The District of Columbia Department of Mental Health is receiving applications on Tuesday, March 9, from 1 pm to 3 pm, in Room 212, at 821 Howard Road, SE, for part-time, paraprofessional child associate positions in its School Mental Health Primary Project. Under the supervision of a mental health professional, the child associate is responsible for non-directive play activities with students in kindergarten through third grades in District public schools.

The School Mental Health Primary Project is an early intervention and prevention program designed to reduce social, emotional and school adjustment difficulties and to enhance school related competencies. With parental consent, students are identified for participation in the program through the use of carefully developed screening and detection methods. Evaluation studies show that the Primary Project helps children become more productive in school. Children are paired with specially trained child associates who work closely with parents and teachers.

Child associates work a minimum of 25 hours per week at assigned schools. Applicants must have experience working with children, preferably in a school setting, possess a high school diploma and demonstrate reading and writing skills. Successful applicants must pass a criminal background check.

For more information, contact Donna Coakley, Program Manager, on (202) 441-4488 or [email protected].