Mental Health Consultant (Independent Contractor)

Mental Health Consultant (Independent Contractor) Families & Communities Rising, Inc. Durham, NC Job Details From $85 an hour 23 hours ago Qualifications Working with families Full Job Description Make a Difference in the Lives of Young Children and Families Families & Communities Rising (FCR), Inc. is seeking a qualified Mental Health Consultant (Independent Contractor) to support the social-emotional well-being of children, families, and staff within our Head Start and Early Head Start programs. This professional will collaborate with educators, families, and leadership to promote healthy social-emotional development, strengthen classroom environments, and support positive behavioral outcomes for children from birth to age five. This is an excellent opportunity for a licensed behavioral health professional who is passionate about early childhood development, family engagement, and creating supportive learning environments. Primary Responsibilities As the Mental Health Consultant, you will: Conduct classroom observations and provide recommendations to support children's social-emotional development. Consult with teachers and staff regarding child behavior, classroom management, and individualized support strategies. Assist families by providing referrals and connecting them with appropriate community resources. Deliver professional development and training on topics including: Trauma-informed care Social-emotional development Positive behavior support Mental health awareness Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and consultations as needed. Support program efforts to prevent suspension and expulsion through proactive intervention and coaching. Maintain accurate documentation and submit monthly activity reports. What FCR Provides At FCR Head Start & Early Head Start, we believe strong partnerships lead to better outcomes for children and families. As our Mental Health Consultant, you will work alongside a dedicated team committed to supporting the social-emotional well-being of young children while fostering positive learning environments.

FCR will provide:

Access to classrooms, staff, and families across our Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Collaboration with Education, Family Services, Disabilities, and Health Services teams. Opportunities to provide consultation, coaching, and professional development to staff. Support with coordinating classroom observations, meetings, and family referrals. Participation in multidisciplinary team meetings focused on child and family success. Administrative support for scheduling and communication as needed. A mission-driven environment dedicated to serving children and families throughout Durham and Orange Counties. The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the social-emotional development and school readiness of children from birth to age five. We value the expertise that mental health professionals bring to early childhood settings and are committed to fostering a collaborative partnership that supports children, families, educators, and program staff. Minimum Qualifications Master's Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, or a related behavioral health field.

Current North Carolina professional license:

LCSW LCMHC LMFT

Licensed Psychologist Or equivalent licensure Minimum three (3) years of experience working with young children and families. Experience in early childhood, educational, healthcare, or community-based settings. Preferred Qualifications Experience working within Head Start or Early Head Start programs. Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) experience. Knowledge of trauma-informed practices and positive behavior support frameworks. Experience providing consultation, coaching, and training to educators and families.

Pre-Contract Requirements Selected candidates must:

Provide proof of current licensure and professional credentials. Submit professional references. Successfully complete all required background checks prior to the start of services.

FCR Head Start & Early Head Start Program Rate:

$85.00 per hour

Hours:

720 hours annually (approximately 15 hours per week for 48 weeks annually)

Maximum Annual Compensation:

$61,200 annually

Location:

In-Person