Youth Mental Health Therapist

Southern Indian Health Council, Inc•Alpine, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Mental Health Therapist is responsible for providing direct individual, family, and group counseling for children, adolescents, teens, transitional age youth, and families in the restricted service area of Southern Indian Health Council, Inc. (SIHC). Therapeutic services focus on systemic issues contributing to the development of chemical dependency, domestic violence, abuse, mental health diagnoses, relationships, and other practical issues. The therapist will collaborate with other mental health staff and SIHC departments, referral sources, and other collateral contacts as appropriate. The therapist may participate in organizing culturally relevant mental health activities in the community and act as a bridge between the Indian community, SIHC, and other community organizations to facilitate access to appropriate services. The therapist shall assess all referrals made by outside agencies for stability, appropriateness, and eligibility. This position works under the direct supervision of the Youth Behavioral Health Program Manager.

Requirements

Applicant should hold a minimum of a provisional license with the California Board of Psychology or Board of Behavioral Sciences.
Acceptable licensure includes Licensed Clinical Psychologist, AMFT/LMFT, ASW/LCSW, or APCC/LPCC.
Applicant must maintain that license in good standing throughout employment.
A minimum of 1-2 years of experience as a licensed therapist is preferred.
Applicant must have excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
Applicant must be experienced in crisis intervention.
Must have experience in Trauma Informed Care and is familiar with the ACE (Adverse Childhood Experience) Study.
Applicant must be familiar and comfortable using computer programs including Microsoft Suite components or equivalent.
Past success working with multi-cultural communities, preferably Native American/Alaska Natives, should be demonstrated.
Applicant shall be able and/or willing to work with all ages.
Must possess the ability to work with tribal officials, county agencies, tribal community members, funding agencies, and SIHC departments.
Applicate must have the ability to maintain and foster collaborative relationships with other service providers such as PERT (Psychiatric Emergency Response Team), San Diego Sherriff Department, and other providers, to offer support and resources, to offer a multi-disciplinary, client centered approach in providing excellent care.
Possess abilities to: work flexible hours as required to meet department needs; facilitate and negotiate and resolve issues professionally; work collaboratively in a team approach; effectively communicate with confidence and knowledge to staff and clients; maintain up-to-date files for documentation of case activity; complete and submit reports and documentation in a timely fashion; and work semi-independently while being responsive to supervision.
Applicant must be able to adapt to changing situations and circumstances and handle pressure with dignity, in all circumstances maintaining confidentiality.
Possess an ability to act professionally at all times in the workplace and the community.
A valid California driver’s license will be required at the time of hire and must be maintained throughout employment.
Applicant must be insurable under SIHC vehicle insurance policy at the time of hire and throughout employment.
Certifications and/or licenses appropriate to the positions required education and profession must also be valid and maintained.
Applicants must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness.
Must be responsible and able to exercise good judgment, accept administrative supervision, pay attention to detail, follow instructions, including the ability to interact effectively and communicate with people in a professional and courteous manner.
Must be highly confidential and respect confidentiality to all limits of the governing laws and ethics.
Applicant must be able to work as a team with other staff.
Applicant should be sensitive to client’s needs and knowledgeable about the local Indian community.
Applicants should have thorough knowledge of the laws, rules, and regulations governing clinical treatment, patient records, and reporting procedures.
Applicant must be versed in crisis intervention techniques and the cultural practices of Native Americans.
Applicant must participate in quality reviews; adhere to professional standards, federal, state, and local requirements; maintain required insurance and certifications, comply with legal requirements; and, adhere to licensure code of ethics.
Applicants must successfully pass a pre-employment tuberculin skin test or x-ray, and blood/urine drug screening test.
Health must be adequate to perform all duties of the position.
Applicants must complete an SIHC application questionnaire and submit it to Human Resources prior to the close dates indicated.
The position is primarily responsible to the Alpine clinic though local travel may be required.

Responsibilities

Provide outpatient treatment and therapy to youth for behavioral health services. Therapeutic services should focus on engaging the client in healthy strategies to reduce persistent behavioral health and alcohol and drug problems for Native youth, families, and the community.
Offer services and referrals related to achieving wellness, including alcohol and other drug education, assessment, treatment planning, relapse prevention, discharge/transitional planning, crisis assessment and intervention, and family support, as well as make referrals for a type or level of service outside the bounds of the practice of SIHC and its available providers when appropriate.
Provide appropriate psychotherapy to children, adolescents, teens, transitional age youth, and families.
Offer a full spectrum of services related to mental wellness including education, assessment, crisis intervention, safety planning, family support, case management and referral to services not provided by SIHC.
Cooperate and collaborate with multidisciplinary treatment approaches as appropriate.
Assist in the development and provision of outreach services to educate the Indian community regarding mental health and wellness. Outreach will include, but is not limited to, prevention education on reservation sites, in patients’ homes, work sites, and schools.
Assist and support clients in their interactions with the court, legal proceedings, CWS, drug and alcohol programs/counselors, and other professional organizations and entities.
Systematically prioritize and manage caseload taking into account schedule, acuity of the patients, and program requirements. etc.
Professionally and respectfully represent Southern Indian Health Council in the tribal community, greater San Diego community as well as clinical and legal arenas.
Document succinct and comprehensive case records in a timely and consistent manner in accordance with agency policies, ethical guidelines and legal and regulatory requirements.
Adhere strictly to the laws and ethics related to privacy and confidentiality at all times.
Consistently make recommendations on the basis of clinical information with consultation from supervisors.
Allow for, and encourage, traditional cultural practices that are consistent with spiritual beliefs and serve as protective factors.
Attend program, clinical, or administrative meetings and trainings as required.
Participate in activities and trainings which enhance professional development.
Provide statistical reports to the Program Director and Board of Directors as required
Ability to work a flexible schedule may be required based on need.
Other duties as assigned.