Lead Clinician - CARES

LA FAMILIA•Hayward, CA

3d•$95,000 - $95,004•Hybrid

About The Position

The Lead Clinician provides clinical leadership and direct mental health services to individuals participating in CARES Reentry and Respite programs, adult populations impacted by justice involvement, community violence, and behavioral health crises. This role is responsible for delivering and guiding short-term, stabilization-focused mental health services to individuals transitioning from incarceration, hospitalization, or acute emotional distress. The Lead Clinician supports clients experiencing crises, conducts timely assessments, and collaborates closely with case managers, supervisors, and community partners to ensure coordinated, effective care. The Lead Clinician plays a key role in crisis response, clinical consultation, and care coordination, helping to stabilize clients, reduce risk of re-hospitalization or re-incarceration, and promote successful reintegration into the community. The Lead Clinician will report to the program supervisor. This role will uphold and champion the agency’s mission, vision, and values and contribute to a collaborative and inclusive work culture.

Requirements

Registration as a clinician with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (Registered Psychologist, Psychologist) or Board of Behavioral Sciences (AMFT/LMFT, ASW/LCSW, APC/LPCC).
Licensed highly preferred (Psychologist, LMFT, LCSW, LPCC).
Bilingual Spanish/English preferred.
Experience responding to mental health crises and with the public behavioral health systems.
Knowledge of principles and practices of modern clinical psychology, including abnormal psychology, personality theory, and diagnostic interviewing.
Psychotherapy includes brief therapy and behavior change, casework, systems theory, family therapy, community psychology, and community mental health.
Experience in non-profit and community-based organizations preferred.
Demonstrates and models excellent “customer service” orientation and ability to work with diverse populations.
Exercises extreme discretion with the ability to hold, balance, and transmit public and confidential information needed by various parties.
Proficient in MS Office and Google Workspace products.
Valid CA Driver’s license required.
Auto insurance: If your vehicle is used for business-related purposes, it is recommended that you inform your auto insurance carrier.
Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle
Ability to push, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds frequently.
Ability to stand and move from one location to another daily.
Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time
Ability to visually focus on near and far items, and to be able to switch between them.
Ability to reliably report to work on time and perform the position's required tasks as scheduled
Ability to grasp and carry items
Ability to hear and effectively communicate with co-workers, clients, and the public
Ability to identify potential issues within the workplace, determine an appropriate means of avoiding and/or resolving the issues, work with others to address the issues, and carry out organized strategies for resolving and preventing similar issues in the future
Ability to process information and data for use within the organization

Nice To Haves

Bilingual Spanish/English preferred.
Experience in non-profit and community-based organizations preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct rapid clinical assessments of clients presenting with mental health crises, reentry needs, or acute psychosocial stressors
Provide short-term, stabilization-focused therapy and interventions, including crisis intervention, emotional regulation, and problem-solving support
Respond to urgent situations by supporting de-escalation, safety planning, and stabilization in community and respite settings
Work collaboratively with staff to create safe, calm environments that support client stabilization
Co-develop individualized stabilization and reentry plans, including next steps, goals, and linkage to community resources
Provide ongoing follow-up to ensure successful connections to services and continuity of care
Support clients transitioning from incarceration or institutional settings in navigating behavioral health, housing, and social service systems
Facilitate warm hand-offs and referrals to internal and external providers, including behavioral health, substance use, medical, and community-based services
Deliver services in a culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and harm reduction framework
Serve as a clinical lead and consultant to case managers and program staff on complex cases, crisis situations, and care planning
Support staff in applying motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, and evidence-based practices
Assist in coordinating crisis responses across team members and programs
Model effective engagement strategies for high-risk and hard-to-engage clients
Provide guidance on risk assessment, documentation, and appropriate clinical interventions
Collaborate closely with reentry staff, probation/parole (as applicable), and community partners to support client stability
Assist clients in identifying barriers to reintegration and accessing critical resources (housing, employment, benefits, healthcare)
Ensure coordination between respite services and longer-term treatment providers
Promote continuity of care through follow-up, documentation, and communication across systems
Attend trainings and participate in events relevant to key responsibilities.
Track and regularly report on key metrics for the responsible function areas.
Leads and collaborates on projects supporting Agency objectives.
Demonstrates cultural awareness and provides respectful, client-centered care.
Maintains knowledge of community resources for client referrals
Attend work regularly, adhering to policies on absences and tardiness.
Understands and applies legal requirements, including confidentiality and risk management.
Accurately record work hours each day by clocking in/out at scheduled start, break, lunch, and end times.
Take all required meal and rest breaks in compliance with state, federal, and agency policies.
Review and submit timesheets by established deadlines to ensure timely payroll processing.
Notify supervisor promptly of any scheduling conflicts, absences, tardiness, or timekeeping issues.
Maintain consistent and reliable attendance to support team and program operations.
Follow organizational policies and procedures related to overtime, schedule changes, and paid/unpaid leave.
Correct and/or report any timekeeping discrepancies immediately to the supervisor for resolution.
Viewed by others as an effective team member who is flexible, cooperative, and willing to assist others, and acts as a resource to team members and clients, where appropriate.
Handles difficult or conflict situations constructively and seeks appropriate assistance.
Accepts accountability and constructive feedback.
Attends all mandatory meetings and staff meetings as required, and actively participates in other departmental professional development, including providing training and consultation.
Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with fellow employees, supervisors, managers in other departments, senior management, executive staff, and community stakeholders.
Handles requests, suggestions, and complaints from other departments and individuals in a tactful and effective manner to maintain goodwill within the agency.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision benefits with 95% employee and 80% dependent employer premium contributions
Employer-paid life insurance
Vacation
15 paid holidays
12 paid sick days upon accrual
Employee Assistance Plan to support you and your family’s well-being and finances
Pet Plan Benefit: PetPlus Product and Prescription Discounts, Pet Assure Veterinary Discounts, AskVet 24/7 Pet Telehealth, and ThePetTag Lost Pet Recovery Service
403(b) retirement plan
Flexible scheduling options, including hybrid work arrangements
License and Certification renewals reimbursed
Supportive/Collaborative work environment
Structured mentorship and ongoing training