Since 1963 ChildStrive has focused on the unique needs of children (prenatal through five) and their families. Our programs support development from a coaching model intended to empower caregivers as their children's best teachers and advocates. This opening is in our Outreach Counseling program. Outreach Counseling provides infant and early childhood mental health counseling to very vulnerable families. These include families with very low income, a history of substance use disorder, unstable housing, and acculturative stress. Our counselors work in the home setting whenever possible, and also preschool classrooms or other natural environments. Practicum students should be open to working in the community and with the resources available to families in their own homes.

At an individual level, interns will be trained in home visiting safety and strategies for working with highly stressed families. When comfortable, they will have at least two families assigned to them based on their level of experience. It is likely possible to help co-facilitate a group for parenting (COSP) or adjustment to parenting (PEPS) Common themes in infant and early childhood mental health include: perinatal mood changes, anxiety and depression, learning to be attuned to a young child's needs and responsive to their cues, learning to "be with" a child in their range of feelings, and helping parents to recognize when their own cues for threat may be a mismatch for the current situation. Training will include one of two evidence-based practices, paid for by ChildStrive (Circle of Security Parenting, or Promoting First Relationships).

Interns have the opportunity to look at data for the program and for the wider agency. They will also have the chance to collect data from families participating in services. The Practicum Instructors will include them in wider community building or organizing efforts. We also include students in our marketing, fundraising, and relationship-building with key partners.

This agency is involved in legislative advocacy focused on the prenatal to age five group of children. Participating in statewide meetings, opportunities to help shape policy by providing testimony or bill support, and helping communicate our clients' experiences via stories are all possibilities with ChildStrive.

ChildStrive will pay for training in one evidence-based practice which can be upwards of $1000. Either Circle of Security Parenting or Promoting First Relationships are highly sought-after skills within the field of infant and early childhood mental health, and each provide foundational skills that can be used with all families. Motivational interviewing and other practices may also be considered by ChildStrive for covered training if the intern has a clear rationale.

1. Coursework in diagnosis of both acute and persistent mental health disorders with the DSM, classwork or practicum experience to include: screening for suicidal ideation, identification of trauma symptoms, and evidence-based strategies for working with depression and anxiety. Understand the counselor's role in maintaining confidentiality, and as a mandated reporter. Further training will be provided particularly in understanding attachment and trauma in the early years, but also in addressing neglect and working in a wraparound team.
2. Coursework or practicum experience working in screening for substance use disorders and knowing how to refer clients for treatment.
3. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion training, ideally understanding collective liberation and anti-racism as a guide to practice.

Spanish is spoken by two of our current counselors, and we provide direct services to many first-generation immigrant families who speak Spanish. Other languages in demand are Ukrainian, Russian, Punjabi, and Arabic. A spoken language outside of English is not required, simply preferred.

Please send a resume and letter of interest to sarah.pulliam@childstrive.org. Please share any and all experiences that you may have related to early childhood development, supporting parents, home visiting, etc. We will set up an informal interview via zoom if you are passionate about infant and early childhood mental health work, and are looking for a community-based setting as opposed to therapy in an office setting. Sarah's phone is 425-275-8789 if you have questions.