Mental Health Clinician

Project 180•Palmdale, CA

3d•$37 - $47•Hybrid

About The Position

SSG-Project 180 is dedicated to transforming lives by providing innovative, community-based services that keep individuals out of institutions. As a leader in forensic treatment, Project 180 offers specialized programs for thousands of justice-involved individuals, spanning pre-arrest interventions, court diversions, jail in-reach, and post-release support. The organization collaborates with County agencies such as the Department of Mental Health (DMH), Department of Health Services (DHS), and the Justice, Care and Opportunities Department (JCOD). The Rapid Diversion Program (RDP) is a County-operated initiative designed to divert defendants from the criminal legal system at early stages. RDP offers in-court mental health evaluations, connections to treatment services, and case management, with the goal of case dismissal upon successful program completion.

Requirements

Unlicensed: Master’s degree in social work or mental health field from an accredited college or university, and valid license or registration with licensing body (i.e., the BBS).
At least 1 year of clinical experience, including completing biopsychosocial assessments, diagnosing, treatment planning, and delivering clinical interventions (for Unlicensed).
Licensed: Master’s degree in social work or mental health field from an accredited college or university, and valid license (LCSW, LMFT, LPCC) with licensing body (i.e., the BBS).
At least 2 years of clinical experience, including completing biopsychosocial assessments, diagnosing, treatment planning, and delivering clinical interventions (for Licensed).
Experience working with culturally diverse populations.
Valid CA driver’s license, proof of insurance, and own vehicle required.
Ability to transport clients in personal vehicle as needed.
Must not be on any type of legal supervision (probation or parole).
Verification of Employment Eligibility and Background Check.
Basic computer skills.

Nice To Haves

Lived experience with homelessness, mental health/substance use recovery, or the criminal legal system.
Experience working with the forensic and/or dual-diagnosed populations.
Experience working on an interdisciplinary team in a mental health or hospital setting.
Knowledge of and experience with providing trauma-informed services.

Responsibilities

Assess potential RDP participants and make diversion recommendations to the court.
Engage potential diversion participants in services, providing brief motivational intervention and information about RDP services.
Review collateral information (e.g., discovery from defense attorney, mental health treatment history) and conduct clinical interviews to assess mental health diagnosis, readiness for change, and community linkage needs.
Formulate a diagnosis, comprehensive treatment plan, and court recommendations for potential diversion.
Engage with collaterals (family members, court) as appropriate, providing education on mental health recovery and engaging in client advocacy.
Conduct reassessments as requested, making recommendations for ongoing RDP participation and modifying treatment plans.
Deliver services consistent with ethical standards and a harm reduction, strength-based, trauma-informed framework.
Identify and enroll clients in appropriate treatment programs (e.g., residential substance treatment, mental health clinics), prioritizing clients in custody.
Support clients in accepting, participating in, and adhering to treatment programs using techniques like motivational interviewing and problem-solving facilitation.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of behavioral health treatment programs and community resources, and establish/maintain relationships with community treatment providers.
Support new clients in understanding the court process, appropriate court conduct, and diversion responsibilities, ensuring awareness of and attendance at court dates.
Maintain a detailed log of client progress and the status of pending linkages.
Collaborate with defense attorneys to understand court-based requirements and coordinate efforts, providing routine linkage updates.
Engage with collaterals (family members, court) as appropriate, providing education on accessing mental health recovery services and engaging in client advocacy.
Deliver services consistent with ethical standards and a harm reduction, strength-based, trauma-informed framework.
Collaborate with the RDP Supervisor/Clinician to ensure alignment throughout the screening, treatment recommendation, and linkage processes.
Build and maintain strong working relationships with RDP court staff, including judges, judicial assistants, and attorneys.
Track court dates and submit thorough diversion reports per program guidelines.
Liaise with the case management team and court staff regarding treatment plans and linkage status, ensuring Case Managers understand client responsibilities.
Collaborate with public and private community health, mental health, and social service agencies.
Maintain comprehensive case notes in the electronic health record per program guidelines.
Participate in program data collection per program guidelines.
Maintain regular attendance.
Uphold the Agency's mission statement, values, policies, procedures, and principles.
Perform other duties as needed.
Maintain active license and/or registrations as applicable (e.g., BBS, CCAPP).
Participate in the Division’s 24-hour crisis line on a rotating basis (for Licensed Clinicians Only).
Maintain Los Angeles County active LPS designation (for Licensed Clinicians Only).
Conduct clinical risk assessments, facilitate psychiatric hospitalizations, and/or develop safety plans when appropriate (for Licensed Clinicians Only).