Mental Health Specialist - Inglewood

Description

Mental Health Specialist

The Mental Health Specialist implements mental health and substance abuse services to a caseload of 19 veterans currently experiencing homelessness. The Mental Health Specialist provides short-term individual counseling, group counseling, case management, intake and assessment, advocacy and referrals. 

FLSA Classification: Non Exempt

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical case management and short-term individual therapy utilizing a harm reduction approach
• Provide substance abuse counseling services for veterans who request them
• Provide crisis counseling and risk assessment
• Assist veteran residents to meet program goals regarding Housing Retention, Increased Skills or Income, connection with Mainstream Resources, Payment of Rent, and Money Management
• Facilitate connection to recreational activities
• Conduct groups weekly
• Provide community-based support, including transporting veterans in a company van, when appropriate
• Meet all contractual and programmatic goals and outcomes
• Collaborate and coordinate treatment with various VA providers
• Complete all required program documentation, including intakes, progress notes, group notes, psychosocial assessment, monthly treatment plans, data for in-house reports, correspondence, etc. within the assigned timeframe
• Assist with residential program-related responsibilities, such a as meal preparation, conducting wellness checks, answering the door and phones, and medication reminders
• Conduct a monthly community meeting in conjunction with the Property Manager
• Attend required meetings and training
• Maintain after hours availability for veteran emergencies
• Other duties as assigned by management

Qualifications

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required, Masters in Social Work, Psychology or Counseling from an accredited college or university preferred, or a Master’s Degree that meets the education requirements for a Marriage and Family Therapist or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor license issues by the California Department of Consumer Affairs Board of Behavioral Science Examiners Clinical License preferred but not required.

• Two (2) years of experience providing direct mental health services to persons experiencing homelessness, substance abuse and mental health diagnosis.

• Experience providing services within a harm reduction and motivational interviewing framework to persons actively using substances.

• Knowledge and application of the DSM V

• Working understanding of the needs of persons experiencing homeless ness with an emphasis on mental health, especially trauma and readjustment issues

• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques

• Experience providing individual and group psychotherapy to persons with mental health, concurrent substance abuse and medical conditions.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution, crisis intervention, and quality assurance.

• Good listening skills

• Ability to be a team player and be a role model for clients and staff.

• Computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications

• Ability to walk up and down stairs and sitting for long periods of time.

• Must be able to perform all functions of the position within what would be considered reasonable accommodation.

• Must be able to communicate effectively with a variety of personalities and be comfortable working with an at-risk client population, including embracing the agency’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiative

• Valid California Driver’s license, clean driving record

• Ability to pass Food Handler’s Course upon hire 

Salary : $23 - $26