Lead Behavioral Health Counselor

@Orchard LLC is seeking compassionate and experienced Independently Licensed Lead Behavioral Health Counselors to join our client’s team in support of a federal client in El Centro, CA. This role is open to US Citizens ONLY. The Lead Behavioral Counselor position supports unaccompanied minors. In this role, you will primarily supervise a dedicated team of clinical counselors, focused on helping unaccompanied minors. You will also work with the minors to identify opportunities for progress, help them build healthier coping mechanisms, and develop strategies that they can use to improve their lives.

To be successful in this role, you must have previously led a team of counselors. You must have excellent communication skills. You will have a strong understanding of the distinct types of issues that these minors may be facing, what typically causes them, and how they can best be resolved. If you believe that you possess the qualifications necessary to excel in this role, we would love to see your resume.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise a dedicated team of Behavioral Health Counselors (BHCs), assisting in the hiring process, delegating work assignments, provide guidance and decision support regarding child well-being.
• Work directly with location Points of Contact to ensure efficient and effective service delivery, coordination, and transition
• Monitor and assure service delivery per contract requirements, immediately escalating any concerns related to meeting requirements or service delivery
• Mentor CWB Specialists to optimize performance, continue growth and development, and ensure professional standards are maintained
• Responsible for ensuring counselor compliance with government and professional licensing/certification and ongoing training requirements
• Prepare reports and provide written and oral briefings to management and government representatives as required
• Perform other duties, responsibilities, and activities as needed in support of the unaccompanied minors, counselor, or the contract, such as:
• Conduct focused assessments for individuals to screen for symptoms, to conduct a formal behavioral status exam to determine the need for crisis intervention related to human trafficking and similar trauma issues
• Apply knowledge of the best practices for treating a variety of problems that unaccompanied children may be experiencing
• Coordinate with management on reporting requirements, implementing initiatives, and responding to requests for information
• Provide focused intervention for identified higher-risk minors
• Educate patients on the problems they are facing and help them to develop healthier coping methods for dealing
• Maintain detailed notes and shift reports

REQUIREMENTS

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Candidate must hold and maintain a valid unrestricted, independent counseling license in the state where services are rendered. Typical licenses include LPC, LCSW, LMFT, LCPC, LMHC, and Psychologist (PhD or PsyD).
• Master’s degree in social work, plus 2 years of postgraduate direct service delivery experience or a Master’s degree or Ph.D. in counseling, psychology, sociology, or other relevant behavioral science in which clinical experience, plus 2 years of postgraduate direct service delivery experience.
• 5 years of working experience post full licensure in child development, culturally aware and trauma-centered care, and performing clinical evaluations in direct engagement with children and their families. Experience in an immigration setting is strongly preferred. Candidates must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license within the state(s) where services are rendered.
• 2 years of management experience leading and supervising staff.
• Must successfully pass all pertinent and required background checks, drug screens, and child abuse and neglect checks
• Bilingual highly preferred – primarily Spanish
• Excellent interpersonal skills and high standards of professionalism and confidentiality
• Working knowledge of state, federal, and local laws, and resources.

Compensation is determined by experience and capabilities with a salary range of $92-$104k expected for this role.