Lead Associate Clinician

Description

Description

Position Title:  Lead Associate Clinician

Program: Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services

Classification: Non-Exempt, Full-Time

Salary:   $31.50-$33.00 per hour; Commensurate with Experience

This position requires Credentialing

Summary and Range of Authority: Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Lead Clinician provides clinical supervision to the program’s team of paraprofessionals and also performs brief, goal-oriented psychotherapy with individuals, families, and groups. 0.60 FTE will be direct clinical service and 0.40 FTE will be administrative; this may vary depending on work load and demand.

Administrative Duties and Responsibilities (40%):

• Provide clinical supervision to the program’s team of paraprofessionals.
• Assist in overseeing and  guiding the professional development of paraprofessionals.
• Work as part of a  multidisciplinary team to ensure that clients and families receive needed intensive case management, substance use counseling, and/or additional  rehabilitative services provided by paraprofessionals.
• Conduct community outreach  activities, including outreach to schools, physical health care providers,  faith-based organizations, and other community organizations. Provide educational trainings on mental health as requested by community providers or directed by Program Manager or Director.
• Assist in training of  staff/volunteers as directed by Program Manager or Director.
• Provide administrative support  to the Program Manager and assist with improving overall program      efficiencies and workflow.
• Create, organize, file, and  maintain program forms, public resources, and community contacts.
• Assist with monitoring completion  of staff training and sending reminders about training requirements when  appropriate.
• Assist in ensuring compliance  with all County and State regulations guiding the delivery of services,  including those specified in the County of San Diego’s Organizational  Provider Operations Handbook, and those requirements specified in UPAC’s  contract with the County.
• Provide assistance with agency  and program audits.
• Assist in acquisition and  maintenance of program inventory, including therapeutic supplies.
• Provide minor IT support and      operational support of SmartCare EHR system if able or request for service.
• Other duties and responsibilities as requested by Program Manager or Director.

Clinical Duties and Responsibilities (60%):

• Perform brief, goal-oriented psychotherapy with individuals, families and groups, in schools, office, homes, and/or other community-based settings.
• Maintain weekly productivity goal of 792 min.
• Perform assessment and intervention services in crisis situations.
• Function as member of a multidisciplinary team and participate in assessment,  diagnosis, treatment, and discharge planning.
• Provide intensive case management and coordination of individual client cases and refer out to other ancillary services or community agencies as appropriate.
• Be  a point of contact for warm referrals, attend warm handover meetings, and schedule 

Intake assessments as needed. Complete intake assessments in the event of overflow of program referrals and urgent cases.

• Provide clinical coverage in the event of therapist absences or departures.
• Participate  in staff meetings, treatment team meetings, clinical supervision as  required, case conferences, training, utilization reviews, and other quality assurance activities.
• Assist  in coordinating program referrals, including screening, documenting, and following up with referrals.
• Prepare medical records of services rendered including psychiatric history, mental status examinations, progress notes, treatment plans, quality assurance, and others.
• Utilization of SmartCare Electronic Health Record system.
• Some  evening work required.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

Required Education, Certifications/Licenses and Language/Cultural Skills:

• Master’s degree (or higher) in Social Work, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, or Counseling from an accredited college or university with major work in clinical practice.
• Current registration in good standing with the State of California as a licensed or registered associate social worker (LCSW/ASW), marriage and family therapist (LMFT/AMFT), professional clinical counselor (LPCC/APCC), or clinical psychologist. 
• At least two years’ experience in community-based mental health service setting.

Minimum Experience and Qualifications Required:

• Knowledge and experience in working with children, adolescents, and families in      multicultural settings.
• Knowledge  of theory and practice of psychotherapy, as well as principles and      practice of community mental health, including principles and practices as      it relates to integrated behavioral health services.
• Must  have strong understanding of billing and documentation guidelines for      Medi-Cal.
• Must  have understanding of cultural competency and knowledge of how stigma and      discrimination interfere with access to mental health services.
• Excellent  organizational and time management skills with strong attention to detail,      ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritize and      successfully bring them to fruition.
• Ability  to maintain strict confidentiality with regard to sensitive or proprietary      information or materials.
• Ability to prepare written reports and records of services rendered.
• Intermediate to advanced level of computer literacy and experience using office      productivity software (i.e., word processor, spreadsheets, database,      PowerPoint and email programs).
• Good  interpersonal skills and ability to work well in a multicultural      environment, including tact, diplomacy, patience, and professionalism in working      with individuals from a variety of backgrounds.
• Skilled in proof-reading and reviewing documents for accuracy and completeness.
• Ability to work well under pressure and constant change.
• Effective  written and verbal communication skills.
• Flexible,  self-starter, and willingness to promote program efficiency and morale.
• Must pass background check (Live Scan Fingerprint).
• Must have TB clearance.
• Will not be debarred or excluded from participation in Federal programs by the      General Services Administration and/or Department of Health and Human      Services of the Inspector General.
• Must be able to drive for business purposes to other program locations in San      Diego County.
• Must have a valid California driver’s license and comprehensive automobile      insurance coverage, as required by law.

Additional Preferred Education or Qualifications:

• Fluent  written, verbal and reading proficiency in Spanish
• Trained in Motivational Interviewing and/or Trauma Informed Care
• Experience in Dual Diagnosis treatment
• Trained in SmartCare Electronic Health Record system
• Knowledge  of County contracted Medi-Cal, MHSA, and EPSDT programs
• Knowledge of San Diego County documentation standard

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Spends approximately 70% of work time sitting and meeting with others or working at a desk and/or computer.  Spends approximately 30% of work time standing or walking within the work area or outside the office at meetings and events, also bends, twists, stoops and reaches.  Ability to communicate in writing and verbally. Regularly required to sit and talk or hear. Frequently is required to use hands to touch, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms. Occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 25 pounds. Working conditions are normal for an office environment and event venues.  The noise level is usually moderate.

Salary : $32 - $33