Behavioral Health Clinical Trainee
About The Position
At A Better Way, Inc., we are committed to supporting children, youth, and families involved in—or at risk of entering—the foster care and child welfare systems. Our programs provide trauma-informed, community-based mental health services that promote resilience, stability, and long-term well-being. Role Summary: Under the supervision of licensed clinicians (LCSWs and/or LMFTs), the Behavioral Health Clinical Trainee provides direct mental health services to children and youth (birth through age 21) and their families across multiple A Better Way programs. Trainees gain hands-on clinical experience, receive high-quality supervision, and develop professional competencies aligned with California BBS requirements, and best practices in community mental health including evidence-based practices (EBPs). Services may be delivered in home, school, office, community, or telehealth settings, depending on program needs and client circumstances.
Requirements
- Currently enrolled in an accredited Master’s-level program in social work, counseling, or psychology
- Strong clinical writing and documentation skills
- Understanding of basic theoretical and developmental principles of children’s mental health and family systems
- Understand and desire to work with a strength-based mental health approach
- Knowledge, understanding, and willingness to work with interdisciplinary approaches and partnerships
- Strong desire to learn, take initiative, be curious and reflective, and be adaptable to change
- Ability to work independently and as a member of the team
- Strong organizational, communication, and computer skills
- Some experience working with children or adolescents is required
- Strong ability to engage and connect with children and their caregivers
- Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, good driving record, and current auto insurance
Responsibilities
- Provide direct clinical services in schools, homes, offices, community settings, and via telehealth to children (birth through age 21) and their families
- Deliver psychotherapy, intensive care coordination, and crisis intervention through regularly scheduled sessions
- Utilize a range of clinical modalities, including individual, dyadic, and family therapy
- Understand and implement the Integrated Core Practice Model and collaborate with multidisciplinary partners, including schools, child welfare, and other service systems
- Participate in Child and Family Team (CFT) meetings, IEP meetings, and other required collaborative forums
- Complete required assessments (e.g., CANS, PSC-35, clinical assessments, Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale) to support diagnosis and treatment planning
- Maintain timely, accurate, and compliant clinical documentation, including progress notes completed within required timelines.
- Meet all contractual, programmatic, and agency documentation standards, including effective chart management
- Attend all required meetings, including weekly individual and group supervision, in accordance with agency and practicum requirements
- Adhere to all regulatory standards, ethical guidelines, mandated reporting laws, and agency policies
- Participate in all required trainings during onboarding and throughout the internship year to maintain compliance and support professional development
- Participate in competency and performance evaluations to support learning, growth, and role effectiveness
- Meet all standards and expectations outlined in the practicum placement contract and the A Better Way personnel manual
- Maintain all documentation required by the trainee’s academic institution and the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)
- Perform other related duties as assigned
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Intern
