Mental Health Therapist

Mission Statement

Transitions Mental Health Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating stigma and promoting recovery and wellness for people with mental illness through work, housing, community and family support services.

Organization Description

Transitions – Mental Health Association is a leading non-profit agency committed to providing comprehensive mental health services and support to individuals and families by inspiring hope, growth, recovery and wellness in our communities. TMHA has decades of experience with teams of compassionate staff. TMHA is a driving force in improving mental health and wellness in our communities and a supportive and inclusive work environment that values diversity and individual contributions.

Responsibilities

and Duties: 1. Provide a wellness and recovery approach to service delivery for all clients. Foster and maintain a collaborative team approach with the FSP team members. Model a client centered approach to service delivery, bringing a “whatever it takes” approach to meeting the needs of clients in all aspects of their treatment (ie: “doing alongside” clients, recreational/art/music therapy, attending wellness groups with clients). 2. Provide and participate in trainings on best practices and evidenced based approaches to service delivery including: Assertive Community Treatment, integrated treatment of co-occurring disorders, Dialectic Behavior Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Motivational Interviewing, Seeking Safety, Trauma Informed Care (trainings provided, as needed, and approved by FSP Clinical Team Leader). 3. Medi-Cal billing provides a critical portion of funding for this program. You are expected to reach documentation and billing goals as set by Team Leader and Director. 4. All direct service staff are expected to spend 50% of their work time in direct service and support of clients, unless otherwise assigned by your supervisor. 5. Work with and train team members, clients and family members on mental health services and/or drug or alcohol abuse prevention strategies as part of developing a holistic wellness and recovery plan for the clients. 6. Participate in daily case review and coordination meetings with teammates. Assess and interview potential clients to determine if requirements for admission into FSP Program services are met, or if referral elsewhere is most appropriate. Collaborate with County Behavioral Health on assessments and referrals for admission into FSP services and stepping down of services back to the County BH Clinic. 7. Provide therapy, education and rehabilitation services for individuals, couples, or members of a family. Assist clients in achieving productive social adjustments reducing the impact of disabling disorders, and facilitate the achievement of family, vocational, recreational, legal and interpersonal goals. 8. Document clinical activity in a timely manner, meeting program outcomes, in an electronic medical records system, presenting diagnostic and interview findings, clinical evaluations, and recommendations as a member of an interdisciplinary team; function as the SAI (Single Accountable Individual) for client caseload. Must document and provide at least one contact with each client per week. 9. Provide crisis intervention in the field and in the office for individuals experiencing acute episodes; evaluate clients and arrange for voluntary or involuntary admission to facilities for observation and treatment. Become trained and designated to conducting evaluations and writing of applications for 5150 holds (training provided). 10. Confer with and advise clients’ families to promote their understanding of and cooperation in treatment and rehabilitation programs. 11. Employees in this position are required to participate in a rotating on-call schedule as part of their regular job duties. This includes providing client support services during weekday after-hours and all weekend hours, in accordance with our program’s contractual obligations. Flexibility and reliability are essential. Employees must respond, sometimes in person, in accordance with our on-call policy. 12. When necessary, perform the duties of a case manager by coordinating services for a caseload of 15-20 clients to assure continuity of care and assure that clients receive appropriate types of service. 13. Provide transportation to clients as determined by the daily schedule and the needs of the client, in agency vehicle or own automobile (reimbursed for mileage). 14. Promote, encourage and maintain trauma-informed practices in all services and activities. Practice and promote, both individually and in team meetings, TMHA’s Collaborative Communication Guidelines in order to facilitate clear, empathetic and person-centered communication. 15. Cooperate and work with other agencies and practitioners. 16. Educate clients, and their families regarding their diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and the rehabilitation process. 17. Assist clients to obtain stable housing, physical health care, benefits and entitlements, and to learn basic living skills. 18. Participate in ongoing quality assurance and program evaluations. 19. Assist with interviewing, hiring, and training of new staff, as needed. 20. All other duties as assigned by the FSP Clinical Team Leader and Clinical Director.

Job Environment

1. Daily and frequent documentation of client services on the computer. 2. Services may be delivered to clients during a Monday through Sunday workweek; schedules will be developed in collaboration with all teammates and management staff to ensure maximum support for clients. 3. Moderate, physical activity and frequent driving that will include the transportation of TMHA clients; may include moving or lifting up to 50 lbs. 4. Involves moderate risks that require safety precautions and the risk of exposure to potentially intense situations. 5. Position involves working within the residential environments. 6. Possible intense situations related to confrontational or oppositional adults.

Requirements

• Minimum Requirements: 1. Possession of a valid license as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) or Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT); a registered associate progressing toward licensure. 2. Working knowledge of: assessment, diagnosis, prognosis, counseling, and psychotherapeutic treatment of marriage, family, and child relationship dysfunctions; methods of developing and implementing a treatment plan; human service delivery system; current trends in the field of mental health; and laws and regulations applicable to mental health. 3. Ability to: perform effective counseling and psychotherapy with individuals, families, and groups; develop and maintain cooperative relationships with clients’ families, members of other professional disciplines, social service agencies, and co-workers; relate professionally with persons with serious mental disorders; identify and utilize community resources; prepare and present clear and concise oral and written reports. 4. Must have experience working with persons with severe and persistent mental illness, co-occurring disorders, personality disorders/complex trauma and be comfortable treating those with acute and complex presentations/histories (multiple hospitalizations for mental health issues, forensic backgrounds). 5. Must have experience working with (professionally or personally) persons who are chronically homeless, homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless. 6. Must participate in the on call rotation schedule to provide services to clients after hours and on weekends. 7. Must have a strong commitment to the right and ability of each person with a severe and persistent mental illness to live in a safe living environment, develop a meaningful role in the community, and have access to competent and continuous supports and services. 8. Must have a strong commitment in clients’ rights to self-govern and create their own choices and goals. 9. Strong interpersonal skills, collaborative work style and strong oral/written and communication skills. 10. Well defined organizational and time management skills. 11. Ability to work independently and flexibly. 12. Ability to handle intense situations, display good judgment and decision-making skills, and remain calm and clearheaded under pressure. 13. Able to work effectively with a variety of people and personality types regardless of age, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or socio-economic level. 14. Ability to possess and maintain good physical and mental health. 15. Ability to work well within a team and maintain a professional, respectful attitude in the workplace. 16. Ability to be willing to work with supervisor oversight and direction. 17. Attendance is an essential function of this job that requires face-to-face interaction with clients and/or other employees. 18. Ability to mindfully promote equality and respect diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin and all of the other fascinating characteristics that make us different. 19. Demonstrate the ability to successfully deliver culturally responsive services. 20. Knowledge of the various dimensions of diversity, including mental health, gender, race and ethnicity. 21. Must use reasonable precautions in the performance of one’s duties and adhere to all applicable safety rules and practices while acting in such a manner as to assure at all times, maximum safety to one’s self, fellow employees, clients, and other persons contacted through TMHA business. 22. Conditions of employment include:
• Must be at least 18 years of age; possess a valid CA Driver’s License, at least 2 years driving experience and DMV driving record that meets TMHA’s current vehicle insurance requirements. May be required to utilize reliable personal vehicle and auto insurance.
• Must comply with a TB assessment (possibly a TB test if needed to confirm a negative tuberculosis result) and receipt of a criminal record clearance through fingerprinting.
• Must be able to successfully complete First Aid and CPR training.

Physical Demands

1. Seeing 2. Hearing 3. Speaking 4. Stooping/Bending 5. Moving around office 6. Moving between offices/clients 7. Driving 8. Climbing 9. Lifting/carrying heavy items 10. Computer use 11. Pushing/pulling/dragging items 12. Standing for long periods 13. Working outside 14. Using hands/fingers