The Trauma Informed Specialist will provide a broad range of services, including early childhood mental health consultation in classrooms; training and coaching staff’ providing parent education’ and screening, assessment, behavioral plan development/follow-up and referral services.  Works in collaboration with parents, staff, Head Start Management team, program advocates and community partners to deliver quality early childhood mental health services for rural and low income children, in accordance with Federal Head Start Performance Standards and local, state and/or agency policies and procedures.

• Experience working with staff and children with diverse backgrounds.
• Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Certified or the ability to become certified.
• Experience working with at-risk, rural children is preferred.
• Experience working with children who have experienced trauma.
• Ability to determine and prioritize a demanding workload while being flexible to emergent/unplanned needs and situations.
• Significant decision making and problem solving in many areas including the scheduling and provision of program services.
• Ability to handle highly stressful and sensitive situations in a professional manner.
• Develop smooth and constructive relationships with people from all segments of the community.
• Ability to work independently and maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Ability to exercise tact and discretion in all employee interactions.
• Strong organization and time management skills, ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgement concerning privileged information.

• Ability to effectively communicate positively, respectfully, sensitively, and confidentially with children, families, staff, and community members.
• Represent the agency to the public in a professional manner.
• Work well on a team, collaboratively with peers and closely with supervision
• Ability to direct and motivate staff
• Excellent organizational skills
• Demonstrate commitment to continued professional growth and development

• Knowledge of/willingness to learn about Creative Curriculum for reflective coaching purposes.
• Knowledge of/willingness to learn about Teaching Strategies GOLD.
• Use computer, calculator, and other office equipment
• Knowledge of/willingness to learn about Brigance Social/Emotional Assessment

“Agency employees share in the responsibility to mobilize community resources and promote community awareness in support of Tri-County Community Action Agency’s anti-poverty efforts.”