Child Mental Health Worker

McAlister Institute for Treatment & Education • San Diego, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Join McAlister Institute, a 49-year beacon in San Diego's Recovery Community. McAlister Institute is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Child Mental Health Worker to join our integrated treatment team. Reporting directly to the Program Manager and receiving supervision from the Clinical Supervisor, this position is primarily responsible for providing screening, assessment, and therapeutic interventions for children with developmental or behavioral needs. The Child Mental Health Worker will work closely with mothers and other team members to support children’s behavioral, emotional, and developmental goals.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, Social Work, or Psychology from an accredited graduate program.
• License-eligible status and registration with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences or Board of Psychology.
• License-eligible practitioners must participate in supervision and be in good standing, clear of disciplinary actions for a minimum of three years at the date of hire.
• Psychological Assistants must be registered with the Board of Psychology or eligible for registration.
• At least one year of providing co-occurring services.
• Strong understanding of engagement, outreach, and motivational interviewing techniques.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations, including individuals with substance use disorders and mental health conditions.
• Demonstrated experience in identifying and meeting the developmental and behavioral needs of children.
• Compliance with all agency and contract requirements related to trainings, public health, certifications, and reporting.
• Strong paperwork and computer skills, with exceptional written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team, with excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to pass all pre-employment screening, including references, education verification, a criminal background check with at least one year clear of probation or parole, a drug test, and a negative TB test.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.
• McAlister Institute does not participate in visa sponsorship programs, including H1-B visas, and will not provide sponsorship for any employment-based visas.
• All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting.
• A pre-employment physical examination, and post-offer background check is required.
• Candidates must have at least one year clear of probation or parole, a drug test, and a negative TB test.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Uphold and promote the mission, philosophy, values, and direction of McAlister Institute.
• Actively participate in the program’s treatment team, including case conferences to discuss client updates, treatment strategies, and identifying client needs.
• Provide developmental, cognitive, and behavioral screenings and assessments to children with developmental or behavioral needs.
• Collaborate with Healthy Development Services (HDS) and the Developmental Screening and Enhancement Program (DSEP) to coordinate additional therapeutic services.
• Administer child-specific assessments and therapeutic interventions.
• Collaborate with the childcare specialist to implement the Incredible Years program and provide age-appropriate activities for children.
• Coordinate with treatment team members, including therapists, counselors, care coordinators, and mental health workers, to ensure coordinated care.
• Provide timely interventions, therapy groups, individual counseling, parenting classes, educational workshops, and community referrals.
• Promote wellness and model self-care practices in alignment with Live Well San Diego values.
• Ensure a warm, welcoming, clean, and safe space for clients and maintain equipment in good working condition.
• Attend mandatory meetings and trainings to stay current on certifications and best practices in trauma-informed, gender-responsive, and culturally competent care.
• Adhere to all personnel requirements, including codes of conduct, dress code, and timely reporting.
• Perform other assigned duties as needed.

Benefits

• 13 paid annual holidays, including your birthday
• 12 paid vacation days
• paid sick leave
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
• 403(b) Retirement Plan + up to 6% Employer Match
• Health Insurance available the first of the month following 30 days of employment (Sharp)
• EAP

What This Job Offers

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