Mental Health Therapist – Specialty Mental Health Services – Bilingual Required

Position: Mental Health Therapist – Specialty Mental Health Services (SMHS)

Hours: Full Time

Overview:

Under immediate (I), moderate (II) or general supervision (III), provides clinical and/or administrative mental health services in a multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary environment. Services may include individual, family or group therapy; case management; interagency collaboration; and community engagement in alignment with Ventura County Behavioral Health’s Specialty Mental Health Services (VCBH-SMHS) and Interface Mental Health standards. This position reports to the assigned Clinical Services Manager and functions within the Interface Specialty Mental Health Services (SMHS) program, which operates under a contract with Ventura County Behavioral Health.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Mental Health Therapist I-SMHS (unlicensed) – is the entry/trainee level classification for newly registered or soon to be registered clinicians. Emphasis is on developing foundational clinical competencies, learning documentation practices, and becoming familiar with procedures, systems and expectations in a public community mental health setting. Staff in this role perform core clinical responsibilities outlined in the Examples of Duties section and work under immediate clinical supervision provided by a California Board of Behavioral Sciences Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Psychologist or Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Hourly Rate: unregistered – $27 / $28 bilingual – registered, under 1yr post grad – $30 / $31 bilingual

Mental Health Therapist II-SMHS (unlicensed) – is the journey-level classification for registered clinicians who have acquired at least one year of relevant post-graduate experience. Staff in this role demonstrate increased clinical independence, manage a caseload with moderate supervision, and consistently perform the core clinical duties outlined in the Examples of Duties section. Staff at this level may contribute to community engagement and interagency partnerships. Clinical supervision is provided by a California Board of Behavioral Sciences Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Psychologist or Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Hourly Rate: $34 / $35 bilingual

Mental Health Therapist III-SMHS (licensed) – is the advanced journey-level classification for licensed clinicians who demonstrate strong clinical judgment and the ability to manage a broader range of complex cases. Staff in this role are expected to provide a higher level of direct service delivery while performing all standard clinical responsibilities outlined in the Examples of Duties section. This level may serve in key roles within community partnerships and interagency collaboration efforts. This level may also support program development and serve as a resource for peers and newer clinicians. Staff who have been licensed for two or more years and have completed supervision training may also be eligible to receive a stipend for providing clinical supervision. Hourly Rate: $38 / $39 bilingual

Examples Of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Assess, evaluate, and provide mental health and/or co-occurring substance use services, including individual, group, and family therapy; rehabilitation; crisis intervention; intensive care coordination; and case management for youth with serious emotional disturbance. Services are delivered using culturally informed, client and family-centered, trauma responsive, strength-based, wellness and recovery models of care.
• Complete all clinical documentation in accordance with VCBH-SMHS and Interface standards, and maintain reimbursable service delivery (productivity) levels as defined by contract and department expectations.
• Collaborate with members of the multi-disciplinary team, including consumers and family members, to complete all required documentation in a timely manner, including entry into the SmartCare electronic health record in accordance with the VCBH-SMHS contract.
• Coordinate care and communicate with VCBH treatment teams, psychiatry, care coordinators, and other providers to support client and family access to behavioral health, medical, educational, and social services.
• Participate in required training on topics outlined in the VCBH/Interface contract, including but not limited to cultural competency, clinical documentation, compliance, treatment and service planning, case management, co-occurring disorders, and substance use.
• May provide administrative support services, including outreach and education on how to access and apply for state and federal programs (such as Medi-Cal); assist with intake and eligibility paperwork. Perform other related duties as required.

Qualification Guidelines – Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of: diagnosis, assessment, prognosis, treatment, rehabilitation and case management for individuals with serious mental illness, co-occurring substance use disorders, and/or youth with serious emotional disturbance; effective therapeutic techniques and evidence based modalities; psychosocial and cultural factors that influence mental health, wellness and service delivery; and administrative procedures related to the delivery of mental health services, including Medi-Cal, and relevant state and federal programs descriptions, treatment benefits, application processes.
• Ability to: establish and maintain effective working relationships as part of a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team; assess, treat and manage cases for individuals and families from ethnically and culturally diverse backgrounds; carry and maintain a caseload as assigned in accordance with VCBH contract expectations, including meeting documentation and service delivery requirements; communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including public presentations; Organize time and workload responsibilities efficiently and independently; Utilize agency and community resources to support client treatment and recovery; facilitate group meetings and psychoeducation with clients and/or caregivers; interpret and explain laws, regulations, and policies to clients, families and colleagues; and support the implementation of local, state, federal and mental health programs as applicable.

 Recruiting Standards & Education/Experience:

A Master’s degree in one of the following is required:

• Marriage & Family Counseling; Counseling Psychology; Clinical Psychology;
  Clinical Counseling; Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling; Social Work with an emphasis on Clinical Social Work; OR other equivalent Master’s degree from a college or university approved by the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Board of Behavioral Science Examiners; AND
• Must either be currently registered with the California Board of Behavioral Services (BBS) as a Associate Marriage and Family Therapist; Associate Clinical Social Worker; OR Associate Professional Clinical Counselor*; OR be within 90 days of completion of the requirements for graduation with a Master’s degree in a discipline as noted above; andFollowing graduation, provide documentation that an application for an intern or associates registration number has been submitted to the BBS.

*In order to qualify for this job classification as a California Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, applicants must meet one (1) of the following additional training and education requirements beyond the minimum training and education required for licensure: Six (6) semester units or nine (9) quarter units specifically focused on the theory and application of marriage and family therapy; OR A named specialization or emphasis area on the qualifying degree in marriage and family therapy; marital and family therapy; marriage, family and child counseling; or couple and family therapy.

Note: Proof of Master’s degree and BBS registration is required by date of hire or be within the 90 days of completion of the requirements for graduation with a Master’s degree, and as noted above.  If qualifying as a California Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, proof of meeting the criteria outlined above, which allows Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors in the State of California to provide counseling, assessment and treatment to couples and families, is also required by date of hire.

Other Requirements:

Candidates are required to have at time of hire and maintain a current California BBS registration number as a condition of continued employment, and malpractice insurance policy and to follow all CA BBS regulations according to license type. If pursing a California LPCC, individuals must successfully complete 500 hours of documented supervised experience working directly with couples, families, or children within six (6) years of initial registration as an Associate Professional Counselor as a condition of continued employment. Certain positions may require work experience with specific age groups such as children, adults, or older adults and/or related service types based on program and contract needs. Position is 90% on site at the Interface Oxnard and/or Santa Paula locations and is a M-F, 40hrs per week, 8hrs per day with three shifts ending at 7pm. Spanish/English bilingual skills preferred with incentive provided at $1.00 per hour upon completion of language certification. Each level includes a designated base rate aligned with the agency’s compensation structure and progression between roles. Successful background and criminal clearance required and maintained, including but not limited to California Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI, Child Abuse Index and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).  Proof of a valid California Driver’s License, reliable transportation, proof of automobile insurance (listed as covered), pass and maintain driving approval as required by our insurer.

Continuous review of BBS requirements and funder requirements may result in position descriptions update. When updated positional descriptions will be reviewed with incumbents.