JOB DESCRIPTION
Title: Therapist (LMFT/LCSW)
Department/Division: Social Services
Status: Part-Time
Salary: Contract
Supervisor: Social Services Director
Subordinates: Not Applicable
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Part-Time Therapist provides trauma-informed and culturally responsive behavioral health services for the Pala Band of Mission Indians’ Social Services Department. The Therapist delivers crisis intervention, short-term stabilization, and therapeutic support for tribal members and community residents. This position requires collaboration with multi-disciplinary staff, cultural healers, community partners, and outside agencies to ensure effective and confidential care for individuals and families.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide individual, family, and group therapy with emphasis on trauma-informed care and crisis intervention.
- Conduct clinical assessments, develop treatment plans, and maintain documentation in compliance with federal, state, and tribal standards.
- Participate in crisis response, including on-call rotation for field-based and telehealth interventions.
- Collaborate with mobile crisis staff and cultural healers to integrate clinical and culturally grounded approaches.
- Support program development, grant compliance, and accurate data collection/reporting.
- Provide consultation and training to staff on behavioral health best practices, crisis protocols, and culturally competent service delivery.
- Maintain ethical practice, confidentiality, and HIPAA compliance at all times.
- Represent the department in professional meetings, trainings, and community events.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, CERTIFICATIONS AND ABILITIES:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to establish rapport and maintain effective working relationships with tribal members, colleagues, service providers, and government agencies.
- Commitment to Tribal values, culture, and philosophy.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention.
- Ability to manage high-stress situations with sound judgment.
- Experience working with individuals facing addiction, mental health, and related challenges.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, case management systems, and data tracking tool
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree in Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, or a related behavioral health field.
- Licensed in California as LMFT or LCSW (required).
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience in therapy, crisis response, or behavioral health settings.
- Knowledge of federal, state, and tribal behavioral health regulations and standards.
- Experience working with Native American populations preferred.
- Supervisory or leadership experience a plus.
- Bilingual skills (English or Native language) preferred.
- Must successfully pass a Fingerprint-based background check of potential employees, volunteers, and contractors pursuant to Public Law 101-630 - Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act.
- Must acknowledge and agree to maintain a drug-free workplace (including marijuana) as a condition of employment Must pass pre-employment and random drug testing during employment.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
All employees are expected to follow the Tribal Employee Handbook of the Pala Band of Mission Indians and must adhere to any additional applicable addendums.
HOW TO APPLY
PLEASE SUBMIT A RESUME AND/OR APPLICATION TO:
Pala Band of Mission Indians
Human Resources Department
PMB#50 35008 Pala Temecula Road
Pala, CA 92059
http://www.palatribe.com/community/jobs/
