Job Description

As a recognized leader in our field, The Guidance Center provides a broad range of services that have helped children, adults and families unlock potential and build better lives since 1958. With 25 programs we offer treatment, prevention, growth and education services to more than 18,000 people annually. Together we: Nurture development. Foster resilience. Cultivate well-being.

We have an exciting opportunity for a part-time Social Emotional Consultant to temporarily join our team of talented professionals. May work up to 20 hours per week. Please note this is a short-term position with an anticipated end date of September 2026.

The Social Emotional Consultant is responsible for providing consultation to licensed and registered childcare providers serving children birth up to age 5 to improve the social, emotional and behavioral health of children. Consultation will build the adult’s capacity to understand the influence of their relationships and interactions on young children’s development. Consultant’s work with the child care providers, directors, staff and families through skilled observations, group and individualized strategies, integration of reflective practice, and early identification of children with challenging behavior which places them at risk for expulsion.

Specific Responsibilities

1. Complete community outreach and engage child care providers in consultation.
2. Develop partnerships with child care providers.
3. Assess the needs of the infants, toddlers, preschoolers and the staff providing their care.
4. Identify individual child concerns and support staff in working with the child as well as talking with parents about challenging behaviors or other social emotional concerns.
5. Provide consultation services to home and/or center-based child care providers, and child/family focused cases.
6. Build child care staff capacity for reflective functioning.
7. Connect families and providers to other services and supports.
8. Advocate on behalf of children and their families to help meet their needs.
9. Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with people and organizations in the community.
10. Provide trainings on social emotional topics for child care staff and the larger community.
11. Complete outreach efforts to inform the community about consultation services available.
12. Make referrals to Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services or Child Care Licensing as mandated.
13. Participate in reflective supervision/consultation.
14. Attend all MDHHS required trainings, such as DEI Cohort, Quarterly Meetings, Annual Retreat. Some will require travel within the State.
15. Complete all required documentation in the Michigan SEC data base in a timely manner consistent with policies and procedures of MDHHS, DWIHN, and The Guidance Center.
16. Submit data for each quarterly report.
17. Follow a professional code of ethics.
18. Represent The Guidance Center in the community.
19. Abide by the spirit and letter of the policies and procedures of The Guidance Center.

20. Must provide evidence of 25 hours of program and/or position specific training on an annual basis.

21. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Candidates must have a Masters in Social Work, Psychology, or mental health related field from an accredited program, and one year of supervised experience in the examination, evaluation, and treatment of children and their families. They must have their State of Michigan Licensure (LLMSW, LMSW, TLLP, LP, LLPC, LPC). Candidates without a state license can be considered but must obtain state licensure (LLMSW, TLLP, LLPC, LMSW, LLP, and LPC) within a 60-day training period beginning on the date of hire, this period may be extended by up to an additional 60-days of training at the sole discretion of the employer. Failure to obtain licensure within the training period will result in the employee being unqualified to perform the function. Beyond the training period, all state licensure must continually remain active, in effect, and free from disciplinary action. Candidates will meet criteria for Child Mental Health Professional credential within 120 days of hire. Candidates must hold, or be working toward, an Infant Family Specialist (IFS) or Infant Mental Health Specialist (IMHS) MI-AIMH Endorsement. Experience and reflective supervision can be earned during the first two years of employment. IMHS (Level III) preferred.

Additional requirements include: knowledge of child development, a non-judgmental approach that reflects cultural sensitivity to the unique and diverse experiences of families served, the ability to assess and intervene within complex family and community systems, and a willingness to be flexible, patient and creative.

Candidate must demonstrate competencies in the following areas: observation of adult/child interaction, developmental assessment, diagnostic skills, understanding of the parallel process and reflective functioning, and work in collaboration with internal and external providers.

Candidates must have a valid driver’s license and appropriate driving record. Hours are based on client availability.