The Mental Health Therapist provides direct therapeutic services including assessments, individual, group and crisis counseling to current and past participants. This position assists in program development and operation while ensuring eligibility and program outcomes. The Mental Health Therapist is responsible for applying an intersectional, anti-racist, and equity lens to our work that lifts up and centers Black, Indigenous, People of Color, non-binary, and trans, and LGBTQ+ communities and youth. 
 
Learn more about YMCA Youth and Family Services programs CLICK HERE 
 
For more on Employee Perks, click on this link: Employee Benefits | YMCA of San Diego County (ymcasd.org)

WORK DESIGNATION:

• In-Person - City Heights
  • Please note that the work designation may change based on business needs.

PROGRAM SUMMARY:
This Mental Health Therapist position services clients in a Residential Housing Program & functions as the program's first line of clinical support. The clients are young adults between the ages of 16-22 who recently experienced homelessness and are currently living in a safe & stable housing situation as they continue to independently navigate their lives.

• Provide mental health services, consultation and advocacy services to participants and their families  
• Provide clinical assessment, evaluation, service plan development, case management, crisis intervention, collateral services, collect pre and post program data on program participants regarding satisfaction and progress, and other duties as necessary  
• Engages in marketing and program outreach to increase client participation in program  
• Maintain paper and electronic client and program records and reports; Review participant files as needed in order to ensure accuracy and proper documentation
• Educate service staff on mental health topics and facilitate treatment planning and case management goals; Provide mental health trainings to staff and participants  
• Provide information and referrals regarding other transitional program services, mental health, medication management and substance abuse to participants  
• Develop curriculum for partners through face-to-face meeting, presentation, phone call, email and participate in community resource fair
• Responsible for overseeing the collection of payments  
• Work independently and as a team member to create innovative ways to meet contract goals and provide a high level of service that is engaging and meets the needs of the participants  
• Perform other administrative tasks as assigned and assist with maintaining proper document storage and auditing  
• Participate in and attend all required staff meetings, trainings, YMCA staff development events, and appropriate agency-wide committees

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Must have access to reliable transportation to travel regularly throughout San Diego County  

• Master’s Degree in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Social Work (ASW) or Professional Clinical Counselor required
• Registered with California Board of Behavioral Science as an associate required
• California license eligible clinician with two years post-master’s degree experience preferred
• Experience working with children and families in a mental health setting preferred
• Basic computer knowledge and skills 

JOB COMPETENCIES: 

• Acute attention to detail coupled with the ability to see the big picture, risk-management capabilities and a can-do attitude  
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills  
• Must be self-aware, flexible, adaptable, and teachable  
• Ability to work in a very diverse setting with people of all backgrounds, culture and orientation  
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team  
• Demonstrate initiative, resourcefulness, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills with excellent follow through
• Must have demonstrated leadership, training, and public speaking skills  
• Strong organization skills with the ability to work in an environment of rapidly changing deadline
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical incidents and the physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency situation  
• Ability to adequately observe participants' activities, enforce safety regulations and apply appropriate policies and procedures 
• Must possess the ability to lead and interact in group activities and perform related physical skills
• Ability to work effectively with others in alignment with the YMCA 4 Core Values; Models the 4 Core Values in all aspects of position responsibilities 

PRE-HIRE CONTINGENCIES:

• Licensing, state law and our funders require that applicants of critical positions within Community Support Services be fingerprinted, prior to reporting to work, and include subsequent arrest notifications  
• Current CPR/AED, and First Aid Certification, must include Adult and Child/Infant, and must be from one of the following certifying organizations: American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety and Health Institute  
• Position may require additional clearances in order to comply with all program, licensing, state law, and funding requirements:  
  • Physical exam obtained prior to first day  
  • Negative TB test results obtained within the past one year, prior to first day, and annually thereafter, as required  
  • Pass pre-employment drug testing prior to first day  
  • Exclusion and Debarment checks prior to first day and monthly thereafter  
  • Must be 21 years of age or older with a valid CA Driver’s License, a good driving record and a current CDL H6 print-out (must be dated within 30 days of application) and pass vehicle proficiency exam