The Licensed Mental Health Therapist provides direct therapeutic services including assessments, individual, family, group and crisis counseling to current and past participants. This position assists in program development and operations while ensuring client eligibility and program outcomes. The Licensed Mental Health Therapist is responsible for program documentation, paperwork and maintenance of clinical charts. 

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) 

SCHEDULE: 

• This position is Monday – Friday, 9:00AM – 5:00PM with occasional evenings based on client needs 

WORK DESIGNATION:

• In-Person at our North Park office 
  
  • Travel throughout San Diego County based on programmatic need
  • Must attend monthly licensed consultation meetings
  • Please note that the work designation may change based on business needs.

PROGRAM SUMMARY: 

We are launching a nature-informed Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) for young adults, integrating Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), somatic practices, and trauma-informed care. The program emphasizes experiential modalities, nervous system regulation, and healing through connection with nature.

We’re seeking a mental health therapist to provide direct services to clients and:

• Delivering group and individual therapy using; DBT, somatic practices and healing experiences in green spaces, including guided nature walks and outdoor mindfulness practices
• Supporting policy and process development for Joint Commission accreditation and compliance
• Collaborating with a culturally responsive, forward-thinking team

Ideal candidates bring DBT knowledge, and a passion for innovative, nature-immersive mental health care.

• 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 a behavioral science or related field required  
• Licensed by the State of California Board of Behavioral Sciences; Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) required
• Must be 21 years of age or older 
• Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience working with children, adolescents, young adults and/or adults and their families providing mental health services, including individual, family therapy, risk management, crisis intervention, and case management required  
• Experience providing mental health services for children and youth to access various services including, education and social services
• Intermediate computer knowledge and skills
• Experience with group therapy facilitation in milieu setting preferred
• Knowledge of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) preferred

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 deadlines  
• 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 will require additional clearances in order to comply with all program, licensing, state law, and funding requirements:  
  
  • Negative TB test results obtained within the past one year, prior to first day, and annually thereafter, as required  
  • Exclusion and Debarment checks prior to first day and monthly thereafter  

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.