Mental Health Practitioner

The Mental Health Practitioner provides counseling services to children and family members; evaluates needs of behaviorally/emotionally challenged children within the program and develops and implements therapeutic treatment plan or other plans; and carries out programs to enable children to attain maximum achievement and adjustment. Provides supervision to and evaluation of caseworkers; provides guidance to classroom staff for successful treatment processes.

Come join CommUnify’s team! Our agency provides employees with a positive work environment and the ability to balance work & home along with excellent benefits. Our benefit package includes: medical, dental, vision, life insurance including sick, vacation, and personal leave with 11 paid holidays and a fully vested retirement plan with an up to 5% match.

Position is full-time with full benefits and starts out between $68,640 - $70,720 annually. Position located in Santa Barbara and will serve the Santa Barbara, Goleta, Carpinteria area.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervision of Family Wellness (Mental Health) Caseworkers is the Practitioner’s responsibility.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Other duties may be assigned.

1. Conducts diagnostic studies to identify child's needs, limitations, and potentials, observing child in classroom and at play, studying school records, consulting with parents and teaching staff, and administering and interpreting diagnostic findings.

1. Observes children to detect indications of abnormal physical or mental behavior.

1. Analyzes information collected to determine advisability of counseling or referral to other specialists, programs or agencies.

1. Reviews results of tests to evaluate child’s needs. Confers with and advises parents to secure their understanding of and cooperation in the treatment plan. Educates families regarding diagnosis, prognosis treatment and rehabilitation process.

1. Develops and administers individual therapeutic treatment plans to assist children in controlling disorders and other problems. Guides caseworkers and classroom staff in treatment plan implementation.

1. Discusses progress toward goals with family.

1. Consults with other treatment providers as appropriate to ensure appropriate services are being provided. Conducts exercises, counseling groups, and family counseling during clinical therapy sessions.

1. Refers children and families to supportive services to supplement treatment and counseling.

1. Reviews notes and information collected to identify problems and concerns.

1. Consults reference material such as textbooks, manuals, and journals, to identify symptoms, make diagnoses, and develop therapeutic or treatment plan.

1. Completes required documentation, maintains client charts adhering to Medi-Cal, HIPAA and contractual regulations.

1. Functions as site administrator for Family Wellness Program for that region, directly responsible to the Family Wellness Program Manager.

1. Provides administrative and clinical supervision to and evaluation of Family Wellness (Mental Health) Caseworkers.

1. Reviews caseworker’s notes for accuracy and Medi-Cal and contract compliance.

1. Participates in quality assurance and program evaluation studies.

1. Provides training and consultation, as appropriate, in areas of expertise to case workers, staff and parents.

1. Has strong interpersonal and communication skills that foster respect, teamwork, trust, clarity and collaboration with the client, their family, caseworkers, Head Start staff, other practitioners/supervisors, Program managers and other CAC administrative staff.

1. Role models maintenance of confidentiality of client, family, and staff information.

1. Organizes schedule, prioritizes responsibilities, and manages time effectively to complete assessments, treatment plans, client/family counseling, progress notes and supervisory/administrative duties.

20. Maintains an acceptable productivity standard of 50-60% billable time by the end of the probationary period and ongoing after that time.

21. Works cooperatively within the agency structure interpreting, reviewing, and adapting agency policies/procedures to improve the administration and programming of Family Wellness.

22. Is flexible and adaptable when other duties and responsibilities are assigned and delivers services wherever necessary.

23. Completes monthly reports to Family Wellness Program Manager for Children Services and Family & Youth Services Directors.

24. Attend program-related meetings as necessary and/or directed by Family Wellness Program Manager.

Required Knowledge, Skill & Ability 

Education and/or Experience: MA or MS in a behavioral science field with understanding of early childhood development; two years related experience in early childhood issues; has strong observation, assessment, treatment planning and psychotherapeutic skills; is eager to learn and is open/accepting of feedback for personal and professional growth.

Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. The ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals. The ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, volume and billing units. The ability to apply algebraic concepts and formulas.

Reasoning Ability: The ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills: To perform this position successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Internet software; Spreadsheet software and Word Processing software.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) or Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license. A valid California Driver's license with current auto insurance is required.

Other Skills and Abilities: Ability to speak Spanish is either highly desirable or required. Skilled in working with young children and families.

Other Qualifications: Some out-of-office travel required routinely with region. May travel within County about 10% of the time. Also requires knowledge of HIPAA and Medi-Cal compliance requirements. Provide verification of State required vaccines upon hire for: Influenza (from August 1 to December 1), Pertussis, and Measles. Acceptable verifications include immunization record and physician statement. Exceptions to vaccinations: Flu can be waived by completing annual waiver.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this position the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: While performing the duties of this position the employee is occasionally exposed to outside-weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

CommUnify, EOE