodations provided as needed.
Work Environment & Physical Requirement
- Dynamic indoor and outdoor program settings.
- Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and work on a computer for extended periods.
- Travel locally for meetings, trainings, and special events.
- Reasonable accommodations provided as needed.
Specific Essential Function from the Job Description for this role:
- Design and deliver high-quality programming that achieves the educational, administrative and service delivery goals.
- Observe behavioral and developmental presentations within the classroom, including student and teacher interactions.
- Plan and implement strategies for working with teachers, children and families. Strategies may include: observation in the classroom, modeling interventions/interactions with children, preparing teachers to attend individualized planning (behavior support, IEP/IFSP) meetings, etc.
- Communicate and engage with parents through case consultation meetings and parent workshops.
- Provide strategies associated with social and emotional development for individual students.
- Train and/or arrange for training staff based on classroom and program needs.
- Provide monthly individual classroom, teacher and center director consultation meetings. Provide parents with mental health referrals and resources to local agencies and service providers.
- Manage and track referrals to local mental health agencies. Complete all necessary paperwork and documentation in the ChildPlus management system.
- Maintain detailed records and reports as needed. 10.Attend supervision, team meetings, and case consultations.
- Review child screening/assessment results and provide follow-up as needed.
- Work collaboratively and coordinate services with other staff and service providers.
- Meet with families, staff and other service providers, as needed.
- Actively participate in YMCA of the East Bay trainings and activities and adhere to the YMCA of the East Bay Core Values and Code of Conduct
- Special projects and other duties as assigned by supervisor
Join Us!
Be part of a team that values respect, excellence, and cultural humility. Help us support children, families, and staff to thrive—and shape the future of our communities.