Mental Health Clinician

Project 180•Palmdale, CA

3d•$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, encompassing pre-arrest interventions, court diversions, jail support, and post-release services. The organization collaborates with various County agencies, including 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 criminal defendants from the legal system at early stages. It offers in-court mental health evaluations, connections to treatment services, and case management, with the potential for case dismissal upon successful 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, i.e. completing biopsychosocial assessments, diagnosing, treatment planning and delivering clinical interventions (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 (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 to assess mental health diagnosis, readiness for change, and community linkage needs.
Formulate a diagnosis, comprehensive treatment plan, and recommendations for court diversion.
Engage with collaterals (family members, court) as appropriate, provide education on mental health recovery, and advocate for clients.
Conduct reassessments as requested, make recommendations for ongoing RDP participation, and modify treatment recommendations.
Link clients to appropriate treatment services, including residential substance treatment and mental health clinics, with urgency for 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 within the LA County system of care, establishing and maintaining relationships with 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 requirements and coordinate efforts, providing routine linkage updates.
Engage and join with collaterals (family members, court) as appropriate, provide education related to accessing mental health recovery services, and engage in client advocacy.
Ensure service delivery is consistent with ethical standards and a harm reduction, strength-based, trauma-informed framework.
Collaborate with RDP Supervisor/Clinician for alignment during 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 according to program guidelines.
Liaise with the 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 and 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).
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, facilitate psychiatric hospitalizations, and/or develop safety plans (Licensed Clinicians Only).