Lead Clinician - CARES

Job DetailsJob Location: Community Outreach - Fuller - Hayward, CA 94541Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: Graduate DegreeSalary Range: $95,000.00 - $95,004.00 Salary/yearTravel Percentage: Up to 50% Job Shift: AnyJob 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:

The Lead Clinician provides clinical leadership and direct mental health services to individuals participating in CARES Reentry and Respite programs, adult populations impacted by justice involvement, community violence, and behavioral health crises.

This role is responsible for delivering and guiding short-term, stabilization-focused mental health services to individuals transitioning from incarceration, hospitalization, or acute emotional distress. The Lead Clinician supports clients experiencing crises, conducts timely assessments, and collaborates closely with case managers, supervisors, and community partners to ensure coordinated, effective care.

The Lead Clinician plays a key role in crisis response, clinical consultation, and care coordination, helping to stabilize clients, reduce risk of re-hospitalization or re-incarceration, and promote successful reintegration into the community. The Lead Clinician will report to the program supervisor.

This role will uphold and champion the agency’s mission, vision, and values and contribute to a collaborative and inclusive work culture. 

The schedule for this role is Wednesday-Sunday 8:00a.m. - 8:00 p.m. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Direct Clinical Services (Reentry & Respite Focus)

Conduct rapid clinical assessments of clients presenting with mental health crises, reentry needs, or acute psychosocial stressors
Provide short-term, stabilization-focused therapy and interventions, including crisis intervention, emotional regulation, and problem-solving support
Respond to urgent situations by supporting de-escalation, safety planning, and stabilization in community and respite settings
Work collaboratively with staff to create safe, calm environments that support client stabilization
Co-develop individualized stabilization and reentry plans, including next steps, goals, and linkage to community resources
Provide ongoing follow-up to ensure successful connections to services and continuity of care
Support clients transitioning from incarceration or institutional settings in navigating behavioral health, housing, and social service systems
Facilitate warm hand-offs and referrals to internal and external providers, including behavioral health, substance use, medical, and community-based services
Deliver services in a culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and harm reduction framework

Clinical Leadership & Team Support

Serve as a clinical lead and consultant to case managers and program staff on complex cases, crisis situations, and care planning
Support staff in applying motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, and evidence-based practices
Assist in coordinating crisis responses across team members and programs
Model effective engagement strategies for high-risk and hard-to-engage clients
Provide guidance on risk assessment, documentation, and appropriate clinical interventions

Care Coordination & Reentry Support

Collaborate closely with reentry staff, probation/parole (as applicable), and community partners to support client stability
Assist clients in identifying barriers to reintegration and accessing critical resources (housing, employment, benefits, healthcare)
Ensure coordination between respite services and longer-term treatment providers
Promote continuity of care through follow-up, documentation, and communication across systems

Other

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