Mental Health Intake Assessor/Therapist - AARS LWC

Job Overview

This is a union position.

Asian American Recovery Services (AARS) Lee Woodward Counseling Center for Women (LWCC) is an outpatient program that provides integrated substance use and mental health services for women who reside in San Francisco. Our counseling approach is trauma-informed, harm reduction and strengths-based. Services include individual, group and case management services as well as yoga, parenting support and childcare. Our goals are to provide a safe and respectful counseling space for women from all walks of life and to reduce the impact of substance use and mental health conditions that lead to healthy, meaningful lives.

The Mental Health Intake Assessor/Therapist at LWCC works collaboratively with the Program Director, AARS Outreach and Prevention Department, HealthRIGHT360 Intake Department as well as other Community Providers and Resources to assess and connect clients to the level of treatment that is appropriate for them.  They will conduct SUD Intakes and mental health screenings and complete Level of Care Assessments for clients seeking placement to LWCC or other HealthRIGHT360 Outpatient programs.  They will also manage a small caseload of individual SUD and MH therapy clients and facilitate Group Sessions.

Key Responsibilities

Mental Health Intake Assessor/Therapist responsibilities: In collaboration with the Program Director, AARS Outreach and Prevention Department, HealthRIGHT360 Intake Department and other Community Providers, primarily responsible for conducting SUD Intakes and mental health screenings for clients seeking placement to Project ADAPT or other HealthRIGHT360 Outpatient programs.  Conduct Level of Care Assessments and ensure clients are assessed to the appropriate level of care and provides diagnostic feedback and assessment information to the Clinical Team once placed.  Also manage a small SUD and MH caseload as well as facilitate Group Sessions.

Clinical Responsibilities:  Provides SUD Intake/mental health assessments and evaluations as well as   integrated individual and group alcohol and drug counseling, and mental health therapy.  Provides culturally competent services using harm reduction and trauma informed principles.  Identifies treatment needs, recommends treatment plans based on assessment, and works to ensure clients are able meet all requirements.  Serves as the point of contact and coordinates referrals and follow-ups with other agencies.  Handles crisis interventions and assesses situations for further needs.  Maintains a small caseload of clients providing substance use and mental health treatment.  Maintains a productivity target of 24 hours of billable services per week.

Administration and compliance: Monitors reports daily to prevent and clear any compliance errors in client charts.  Maintains client charts in accordance with governing standards and regulations (Drug Medi-Cal).  Maintain records and documents services in a timely manner.  Maintains strict confidentiality guidelines regarding all clients, conversations and referrals.  Complies with Board requirements for license registration/renewal.

Treatment Setting Responsibilities: Coordinates intake planning and warm handoff with client’s SUD Counselor and assists with answering any of the client’s questions about engaging in treatment.  Facilitates groups using evidence-based strategies on a variety of core curriculum such as CBT, Seeking Safety, DBT and Relapse Prevention. Coordinates discharge planning with client’s SUD Counselor.  Provides consultation to staff regarding symptom management, mental health conditions and crisis intervention strategies.  Attends staff and agency meetings.  Participates in agency trainings as required.

Documentation Responsibilities: Completes all Intake Assessments and required paperwork, including Level of Care Assessment, within timeline established by HealthRight360 to ensure compliance with Medi-Cal and County standards.  For Individual SUD and MH caseload, conducts assessments, develops treatment plans, completes release and consent forms and discharge paperwork in a timely manner.  In addition, completes assigned Drug Medi-Cal, Mental Health documentation and billing.  Documents all delivered individual and group services in various electronic systems in accordance with guidelines established by HealthRIGHT360 to satisfy internal and external evaluating requirements.

And, other duties as assigned.

Education and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

•    Board Registered or Licensed as a LMFT/AMFT, LCSW/ASW, LPCC, APC or Psychologist/Registered Psychologist.     
•    Minimum two years of experience in dual diagnosis substance abuse treatment in an inpatient or outpatient community mental health setting.     
•    Ability to work with a diverse population and open to learning and understanding different perspectives.     
•    Experience conducting mental health assessments and providing appropriate diagnoses.     
•    Experience with Mental Health Medi-Cal procedures.     
•    Demonstrated clinical paperwork, timely record keeping abilities and dual-entry in EHR systems.     
•    Familiarity with Drug Medi-Cal and ASAM Criteria is a Plus.     
•    Knowledge/familiarity of AVATAR is a Plus.     

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

In compliance with the California Department of Public Health's mandate, all employees must be able to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Medical and religious exemptions are available.

Tag: IND100.