Behavioral Health Specialist

Mens Health Foundation • Los Angeles, CA

11d

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Director of Behavioral Health, the Behavioral Health Specialist (BHS) will provide integrated behavioral health services including substance use disorder (SUD) assessments, one-on-one counseling, and treatment services, to individuals served by the and treatment services to individuals served by Men's Health Foundation. The BHS will work with diverse communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals and people of diverse ethnic identities, utilizing evidence-based recovery modalities, harm reduction strategies, and culturally responsive approaches. The BHC will connect clients to community resources and collaborate with the care team to support comprehensive, integrated treatment and wellness.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, or related behavioral health field.
• Current California BBS registration or licensure (ASW, AMFT, APCC, LCSW, LMFT, LPCC) or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Minimum 1 years of experience conducting substance use disorder (SUD) assessments and providing substance use counseling and treatment services.
• Demonstrated proficiency in one-on-one counseling and individual therapeutic interventions.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply recovery theories and modalities such as Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, stages of change model, AA/NA/CA, MAT, SMART Recovery, relapse prevention, and trauma-informed care.
• Familiarity with harm reduction principles and strategies including safer use practices, overdose prevention, and meeting clients where they are in their recovery journey.
• Knowledge of community resources for substance use treatment, mental health services, housing, healthcare, and social services in Los Angeles County.
• Strong commitment to and demonstrated experience working with diverse communities, including LGBTQ+ populations and individuals of diverse racial and ethnic identities.
• Ability to provide culturally responsive, affirming, and non-judgmental care to people of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, races, ethnicities, nationalities, religions, economic backgrounds, ages, abilities, and life experiences.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and documentation skills.
• Proficient in electronic health record systems.
• Strong commitment to the mission and values of Men's Health Foundation.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test, physical, and a background check to include a 7-year criminal, 10-year SSN & employer history reference check.
• Must be able to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on the first day of work.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Must be able to work flexible schedules.
• Must take yearly flu shot or wear flu mask during flu season for patient-facing positions and test for tuberculosis as required by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of HIV disease, including transmission, prevention, treatment, and health behaviors related to HIV care and management.
• Understanding of co-occurring conditions commonly affecting people living with HIV, including mental health disorders, substance use disorders, viral hepatitis, and other chronic health conditions.
• Experience working with people living with HIV/AIDS or in HIV/AIDS service organizations.
• Familiarity with HIV-related health behaviors including medication adherence, viral suppression, sexual health, and risk reduction.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills.
• California certification as a substance use disorder counselor (CADTP, CADC) or similar credential.
• Training in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and integration of medical and behavioral health services.

Responsibilities

• Conducts comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments using standardized assessment tools and clinical interview techniques.
• Provides one-on-one counseling and treatment services to individuals with behavioral health conditions, including substance use disorders, mental health concerns, and co-occurring conditions.
• Develops individualized treatment plans based on assessment findings, client goals, and evidence-based practices.
• Applies evidence-based patient-centered treatment interventions including Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), stages of change model, relapse prevention, and trauma-informed approaches.
• Recognize and implement harm reduction strategies including safer use education, overdose prevention, naloxone training, and engagement in treatment at all stages of readiness to change.
• Maintains knowledge of and connects clients to community resources including SUD treatment programs, mental health services, housing support, medical care, peer support groups, and social services.
• Provides culturally responsive and affirming services to diverse communities, with particular emphasis on LGBTQ+ populations and individuals of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds.
• Demonstrates understanding of how cultural identity, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, and lived experiences impact substance use, recovery, and treatment engagement.
• Provides education and counseling related to HIV disease, transmission prevention, health behaviors, medication adherence, and co-occurring conditions affecting people living with HIV.
• Addresses the intersection of substance use, mental health, HIV/AIDS, sexual health, and other chronic health conditions in treatment planning and counseling.
• Conducts crisis intervention and safety planning as needed.
• Facilitates or co-facilitates substance use treatment groups and psychoeducational workshops.
• Collaborates with medical providers, case managers, peer navigators, housing specialists, and other team members to provide integrated care.
• Provides referrals and linkages to external treatment providers and community agencies.
• Maintains accurate and timely clinical documentation in compliance with organizational, funder, and regulatory requirements.
• Participates in team meetings, case conferences, clinical supervision, and professional development activities.
• Delivers services at MHF's West Hollywood and South LA clinical sites as needed.
• Other duties may be assigned, as required.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and LTD insurance (may be eligible on the 1st of the month following date of hire)
• 12 Paid Holidays (including 1 mental health day)
• 401(k) Retirement plan (may be eligible for employer matching up to 4% following completion of 90th day of employment)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 40 hours of sick pay (following completion of 90th day of employment)
• 120 hours of PTO accrued within the 1st year of employment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level