Bilingual Mental Health Specialist

Job DetailsJob Location

• Merced
• Office -
• Merced,
• CA 95340Position
• Type:
• Full
• TimeEducation
• Level: 4
• Year
• DegreeSalary
• Range: $31.69 - $32.31
• HourlyTravel
• Percentage: Up to 25%Job
• Shift:
• DayJob
• Category: Nonprofit - Social ServicesExcept in the case of an undue hardship, La Familia provides reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities when the accommodations are necessary to enable the persons to perform the essential functions of the job. The Agency also provides reasonable accommodations when necessary based on religious needs. Individuals requiring workplace accommodations must discuss their needs with La Familia Human Resources. Individuals seeking accommodations for disabilities are typically required to provide medical documentation supporting the existence of a disability, the need for the accommodation, and what workplace modifications will enable the employee to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Position
• OVERVIEW: Under the direction of the Clinical Manager, the Mental Health Specialist provides intensive community-based services to adults enrolled in the Full Service Partnership (FSP) program who are experiencing serious mental illness, co-occurring substance use disorders, justice involved, and other behavioral health challenges. Using the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) and Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) approaches, the Mental Health Specialist delivers comprehensive case management, rehabilitation, crisis intervention, care coordination, and supportive services in clients' homes and community settings. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the Mental Health Specialist supports individuals in achieving recovery, stability, and long-term success in the community while reducing the need for hospitalization, residential placement, or justice system involvement. Services are provided using person-centered, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strength-based practices based in ACT and FACT models that promote dignity, engagement, and individualized care. The Mental Health Specialist will meet deliverable expectations and requirements of the program. This role will uphold and champion the agency’s mission, vision, and values and contribute to a collaborative and inclusive work culture. This position is covered under the SEIU 1021 Collective Bargaining Agreement. In addition to the established base pay, members will receive negotiated annual increases as follows:
• January 2027: 3% base pay increase Future increases will be subject to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.
• Essential
• JOB
• Functions
• AND
• RESPONSIBILITIES: Direct Services Deliver consistent, high-quality case management to assist clients in accessing essential medical, educational, social, prevocational, and rehabilitative services, including effective communication, coordination, referrals, linkage, and diligent progress monitoring. Provide transformative rehabilitative services to learn, enhance, maintain, or restore clients’ functional, daily living, and social skills, as well as their access to support resources and medication education. Lead the delivery of services predominantly in the field to ensure hands-on, personalized support. Provide responsive, on-call support to meet client needs and prevent crises. Collaborate seamlessly with the team and agency partners to ensure timely service delivery, measurable progress, and positive outcomes. Apply culturally appropriate and evidence-based practices to engage clients effectively and deliver impactful services with humility and respect. Provide impactful case management, and facilitate skill-building groups to enhance clients' self-sufficiency and life skills. Advocate for clients, navigating and securing critical resources on their behalf. Provide linkage and brokerage to specialized services to support clients Conduct regular client meetings to assess progress and ensure alignment with treatment goals. Documentation and Compliance Complies with all agency's policies and procedures and maintains strict HIPPA guidelines. Submits records of service information and tracking consistent with program policies. Maintains records, prepares reports and performs other administrative duties as required. Follows appropriate charting and documentation requirements and agency regulations in a timely manner. Provides input and feedback on potential related projects/programs, as appropriate. Supports agency-wide Quality Improvement efforts. Other Adhere to the ACT and FACT modes of service Provides individual and group education to clients/family appropriate to age, condition, culture and learning readiness. Establish and maintain effective relationships with the recipients of behavioral health services. Implement evidence-based interventions that support the treatment plan and ACT/FACT models of service. Promote and maintain effective working relationships with clients; recognize and respond to symptoms of mental disorders and substance abuse. Modify and adapt evidence-based approaches effectively when a clear evidence-base is lacking. Performs other related duties as assigned. Attend trainings and participate in events relevant to key responsibilities. Track and regularly report on key metrics for the responsible function areas. Leads and collaborates on projects supporting Agency objectives.
• CORE
• Competencies:
• Leading the self: Demonstrates ethics and integrity Displays drive and purpose Manages self and adapts to change Exhibiting leadership stature Practice self-awareness and continuous learning
• Inclusion,
• RESPECT,
• AND
• COLLABORATION: Exhibit inspirational leadership by being highly responsive, leading a team to resolve immediate issues while strategically and inclusively addressing root causes. Develop staff by providing support to allow them to flourish in their roles, and promote a culture where everyone is valued and included, fostering a sense of belonging in an environment where employees can reach their full potential. Practices cultural humility and cultural responsiveness when engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences, while practicing appropriate boundaries.
• QualificationsQUALIFICATIONS &
• EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology or related field or four (4) years providing client services in a mental health hospital or social service/substance use setting. Bilingual in Spanish/English is required for this position Must be committed to addressing issues of stigma and discrimination related to mental health issues Strong consultation, presentation, and organizational skills required Experience in non-profit and community-based organizations preferred. Demonstrates and models excellent “customer service” orientation and ability to work with diverse populations. Exercises extreme discretion with the ability to hold, balance, and transmit public and confidential information needed by various parties. Proficient in MS Office and Google Workspace products. Valid CA Driver’s license required.
• Auto insurance: If your vehicle is used for business-related purposes, it is recommended that you inform your auto insurance carrier.
• OTHER
• RESPONSIBILITIES: Demonstrates cultural awareness and provides respectful, client-centered care. Maintains knowledge of community resources for client referrals Attend work regularly, adhering to policies on absences and tardiness. Understands and applies legal requirements, including confidentiality and risk management. Timekeeping & Attendance Responsibilities Accurately record work hours each day by clocking in/out at scheduled start, break, lunch, and end times. Take all required meal and rest breaks in compliance with state, federal, and agency policies. Review and submit timesheets by established deadlines to ensure timely payroll processing. Notify supervisor promptly of any scheduling conflicts, absences, tardiness, or timekeeping issues. Maintain consistent and reliable attendance to support team and program operations. Follow organizational policies and procedures related to overtime, schedule changes, and paid/unpaid leave. Correct and/or report any timekeeping discrepancies immediately to the supervisor for resolution.
• TEAM
• COMMITMENT: Viewed by others as an effective team member who is flexible, cooperative, and willing to assist others, and acts as a resource to team members and clients, where appropriate. Handles difficult or conflict situations constructively and seeks appropriate assistance. Accepts accountability and constructive feedback. Attends all mandatory meetings and staff meetings as required, and actively participates in other departmental professional development, including providing training and consultation. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with fellow employees, supervisors, managers in other departments, senior management, executive staff, and community stakeholders. Handles requests, suggestions, and complaints from other departments and individuals in a tactful and effective manner to maintain goodwill within the agency.
• WORKING
• CONDITIONS and
• JOB
• SETTING: Ability to occasionally or frequently stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms above the shoulders While performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit, walk, talk, and hear, use hands to keyboard, fingers, handle, and feel, stoop, kneel, crouch, twist, crawl, reach, and stretch. The employee is occasionally required to move around the office Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus May require travel, dependent on agency needs Can work under deadlines Performing general physical activities such as picking up, moving, and using objects, tools, or controls The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Physical Requirements Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle Ability to push, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds frequently. Ability to stand and move from one location to another daily. Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time Ability to visually focus on near and far items, and to be able to switch between them. Ability to reliably report to work on time and perform the position's required tasks as scheduled Ability to grasp and carry items Ability to hear and effectively communicate with co-workers, clients, and the public Ability to identify potential issues within the workplace, determine an appropriate means of avoiding and/or resolving the issues, work with others to address the issues, and carry out organized strategies for resolving and preventing similar issues in the future Ability to process information and data for use within the organization
• Benefits:
• Excellent
• Health benefits package for you and your family, including: Medical, dental, and vision benefits with 95% employee and 80% dependent employer premium contributions, and employer-paid life insurance. Vacation, 15 paid holidays, 12 paid sick days upon accrual Employee Assistance Plan to support you and your family’s well-being and finances
• Pet
• Plan
• Benefit: PetPlus Product and Prescription Discounts, Pet Assure Veterinary Discounts, AskVet 24/7 Pet Telehealth, and ThePetTag Lost Pet Recovery Service 403(b) retirement plan Work-life wellbeing & excellent work hours La Familia understands the importance of work-life balance! Our therapists enjoy flexible scheduling options, including hybrid work arrangements, to ensure high-quality client care while maintaining their well-being. License and Certification renewals reimbursed. Supportive/Collaborative work environment Opportunities for Growth and Professional Development We believe in growing together. As a team member, you’ll have access to structured mentorship and ongoing training. Whether you’re pursuing licensure or looking to specialize in clinical psychology, we support your growth every step of the way. This position is covered under the SEIU 1021 Collective Bargaining Agreement. In addition to the established base pay, members will receive negotiated annual increases as follows:
• January 2027: 3% base pay increase Future increases will be subject to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.