Mental Health Counselor I - Diversion 50

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTER INC•Los Angeles, CA

17d•$40,000 - $42,000•Onsite

About The Position

ID#36122A - Provide onsite mental health, case management, individual crisis intervention and supportive counseling with intensive case management. Be a part of a multi-disciplinary treatment team, assess, and stabilize according to mental health and basic needs of client. Provide evaluation; plan development; placement services; assistance in daily living; linkage and consultation; group counseling to homeless mentally ill individuals. Work with client in treatment planning including treatment plans, benefit assistance, and housing stability as needed.

Requirements

BA in the field of Human Services, or related degree in Social Services, i.e. Social Work preferred.
Minimum of two years' experience in a behavioral health care setting experience with homeless chronic mentally ill.
Knowledge of DSM-V-TR required.
Must act in accordance with all Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 and related state law confidentiality requirements. Must successfully complete the Center’s HIPAA training, pass the HIPAA test, and receive the Certification of Compliance.
Regular attendance is an essential function of the job.
Interacting with other employees at work is an essential function of the job.
Arriving at work on time and not leaving early is an essential function of the job.
Knowledge of treatment and behavior management techniques and of residential programs serving a severely emotionally disturbed adolescent and/or young adult population.
Ability to communicate and work with a severely emotionally disturbed and culturally diverse young adult population; work successfully as part of a multi-disciplinary treatment team.
Must have a current California Driver’s License and be insurable by the Center’s auto insurance carrier. Must carry and maintain personal valid auto insurance. May be required to have or acquire a Class 2 Driver’s License. Employees in this class may be required to obtain a Certification as a school bus operator.
Must have or obtain Red Cross First Aid and CPR
Must pass Department of Justice fingerprint clearance.

Nice To Haves

Chemical dependency experience preferred.
Ability to speak Spanish is desirable for some positions in this classification.

Responsibilities

Identify individual client strengths, needs and resources. Assesses and evaluates client's level of psychosocial impairment, self-care potential, family and support network availability, independent living needs, financial status, and social/recreational needs. Develop and coordinate service plans.
Assist clients in developing independent living skills and resources, including residential site visits on a weekly basis.
Transport clients to and from appropriate services as necessary. Assist clients in navigating the transportation system within the San Fernando Valley, apply for bus cards and transport to doctor appointments, SSI/SSA, and other locations as deemed appropriate by Program Manager.
Work as part of a multi-disciplinary treatment team, participate in all-staff, team meetings, and community meetings as assigned.
Provide intensive field-based services for enrolled and potential clients.
Maintains current knowledge and familiarity of public entitlements.
Knowledge or professional experience providing services to clients with dual diagnosis and/or substance abuse disorders.
Ability to communicate effectively (and develop trust) with a culturally diverse population, including homeless and those suffering from mental illness.
Network and maintain strong working relationships with community resources, police, businesses, churches and other agencies serving the homeless population, to gain potential client referrals.
Will perform other duties as necessary, to be determined by the Program Manager.
Provide knowledge and understanding to staff and clients of resources and referrals for achieving increased income stability through attainment of SSI/SSA/SSDI/GR or other means of increase income. Provide vocational referrals (VES/DOR) and assisting clients with achieving these goals.
Complete Progress Notes/Unit of Services logs within the Centers/DMH 48 hour time frame. Maintain productivity standards as assigned by Program Manager and/or Director.
Oversee clients at program housing.
Perform other duties as necessary.

Benefits

$2K for bilingual bonus
Experience working with a diverse, respectful and trauma informed workplace culture client population.
A team-oriented work environment
Training opportunities
Excellent compensation and benefits
Paid time Off - 12 holidays; generous sick and vacation time
Health care, dental, life insurance, 403b retirement
Career Development
Professional licensure assistance within two years
You will contribute providing direct crisis intervention, support families requiring help.