Mental Health and Wellness Coordinator

Join a mission-driven organization dedicated to providing high-quality early childhood education and family support services in Orange and Sullivan Counties.

The Mental Health and Wellness Coordinator leads the program’s approach to supporting the mental health and overall wellness of children, families, and staff, in alignment with the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), New York State Child Day Care Regulations, and best practices. This position coordinates the services of licensed mental health consultants and ensures that mental health support is integrated across Orange and Sullivan Counties. The role also leads staff wellness initiatives, fostering a positive and supportive work environment without assuming direct human resources responsibilities. The Coordinator works closely with Education, Family Services, and Health teams to implement comprehensive, culturally, and linguistically responsive strategies.

Core Responsibilities

Planning

• Develop and implement a comprehensive mental health and wellness plan for children, families, and staff.

• Design staff wellness initiatives that align with program goals and promote retention and job satisfaction.

• Collaborate with service area managers to integrate mental health support into education, health, and family service plans.

• Support program-wide implementation of Conscious Discipline to strengthen staff and child well-being.

Program Implementation

• Coordinate the work of licensed mental health consultants, ensuring timely screenings, observations, and referrals.

• Partner with consultants and staff to develop strategies for children with challenging behaviors or social-emotional needs.

• Lead staff wellness programming, including workshops, wellness challenges, and resource sharing.

• Ensure a schedule of mental health consultation that meets HSPPS compliance and program needs.

Family Partnerships

• Facilitate parent workshops and training on child mental health, stress management, and wellness.

• Support families in accessing community-based mental health resources and referrals.

• Ensure that services are culturally responsive and linguistically appropriate.

• Provide follow-up support for families receiving mental health recommendations.

Communication and Service Coordination

• Serve as the primary liaison between mental health consultants, staff, and families.

• Share strategies and resources that promote social-emotional well-being in classrooms and at home.

• Coordinate with Education, Health, and Family Services teams to ensure collaborative support for children and families.

Record Keeping and Documentation

• Ensure accurate documentation of observations, referrals, and follow-up services in program databases.

• Maintain confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA and FERPA requirements.

• Track participation and outcomes for staff wellness initiatives.

• Support classroom staff in developing individualized strategies to promote children’s participation in safe classroom routines.

On-going Monitoring and Self-Assessment

• Monitor mental health service delivery to ensure compliance with HSPPS and program goals.

• Participate in annual self-assessments and provide data for continuous improvement planning.

• Review consultant reports and follow up on recommendations in a timely manner.

Leadership and Governance

• Provide guidance and direction to mental health consultants without assuming HR functions such as hiring or discipline.

• Support supervisors in developing staff wellness strategies that promote retention and engagement.

• Recruit and supervise volunteers within assigned service areas, ensuring accurate in-kind documentation is submitted monthly.

Additional Expectations

• Maintain confidentiality of child, family, and staff information at all times in accordance with program policies and regulations.

• Provide classroom coverage for staff seeking mental health consultation.

• Travel between program sites and participate in occasional overnight trainings or conferences as required.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support program success and compliance.

Head Start Employee Expectations

• Uphold the shared values of the center.

• Cooperate with co-workers, providing assistance and information to ensure high-quality service to children and families.

• Actively participate in the Head Start community, including staff meetings, mandated trainings, committee meetings, and other program functions, including some evening activities.

• Maintain the overall employment standards outlined in the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual, including confidentiality, child abuse reporting, attendance, dependability, dress code, customer service, prudent use of program resources, and workplace safety.

• Demonstrate integrity and responsibility by following through on commitments and conducting oneself in an ethical and professional manner.

• Engage in ongoing professional development, goal-setting, and participation in local, state, and regional initiatives.

• Exhibit flexibility and openness to new approaches, adjusting strategies when needed.

• Show initiative by identifying needs and addressing them proactively.

• Stay current on Head Start Performance Standards, State regulations, community resources, and changing family needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Public Health, Education, or a related field required.

• Knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and New York State OCFS childcare regulations.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to analyze data and collaborate across teams.

• Experience working with diverse populations, including low-income families, children with disabilities, and English-language learners.

• Proficiency in data management and reporting software.

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task, problem solve, and meet deadlines.

• Ability to handle frequent in-person, virtual, and phone contact involving confidential information.

• Pass physical examination, background check, and fingerprinting screen.

• Physical requirements include occasional lifting of up to 40 pounds, regular sitting for computer work, standing to operate office equipment, and repetitive hand and wrist motions.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Regional Economic Community Action Program, Inc. (RECAP) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.