Mental Health Therapist - School Based

YMCA of San Diego County•San Diego, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Mental Health Therapist provides direct therapeutic services to current and former participants, including assessments, individual, family, group, and crisis counseling. The position also supports program development and operations while ensuring participant eligibility and program outcomes. Services are delivered through a human-centered, trauma-informed, engaging, and culturally responsive approach that recognizes the diverse needs of different cultures, races, ethnicities, and populations. The role supports the TIDES program, a Medi-Cal-funded, school-based mental health service for youth ages 5–21 who are Medi-Cal eligible, uninsured, or underinsured. TIDES offers individual, family, and group counseling, crisis intervention, psychiatric evaluation and medication management, and case management in coordination with schools and caregivers. The role may also support Healthy Start Building Bridges, which provides free school-based mental health support through counseling, case management, and parent education in partnership with schools and families. Services are provided at contracted school sites, the North Park office, and in the community for eligible clients. The work designation is in person at Central San Diego school sites and the North Park office, though it may change based on business needs. The regular schedule is 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; depending on business needs, one day per week may require a later shift into early evening hours. Reliable transportation is required for regular travel throughout San Diego County. The position requires a master's degree in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Social Work (ASW), or Professional Clinical Counseling, and registration as an associate with the California Board of Behavioral Science. A California license-eligible clinician with two years of post-master's experience is preferred. Pay is $29.94 per hour.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Social Work (ASW), or Professional Clinical Counseling.
Registration as an associate with the California Board of Behavioral Science.
Basic computer knowledge and skills.
Self-awareness, flexibility, adaptability, and willingness to learn.
Experience working with adolescents and families.
Ability to multitask and maintain good organizational skills.
Ability to work as part of a team and with a culturally diverse community.
Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical incidents and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.
Ability to observe participant activities, enforce safety regulations, and apply appropriate policies and procedures.
Ability to lead and interact in group activities and perform related physical skills.
Ability to sit and input information on a computer for extended periods.
Reliable transportation for regular travel throughout San Diego County.
Fingerprinting and subsequent arrest notifications are required before reporting to work.
CPR/AED and First Aid certification covering adults and children/infants, from the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety and Health Institute, is required within 30 days of hire.
A negative TB assessment or test result obtained within 60 days before starting, with reassessment or testing every four years thereafter.
Exclusion and debarment checks before the first day of work and monthly thereafter.
Additional clearances may be required to meet program, licensing, state law, and funding requirements.

Nice To Haves

California license-eligible clinician with two years of post-master’s degree experience.
Experience working with children and families in a mental health setting.

Responsibilities

Provide individual, family, and crisis counseling to current and former participants, and facilitate groups.
Provide clinical assessments and evaluations, develop service plans, provide case management and crisis intervention, and deliver collateral services and other necessary services.
Educate service staff on mental health topics and facilitate treatment planning and case management goals.
Provide participants with information and referrals to transitional program services, mental health services, medication management, and substance abuse services.
Work independently and collaboratively to develop ways to meet contract goals and provide engaging, high-quality services responsive to participant needs.
Complete counseling intakes and psychosocial assessments for participants.
Maintain case records, data-collection records, and other confidential materials; maintain collateral contact with outside therapy providers as needed; and collect pre- and post-program data about participant satisfaction and progress.
Promote reflective practice, learning from mistakes, and adaptation of programs and approaches; foster collaboration and a responsive day-to-day presence; and use creative problem-solving while adapting to different personalities, work styles, and organizational change.
Collaborate with outside agencies, institutions, and community-based services to ensure continuity of care.
Perform administrative tasks as assigned and help maintain proper document storage and auditing.
Attend required staff meetings, trainings, YMCA staff development events, and appropriate agency-wide committees.
Travel regularly throughout San Diego County using reliable transportation.