Early Childhood Wellness Coordinator at Para Los Ninos
About the Employer
About PLN Founded on Skid Row in 1980, Para Los Niños (PLN) partners with more than 10,000 children, youth, and families each year through integrated education, wellness supports and advocacy, addressing individual and systemic barriers to create pathways to success. In addition to operating early education centers, charter elementary and middle schools, youth workforce development sites and family services, PLN is the only children’s mental health provider in the Skid Row neighborhood. PLN's community transformation work brings together community members, community-based organizations, city and county agencies, elected officials, and businesses to tackle issues that impact PLN families. Ninety-three percent of families served by PLN live in areas with the highest levels of food insecurity and homelessness in L.A. County.
Job Summary
Job Summary
Position Overview The Early Childhood Wellness Coordinator (ECWC) plays a critical role in ensuring the delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed mental health services within the Head Start and Early Head Start programs. This position provides early childhood mental health consultation to children, families, and staff while supporting compliance with the Head Start Act, Head Start Program Performance Standards, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations. The ECWC partners with education, family services, disabilities, health, and leadership teams to promote children's social-emotional development, strengthen classroom practices, and support individualized interventions. Through consultation, coaching, assessment, training, and multidisciplinary collaboration, the ECWC helps create safe, nurturing learning environments that foster school readiness and family well-being. As a member of the Head Start Leadership Team, the ECWC supports the implementation of Conscious Discipline, contributes to multidisciplinary decision-making, and provides clinical expertise to ensure effective, coordinated services for children and families.
Requirements / Qualifications
Duties Provides early childhood mental health consultation to support children's social-emotional development and emotional well-being. Conducts classroom observations, behavioral assessments, screenings, and other required mental health assessments in accordance with LACOE guidelines and program requirements. Coaches, models, and supports staff in implementing developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed behavior guidance strategies and classroom practices. Develops, implements, and monitors individualized behavior support and intervention plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Participates in and facilitates multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings by preparing cases, documenting discussions and recommendations, tracking action items, and ensuring timely implementation of interventions. Maintains accurate, confidential documentation in accordance with agency policies, LACOE Guidance Information Memoranda (GIMs), and applicable regulations. Identifies service trends, barriers, and opportunities for continuous quality improvement and communicates recommendations to leadership. Partners with families through conferences, consultations, and parent education to address children's behavioral and social-emotional needs.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics Master's degree in Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, Psychology, Counseling, or a related behavioral health field required. Currently registered and in good standing with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ACSW), Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), or Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) or currently registered and in good standing with the California Board of Psychology as a registered psychologist. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Licensed Psychologist (Psy.D. or Ph.D.), or license-eligible clinician is strongly preferred. Minimum five years of professional experience working with EHS and Head Start (0-5) families and teachers. Experience providing direct clinical services to children from birth to age five and their families conducting behavioral assessments and developing behavior support plans. Experience working with children and families from historically underserved or low-income communities preferred. Must meet California Board of Behavioral Sciences supervisory requirements if supervising interns. Knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards, the Head Start Act, California Community Care Licensing regulations, and applicable health and safety requirements.
Requirements / Qualifications
Duties Provides early childhood mental health consultation to support children's social-emotional development and emotional well-being. Conducts classroom observations, behavioral assessments, screenings, and other required mental health assessments in accordance with LACOE guidelines and program requirements. Coaches, models, and supports staff in implementing developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed behavior guidance strategies and classroom practices. Develops, implements, and monitors individualized behavior support and intervention plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Participates in and facilitates multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings by preparing cases, documenting discussions and recommendations, tracking action items, and ensuring timely implementation of interventions. Maintains accurate, confidential documentation in accordance with agency policies, LACOE Guidance Information Memoranda (GIMs), and applicable regulations. Identifies service trends, barriers, and opportunities for continuous quality improvement and communicates recommendations to leadership. Partners with families through conferences, consultations, and parent education to address children's behavioral and social-emotional needs.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics Master's degree in Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, Psychology, Counseling, or a related behavioral health field required. Currently registered and in good standing with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ACSW), Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), or Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) or currently registered and in good standing with the California Board of Psychology as a registered psychologist. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Licensed Psychologist (Psy.D. or Ph.D.), or license-eligible clinician is strongly preferred. Minimum five years of professional experience working with EHS and Head Start (0-5) families and teachers. Experience providing direct clinical services to children from birth to age five and their families conducting behavioral assessments and developing behavior support plans. Experience working with children and families from historically underserved or low-income communities preferred. Must meet California Board of Behavioral Sciences supervisory requirements if supervising interns. Knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards, the Head Start Act, California Community Care Licensing regulations, and applicable health and safety requirements.
Comments and Other Information
To view the full job description and salary range, please select the "Click here apply button" or visit our careers page and apply for the role.
Comments and Other Information
To view the full job description and salary range, please select the "Click here apply button" or visit our careers page and apply for the role.