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-Escondido
  • Please note that the work designation may change based on business needs.

PROGRAM SUMMARY: 

TAY Services: We are dedicated to empowering transition-age youth (TAY) who face significant challenges, such as homelessness, abuse, and other obstacles, by guiding them toward healthy, successful adulthood. The transition to adulthood is a crucial developmental stage, and it becomes even more difficult when a young person lacks a strong support network and encounters multiple barriers. Our innovative and impactful programs provide a safe, welcoming environment where these young individuals can thrive.

TAY Drop-in Centers: We offer safe, inclusive, youth-led drop-in resource centers throughout North County San Diego, dedicated to supporting transition-age youth (TAY). Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of, and sensitivity to, the trauma many of the youth we serve have experienced. The young people who access our services come from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. TAY Drop-in services go beyond meeting basic needs—they also provide vital support for higher-level needs, such as clinical services, resource navigation, and housing assistance. We emphasize employment, education, and connecting youth to safe housing options.

• Provide individual, family and crisis counseling to participants and facilitate groups to current and former participants;
• Provide clinical assessment, evaluation, service plan development, case management, crisis intervention, collateral services, and other duties as necessary  
• Educate service staff on mental health topics and facilitate treatment planning and case management goals   
• Provide information and referrals regarding other transitional program services, mental health, medication management and substance abuse to participants   
• 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  
• Complete counseling intake and psychosocial assessments of all participants  
• Maintain case records, records to facilitate data collection material, and other confidential material; Maintain collateral contact with outside therapy providers as needed; Collect pre and post program data on program participants regarding satisfaction and progress  
• Foster environments that promote reflective thinking, mistakes as lessons to guide change, and adaptions to programs and approaches; Through a relationally responsive management style, provide a strong, collaborative, and intentional day-to-day collaborative presence; support collaborative results and rest driven culture; Apply a creative problem-solving lens with the ability to be flexible and adapt to different personalities, work styles, and a growing, changing organization  
• Collaborate with outside agencies/institutions and other community-based services to ensure continuity of care  
• 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 

• 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:

• Must be self-aware, flexible, adaptable, and teachable 
• Experience with working with adolescents and families 
• Must be able to multitask and have good organizational skills 
• Must be able to work as part of a team 
• Ability to work with a culturally diverse community 
• 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 
• This position required sitting and inputting on a computer for extended periods of time 

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   
• CPR/AED, and First Aid Certification, must include Adult and Child/Infant, within 30 days of hire, 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 

YMCA will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the San Diego County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the YMCA is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Ordinance by visiting the San Diego County Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement.