Mental Health Specialist - Oakland​/Hayward

Overview

Join the YMCA of the East Bay as a Mental Health Specialist in Oakland/Hayward. 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.

YMCA Early Childhood Impact - Oakland, 1612 45th Ave, Oakland, CA 94601, USA

Job Category
:
Head Start - Early Childhood Impact

Supervisor
:
Anita Smith

Requisition Number
: MENTA
002458

Posted
:
November 13, 2025

Work Status
:
Full-Time, On-site

Hourly Range
: $33.00 USD to $36.06 USD

• 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.

• 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.
• 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.

• 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.

• 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 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 Child Plus management system.
• Maintain detailed records and reports as needed. 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.

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.

This employer is an equal opportunity employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.