Mental Health and Wellness Specialist

Are you a socially conscious dedicated individual who is committed to building a better future for children families and their communities If so join us as we support early childhood education programs across the country to create positive outcomes for the children and families served.

Are you a mental health professional with a passion for supporting children families and educators in early learning settings Acelero Inc. is seeking a Mental Health and Wellness Specialist to lead trauma-informed resilience-focused strategies across our Early Head Start and Head Start programsadvancing our mission to eliminate the gaps between young childrens potential and their success in school and life.

Why Acelero

Our mission is bold: To design and deliver research and evidence-based approaches to eliminate the gaps between young childrenʼs inherent potential and their achievement in school and life. With our partners we accelerate child and family outcomes that honor all of the aspirations and cultures of the communities we serve.

Our values: Data-Informed Learning; Transparent & Open Communication; Growth Mindset; Championing Equality; Caring Teams & Communities.

Your Role:

The Mental Health and Wellness Specialist is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive mental health and wellness strategy for children families and staff in the Early Head Start and Head Start programs. This role integrates trauma-informed care resilience-focused practices and system-wide behavioral health initiatives to ensure inclusive supportive and well-structured mental health environments.

The Specialist will provide coaching professional development and Mental Health consultation to educators families and leadership teams while developing statewide policies training materials and tools to support

mental health and wellness.

What Youll Do:

• Develop and implement a trauma-informed culturally competent mental health and wellness framework for children families and staff across Early Head Start Head Start and Home Visiting programs.

• Create and share resources to help staff identify and address mental social and emotional health challenges including trauma and promote proactive intervention strategies.

• Design and lead professional development and coaching that builds staff capacity to support child mental health well-being and classroom behavior.

• Conduct classroom observations and case consultations to assess needs guide behavioral strategies and recommend referrals to external mental health or early intervention services.

• Engage families through mental health education home learning activities and collaborative care strategies that support emotional wellness.

• Coordinate with Family Services and Health teams to ensure children receive required health/mental health screenings and support in alignment with Head Start standards.

• Support fidelity of implementation through data-driven monitoring feedback and action plans to improve mental health strategies across programs.

• Supervise and coach Mental Health and Wellness Coordinators providing guidance training and performance feedback.

• Serve as a crisis resource for staff offering confidential support and promoting overall staff wellness initiatives.

• Collaborate with leadership to report on program-wide mental health trends and outcomes informing continuous improvement efforts.

What You Bring:

• Masters degree in Social Work Clinical Psychology Early Childhood Education or a related field required

• State licensure or certification as a Mental Health Provider required

• Experience with Child Study Teams Part C and IEP/IFSP state protocols preferred

• At least 5 years of experience in child mental health early education or a related field

• Proven ability to design and deliver training and professional development on mental health and wellness

• Strong knowledge of trauma-informed care behavioral health interventions and culturally responsive mental health practices

• Experience working with children and families in diverse low-income communities

• Ability to travel locally or long-distance up to 10% for work-related meetings and events

• Valid drivers license vehicle insurance and access to reliable personal transportation (mileage reimbursement available)

• Successful completion of a physical exam and background checks

When/Where/How Much:

When: Fall 2025

Where: Milwaukee WI

How Much: up to $82739

Why Youll Love Working with Us:

• A meaningful mission that drives real change in the lives of children and families

• A collaborative inclusive team that values your growth and well-being

• Robust benefits that support your total wellbeing including:

  • Medical Dental and Vision Insurance with multiple plan options to fit your needs

  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributions up to $400/individuals & $800/family annually

  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health and dependent care expenses

  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with up to 3% company match

  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance

  • Up to $500 per year in Professional Development Reimbursements

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with counseling and mental wellness support

  • Wellness Programs including virtual fitness nutrition and mindfulness classes

  • Pet Insurance Legal Assistance ID Theft Protection and Employee Discount Perks
    

If youre ready to take on a challenge that matters and lead growth in a company where purpose and values drive every decision apply now to join us as our next Mental Health and Wellness Specialist. Together well help every child reach their fullest potential!

Why Acelero Learning or Shine Early Learning
- Ability to make an impact in the lives of the children families and partners we serve
- Career growth and professional development opportunities
- Supportive working environment
- Average of 5 weeks of paid time off during 1st year of employment
- Comprehensive benefits including 401K matching and 100% vesting program

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and healthy work place.