"Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant"

Position Information

Posting Number: 0601370-C

Position Type: Management/Exempt

Salary/Rate: The starting annual salary range is $70,167 – $94,931 for a 248-day schedule, plus comprehensive benefits.

Position Title: Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant

Division/Department: Family Resources Education Center

Location: Albany Campus, Albany, OR

Job Summary

Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Consultation is an indirect, multilevel service in which consultants partner with the adults in young children’s lives to build their capacity to foster healthy social-emotional development. The IECMH Consultant will partner with and support early childhood care and education providers in center and home based settings in Linn, Benton, and Lincoln Counties. IECMH Consultants receive specialized training to provide mental health consultation through an evidence-based framework. This project’s broad goals include reducing rates of suspension/expulsion from ECE settings, and more specifically to reduce disparities in the rates of suspension/expulsion.

Required Qualifications

Education and Experience: Requires a Master’s Degree in Psychology, Counseling, Mental Health, or other related field. Must have an endorsement in IMH-E® or ECMH-E®, or be able to obtain endorsement within 3 months of hire. Prefer at least one year of full-time work experience as a mental health professional.

OR

Requires minimum of 2 years of experience in a related infant/early childhood field. Must have an endorsement in IMH-E® or ECMH-E® as Family Associate or Family Specialist, or be able to obtain endorsement within 3 months of hire. Must have completed at least 4 hours on each of the 5 mental health topics identified below from an Association for Infant Mental Health (AIMH) for a minimum of 20 hours total or must be able to complete such training within 6 months of hire.

Mental health training is required to support consultant’s understanding and response to the relational health needs of infants/young children, particularly those who have experienced/are experiencing trauma or may be neurodivergent. Consultants should be competent in:

1. Bringing a mental health perspective to understanding infants’ and young children’s social-emotional development
2. Creating a therapeutic alliance with consultees
3. Modeling and fostering reflection and self-awareness
4. Integrating new mental health consultation practices and strategies as the field evolves
5. Identifying risks to an infant/young child’s mental health and/or development that may indicate the need to refer for more intensive services

* Must be endorsed (IMH-E® or ECMHE®) as Family Specialist, Mental Health Specialist, or Mental Health Mentor or be able to obtain endorsement within 24 months of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Must be able to work respectfully with individuals of all cultures, backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities. Requires the ability to work and communicate (oral and written) at multiple levels (groups and individuals; providers and families). Requires well-developed human relations skills which may include the ability to engage in conversations that may be challenging and/or uncomfortable; and must be able to foster strong professional relationships. Must have familiarity with early childhood care and early childhood education programs. Must be able to pass a Central Background Check through the Department of Early Learning and Care.

Preferred Qualifications

Prefer Endorsed Reflective Supervisor add-on to an IMH-E® or ECMH-E®.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical Skills and Abilities: Work is primarily performed in an office environment with considerable time spent using a computer and other standard office equipment. Position requires close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Manual dexterity is necessary for handling office equipment and materials. May occasionally be required to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

The position involves frequent interruptions, competing priorities, and multiple deadlines. Must be able to organize, plan, and prioritize work to meet established schedules and timelines. Work may involve interacting with clients and staff in escalated or high-pressure situations; the ability to regulate emotions, maintain a calm and professional demeanor, and respond effectively under pressure is required.

Working Conditions: Work is performed in a variety of settings including an office, classroom, online and in the field in early education programs. Considerable time spent using a computer and other standard office equipment. May be required to work evenings and/or weekends. Frequent travel within Linn, Benton, and Lincoln Counties is required and must have access to reliable transportation.

Essential Duties

1. Provide relationship-based, preventive interventions to promote the mental health of infants and young children and address behaviors that put them at risk of suspension/expulsion.
2. Support ongoing communication with ECE providers and other caregivers about early relational health and/or developmental concerns related to infants and young children.
3. Develop written intervention strategies and use a team approach to assist with implementing strategies that promote infants’ and young children’s optimal social-emotional development.
4. Develop collaborative relationships with parents, professionals, and organizations in the community who also serve infants, young children, and families. The IECMH Consultant will function as part of a team, under the supervision of the Project Supervisor.
5. Participate in Reflective Supervision and Community of Practice with Central Entity.
6. Adhere to all data and program requirements, which may include but is not limited to: Pyramid Implementation Data System (PIDS) and Find Child Care Oregon (FCCO).
7. Make referrals of children and their families to appropriate outside services, as necessary.
8. Provide group and individual training on overall social and emotional wellness with specific topics related to infant and early childhood development, trauma-informed care, attachment, self-care, and other related topics, as necessary.
9. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Applicant Instructions

Please complete the online application and upload or attach the following required documents:

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Academic Transcript

Required Documents:

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. List of 3 Professional References

Posting Date: 02/06/2026

Closing Date: 02/22/2026

Number of Days per Year: Management/Exempt - 248 Days

FTE Load: 1.0

Full-time or Part-time: Full-time, Academic Year (Contracted with Benefits) Temporary, renewable-dependent upon continuation of funding

Number of hours/week: 40

Work Schedule: Varies