Mental Health Clinician

Project 180•San Fernando, CA

11d•$37 - $47•Onsite

About The Position

SSG-Project 180 is dedicated to transforming lives by providing innovative, community-based services that aim to keep individuals out of institutions. As a leader in forensic treatment, Project 180 offers specialized programs for thousands of justice-involved individuals, covering pre-arrest interventions, court diversions, jail support, and post-release services. The organization collaborates with Los Angeles 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 early in the court process. This program offers in-court mental health evaluations, connections to treatment services, and case management, with the goal of dismissing the participant's criminal case upon successful completion. The RDP Mental Health Clinician will be based in an LA County courthouse. This role involves screening defendants for program eligibility, developing treatment plans, and providing clinical guidance to the team. A key responsibility is connecting new RDP clients with appropriate services and resources outlined in their treatment plans. The ideal candidate will possess strong clinical judgment, a thorough understanding of mental health and substance abuse treatment within the system of care, and the ability to build partnerships with service providers. This position requires a proactive approach to facilitating program connections for defendants in LA County criminal courts undergoing mental health diversion. The clinician will report to the RDP Program Supervisor, work closely with external stakeholders, and collaborate with the courthouse case management team. Success hinges on effective teamwork in a fast-paced environment with diverse stakeholders to achieve client diversion and positive outcomes.

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, i.e. 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, i.e. 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.
Clinical Expertise: Provides clinical care with a focus on high-quality service delivery.
Empathetic, strong communication and relationship-building skills.
Culturally competent: Understands and is sensitive to diverse backgrounds and needs.
Resourceful: Efficiently navigates and utilizes resources available.
Collaborative: Able to work in diverse teams to solve complex issues.
Proactive: Anticipates potential issues, and takes the initiative.
Adaptive to changing circumstances and client needs in a dynamic environment.
Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Detail-oriented, organized and has strong time management skills.
Courteous, respectful and helpful with others. Maintains appropriate professional boundaries.

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, including mental health diagnosis, readiness for change, and needed community linkages.
Formulate a diagnosis, comprehensive treatment plan, and recommendations for court diversion.
Engage with collaterals (family, court) as appropriate, provide education on mental health recovery, and advocate for clients.
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.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of behavioral health treatment programs, community resources, and the LA County system of care; establish and maintain relationships with community treatment providers.
Coordinate participant treatment programs with court-based needs.
Support new clients in understanding the court process, appropriate 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 requirements and coordinate efforts, providing routine linkage updates.
Engage with collaterals (family, court) as appropriate, provide education on accessing mental health recovery services, and advocate for clients.
Deliver services consistent with ethical standards and a harm reduction, strength-based, trauma-informed framework.
Collaborate with RDP Supervisor/Clinician throughout screening, treatment recommendation, and linkage processes to ensure alignment.
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 case management team and court staff regarding treatment plans and linkage status, ensuring Case Managers understand client responsibilities for diversion.
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; holiday or weekend work may be required.
Uphold Agency mission statement, values, policies, procedures, and principles.
Perform other duties as needed.
Maintain active license and/or registrations as applicable (i.e., BBS, CCAPP).
Licensed Clinicians Only: Participate in the Division’s 24-hour crisis line on a two-week rotating basis a few times per year (includes pay differential).
Licensed Clinicians Only: Maintain Los Angeles County active LPS designation.
Licensed Clinicians Only: Conduct clinical risk assessments and, when appropriate, facilitate psychiatric hospitalizations and/or develop safety plans.