We strive to create an inclusive environment in which all are seen, heard, and supported; encouraged to bring their whole authentic selves; and honored in their differences.

Program Summary:

Family Place is a mental health day treatment program for children (between the ages of 3 and 6) who struggle to manage their emotions and behavior at home, within their childcare/school setting and/or within the larger community. Family Place works to promote the positive and healthy development of children by identifying and addressing emotional, social and developmental needs, by improving parent/child relationships and by supporting parents in learning a variety of ways to respond to the needs of their children.

Position Overview:

The Mental Health Paraprofessional/Practitioner will support the Family Place Day Treatment Program and staff in the provision of day treatment services for children ages 3-6 who have mental health diagnoses and significantly disrupted functioning. The Paraprofessional will work in collaboration with and under the supervision of the Mental Health Professionals and Mental Health Practitioners. The Mental Health Practitioner/Paraprofessional will support and aid the Mental Health Practitioners to plan and implement clinically informed and developmentally appropriate curriculum and a safe effective day treatment environment. The position requires a commitment to growth, collaboration, and teamwork.

• Assist in providing children with a structured therapeutic classroom experience that utilizes the following components:

• The organization of the physical environment.

• The daily classroom structure and routines.

• A consistent set of rules and limits.

• An affect-centered and developmentally appropriate approach to curriculum.

• Teacher-child relationships (instructor, surrogate caregiver, therapist, limit setter).

• Identify themes, issues, strengths and concerns related to the child's and group's functioning.

• Inform/alert the other members of the team regarding any significant behavior exhibited by a child and/or any significant statements made by child.

• Responsible for daily classroom set up and clean up under the direction of the Mental Health Practitioners.

• Ensure necessary class materials are prepared before children arrive (includes printing/copying, laminating, locating/creating materials for curriculum, gathering food items).

• Involvement in staff meetings and weekly curriculum planning sessions.

• Assist Mental Health Practitioners in tracking client progress for outcome measures.

• Assist the Family Place Coordinator/Program Director with assigned administrative duties (transportation tasks, telephone calls, etc.)

This position offers the opportunity to work for an agency that is committed to inclusivity and diversity, employee wellness, the professional development of employees and the overall wellness of clients being served. St. David's Center accomplishes these objectives through supportive & collaborative team environments, flexible work schedules and mission-inspired work.

Schedule:

M-F (8:00 am to 12 pm) 20 hrs/week

Compensation (Pay/Benefits) Our employees are our most valuable asset; therefore, we offer competitive pay and benefits. The pay range for these positions starts at $23.98 - $26.64/hr depending on qualifications (i.e., licensure and experience). 

Job Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in human services or related field. **Must qualify as a Mental Health Practitioner under DHS Rule 245.4871 Subdivision 26

Experience: Classroom or milieu work, direct work with children who have mental health diagnoses

Preferred:

• Experience with Early Childhood Populations preferred, Supervisory experience preferred (clinical and/or administrative), experience working within close-knit teams preferred, provision of mental health services to families and/or children, in-home work.

St. David's Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status or disability.