Lead Mental Health Therapist - Integrated Mobile Health Team

Company Description

Background

Since 1976, St. Joseph Center has been meeting the needs of low-income and homeless individuals and families in Venice, Santa Monica, Mar Vista, and surrounding communities.  The Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization that assists people without regard for religious affiliation or lack thereof through comprehensive case management and integrated social service programs.  The Center enjoys broad-based community support as well as a sponsored relationship with its founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.  St. Joseph Center serves approximately 6,000 individuals annually.

Brief Description of Principal Activities

Multifaceted intervention, prevention, and education services are carried out at four sites on the Westside of Los Angeles.  St. Joseph Center’s integrated programs provide clients with concentrated and coordinated access to services according to the nature of their needs.

Job Description

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Program Manager, supports and coordinates multidisciplinary and ancillary support staff in the provision of mental health services to clients. Conducts intakes and assessments in addition to managing intake referrals. Ensures the delivery of quality care in accordance to the rules and regulations established by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health as well as adhering to the mission of St. Joseph Center.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Lead Mental Health Specialist’s key areas of responsibility include:

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Conduct initial intake interviews; collect and complete all required agency and Department of Mental Health documents.
• Under the supervision of Program Manager, provide individual weekly supervision to BA level staff and peer staff
• Oversee the timely submission of required DMH documentation and outcomes for supervisees

Essential Duties:

• Perform outreach and respond to referrals to assess client eligibility for program.
• Identify the potential needs for clients, including linkage to substance abuse treatment, medication, medical treatment, legal counseling, housing, public/private conservatorship, vocational assessment and training and/or any other needs.
• Conduct group therapy as needed.
• Assist with coordinating services with multidisciplinary team (case manager, peer advocate, medical team, and psychiatrist).
• Participate in meetings with collaborative agencies and other community meetings as directed by Program Manager.
• In absence of program manager, takes on essential daily duties (i.e. lead team meeting, provide consultations as needed).

Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. The duties and responsibilities listed are designed to provide typical examples of the work performed; not all duties and responsibilities assigned are included here, nor is it expected that all similar positions will be assigned every duty and responsibility.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Must be highly motivated and a self-starter. The ability to communicate with and relate to a diverse group of people including clients, community, and other staff. Must have excellent organizational skills and the capability to work in a fast paced environment.
• Candidates must have demonstrated knowledge of case management principles and intervention techniques specific to hard-to-reach, difficult to serve populations.
• The ability to conduct home and field visits.
• A bilingual background is a desirable.

Experience:

• Two years of experience with providing mental health services working with homeless populations.

Education:

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in social work, human services or a related field. Must be registered with the Board of Behavioral Services.

Direct Reports:

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Ability to use widely supported internet browsers.

Certificates, Licenses and Registrations:

• Required: CA BBS registered MSW, MFT
• Valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
• Valid automobile liability insurance.

Travel Requirements:

• Travel to meet with clients as needed.
• Travel to meetings at multiple St. Joseph Center sites and at community partner locations as needed.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential