Licensed Clinician

ABOUT LA CHEIM

La Cheim has been providing a robust continuum of care for nearly 50 years to help children and adults who were previously unreachable. Our non-public school, community mental health center, therapeutic behavioral services program, and Short-Term Residential Treatment Program offer educational and mental health services throughout Alameda and Contra Costa County.

Our team is made up of teachers, art therapists, counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists, RNs, social workers, MFTs, and mentors who are known for their caliber and compassion. They create life-changing experiences for those they serve. All La Cheim programs embrace and apply a Trauma-Informed approach to addressing emotional and behavioral issues.

By joining La Cheim you will be part of a supportive community serving an inspiration mission. You will enjoy rich benefits, valuable training and wellness opportunities, close support, and room to grow.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Clinical Therapist participates in the comprehensive intake and assessment process for youth placed at the STRTP. The therapist works with the MHRS and Head of Service to create an individualized service plan for short and long-term goals. The therapist aids in cultivating a working knowledge and relationship with relevant community resources to meet the essential needs of young adults.

The therapist will provide Mental Health Services including assessment, individual therapy, group therapy, collateral contact, plan development, individual and group rehabilitation, crisis intervention and targeted case management. The therapist will serve as a part of a multidisciplinary team responsible for providing mental health services to the clients.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Master’s degree in social work, marriage & family therapy, psychology, counseling psychology, or social psychology, with registration with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as an LCSW or ASCW, LMFT or AMFT, and LPCC or APCC.

Desired Qualifications:

• At least two years of progressive experience group homes and STRTPs.
• Experience working with at-risk, foster, and/or LGBTQ youth in a diverse community.
• Experience in service delivery to youth in residential settings.
• Knowledge of and commitment to Trauma Informed Care Principles.
• Working knowledge of Medi-Cal billing and EMRs.
• Ability to maintain focus on organizational vision while attending to necessary and appropriate details.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Collaborative work style, initiative, and flexibility.
• High integrity
• Previous experience interacting with youth in a collaborative manner utilizing and incorporating Trauma Informed Care Principles.
• Team orientated personality.

Additional Requirements:

• Clearances of TB test, physical exam, FBI and DOJ, and other mandatory State/Federal requirements.
• Valid California Driver’s License.
• Maintain active car insurance coverage.
• Report suspected neglect or abuse as a Mandated Reporter.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Provide crisis prevention, intervention, and safety planning services as needed while adhering to laws pertaining to confidentiality, reporting requirements, and maintaining necessary compliance documentation.
• Deliver Specialty Mental Health Services at the STRTP including therapy and facilitating groups..
• Work collaboratively with Head of Services, MHRS and other mental health professionals.
• Complete Needs and Service Plans (NSPs) in a timely fashion and in accordance with CCL and CCR regulations, as well as make necessary updates.
• Conducts individual therapy with each resident assigned at least one time per week and as necessary.
• Inputs all therapy/service notes into the EHR within 72 hours of service date.
• Formulates Needs and Service Plans (NSP), quarterly evaluations and prepares all treatment reports for each resident on their caseload and submits to the HOS.
• Completes the Initial Intake/NSP for all residents entering the facility within 7 days of arrival and submit to the HOS.
• Complete all resident Exit reports within 48 hours of their exit date and submit to the HOS.
• When possible, will carry a caseload of six, leaving time to do "check-ins" for any youth who receive therapeutic services from outside providers (e.g. Department of Behavioral Health).
• Meets with HOS, House Managers, Administrators, staff, and residents weekly to ensure that the Mental Health Team is meeting the needs of the residents, staff, and management of each STRTP facility (MH Team meeting).
• Facilitates and implements an overall treatment plan and NSP for each resident on his/her caseload with assistance from the treatment team.
• Conducts group and/or family therapy when required.
• Provides ongoing training, guidance, and support to staff on mental health practices, therapeutic interventions, trauma-informed care, behavioral health management, and other relevant clinical and educational topics.
• Attends Supervision by a Licensed Mental Health Provider weekly, i.e., LMFT, LCSW, etc.
• Meets with Social Worker, Probation Officer, School officials, or other members of the resident’s support team as needed.
• Develop and participate in Child and Family Teams.
• Provide assistance in case planning and consultation to team members on clinical issues, as well as casework issues, as appropriate.
• Participates in emergency intervention plans.
• Ensures the rights of residents and staff are respected.
• Completes all documentation in line with Medi-Cal, agency, county, and state requirements.
• Develops an emotional bond with the youth and helps youth succeed in life to meet new goals.
• Develops coping, communication and self-regulation skills in youth.
• Develops independent living skills that foster self-esteem, self-advocacy and empowerment.
• Encourages youth to stay in school, assists with homework and helps cultivate academic skills.
• Identifies behaviors and evaluates to assess the need for services.
• Provides activities that require group interaction.
• Provide psychoeducation/training to facility staff on youth’s mental health needs.
• Participate in team meetings ensuring that these meetings follow the established format.
• Maintain the upkeep and accuracy of client charting.
• May serves as the facility’s designated Head of Service.

Ensure Licensing Compliance

• Maintains complete and accurate understanding of current STRTP licensing standards, CARF accreditation standards, and all other laws, standards, and regulations applicable to the STRTP.
• As directed by the Continuous Quality Improvement Committee, collect information on an ongoing basis to aid in quality improvement measures to improve policies, practices, and client satisfaction.

Communication

• Review All County Letters (ACLs) and Provider Information Notices (PINs) and share pertinent information with the clinical mental health team.
• Ensure that significant clinical information is communicated, in a timely fashion, with all involved team members including school personnel, administration, mental health staff, and STRTP staff.
• Ensure that the Head of Service and Administration are informed of any critical incidents related to the STRTP.

Other Duties

• Provide general supervision of clients in accordance with the policies of the facility and Trauma Informed Principles.
• Support the needs of the clients in a culturally and linguistically responsible manner.
• Proactively support the maintenance of an inclusive and respectful working environment.
• Provides verbal and non-verbal crisis de-escalation and intervention for clients.
• Employees are expected to be flexible and responsive to changes in the scope of duties.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Complete all required trainings as assigned
• Attend all mandatory meetings
• Meet regularly for individual oversight with supervisor(s)
• Other duties may be required as La Cheim continues its development. Employees are expected to be flexible and responsive to changes in the scope of duties.
• Understand and embody La Cheim's philosophy, organizational culture, and communication channels by practicing a collaborative approach.
• Complete any additional tasks assigned by the Supervisor, Department Head, and/or CEO