Mental Health Therapist I - Full-time - Outpatient Behavioral Health - Bilingual (English/Spanish) Preferred

Kern Medical • Bakersfield, CA

61d • $35 - $47 • Onsite

About The Position

Kern Medical strives to recruit the highest quality candidates, resulting in a high performance workforce that consistently delivers quality patient care. This position is for a full-time Mental Health Therapist I in Outpatient Behavioral Health, focusing on Sickle Cell and Oncology patients. Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred. The role involves planning and providing direct mental health psychotherapy and services for adults, children, families, and groups, and assisting in the implementation of treatment programs. Mental Health Therapist I is an entry-level position within the classification series, encompassing pre-licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, Clinical Social Workers, Professional Clinical Counselors, and pre-doctoral psychology candidates. Incumbents gain qualifying experience for licensure through supervised clinical work, developing diagnostic and treatment skills. Depending on the assignment, they may demonstrate expertise in treating children, adults, or geriatric populations, including those with substance abuse, dual diagnoses, specialty populations, or legal offense-related issues. Flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, may be required.

Requirements

• Completion of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university, with a major in Psychology, Sociology, Counseling, Social Work or a related field, AND eligibility for registration with the State of California as an Associate Clinical Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist intern or Pre-licensed Professional Clinical Counselor.
• Within 90 days of hire, incumbents must obtain and maintain a current and valid intern or associate registration with the State of California and obtain California licensure within the time period specified by the Board of Behavioral Sciences.
• Completion of all Psychology doctoral coursework and completion of a Psychology Internship from an Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) program (for pre-doctoral psychology candidates).
• Pre-doctoral psychology candidates cannot be employed to provide mental health services unless they obtain a waiver from the California Department of Health Care Services, even if registered with the California Board of Psychology. A waiver granted may not exceed five years from the date of employment.
• A California license as Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) must be obtained within six (6) years from the initial date of employment to continue to qualify to perform mental health services under this job description.
• Appointees not possessing the American Heart Association Responder or Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) card at time of hire must successfully complete appropriate training and qualify for the RQI Responder certification within 60 days of employment.
• Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Driver's License.
• Knowledge of principles of mental health; laws, rules, regulations, and ethics governing a public mental health agency and the Board of Behavioral Sciences; confidentiality standards and HIPPA regulations; principles and techniques of psychotherapy and case recording; diagnostic criteria and diversified treatment modalities; criteria for medical necessity; working within the scope of practice and the scope of practice of the clinical supervisor; office functions and procedures including basic computer skills.
• Ability to apply the laws, rules and regulations governing a public mental health agency to specific situations; apply the principles and techniques of psychotherapy and case recording; utilize a personal computer and software; access, utilize and maintain electronic records and files; apply diagnostic criteria and diversified treatment modalities; establish and maintain effective working relationships; conduct interviews effectively; write and speak effectively; work with groups and individuals to effect changes in behavior; relate professionally to other agency personnel and other organizations; evaluate and handle psychiatric emergencies; use crisis intervention techniques and determine the need for referral to other agencies or professionals; and perform psychotherapy for a diverse population of individuals and report to work as scheduled.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Participates in the evaluation and implementation of various treatment modalities.
• Provides individual, conjoint, marital/family, and group psychotherapy for clients.
• Develops and implements a psychotherapy program for the acutely or chronically mentally ill and/or mentally impaired.
• Designs and implements plans of care, identifies goals to be achieved and steps for achievement.
• Screens adults and/or children for the appropriateness of treatment; conducts bio-psychosocial assessments and diagnoses mental disorders.
• Assists in determining causal relationships of problem behavior, personality traits, socio-economic conditions, and substance abuse.
• Coordinates cases as assigned and assists staff in the provision of case management activities.
• Determines authorization for treatment.
• Reviews and approves plans of care written by Mental Health Recovery Specialists.
• Works cooperatively with community agencies to provide a full range of needed services for clients; works in community self-help groups and assists with community liaison activities.
• Keeps supervisors apprised of issues related to client treatment.
• Acts as an advocate for clients.
• Refers clients to community agencies and/or other support systems; refers clients to medical or psychiatric services as appropriate.
• Provides in-service training and makes presentations to clients, family, staff and/or community organizations.
• Provides crisis intervention.
• Keeps accurate records; prepares correspondence, progress notes, written reports and other documentation.
• Attends in-service training; participates in meetings, committees, and conferences.
• Utilizes a personal computer and various software programs.
• Supervises volunteers and provides clinical supervision to non-licensed staff.
• Prepares court reports, special reports, placement evaluations, in-service curriculum, and manuals.
• Administers, scores, and interprets psychological testing under supervision (for pre-doctoral psychology candidates).
• Participates in utilization review activities.
• Performs clinical duties in association with specialty training.
• Performs other job-related duties as required.

Benefits

• New Hire Premium: +6% of base rate of pay matched up to 6% if contributed to Deferred Compensation Plan.
• A Comprehensive Benefits Package: includes Holidays, Vacation, Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance.
• Additional compensation may be available for this role through differentials, incentives, and bonuses.
• This position may be eligible for participation and company contributions into the Kern County Employees’ Retirement Plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level