Crisis Hotline & Mobile Response Therapist

Founded in 1867, the Sacramento Children's Home is the oldest active charity in Sacramento and among the most highly respected. SCH is an equal opportunity employer who values an inclusive work environment that celebrates and recognizes the diversity of its employees. At SCH, we appreciate that having employees of many different backgrounds strengthens our organization, and we strive to create a workforce that reflects the diverse and culturally rich communities that we serve.

OVERVIEW: A mental health crisis response team member responsible for answering crisis hotline phone calls and providing in-person mobile response for eligible callers in Sacramento County. This position provides de-escalation, crisis intervention, emotional support, psychoeducation and resources to callers. In addition to providing vital coverage for hotline calls and mobile response requests, the therapist position completes clinical risk assessments, evaluations, responds to crisis chats/texting, completes follow-up calls, coordinates linkage to local providers, and occasional participation in outreach events.

DUTIES:

Direct Services

Be present at program location per schedule to provide assessment, triage, and crisis response to those seeking support through the program contact methods (phone, text, live chat, etc.).

Provide immediate coordination with staff on appropriate interventions and supports.

Provide short-term follow up services to client/caregiver to further implement techniques from developed safety plans, teach basic coping skills, and facilitate linkage to other providers and community resources.

Provide mental health and substance abuse assessment as indicated.

Take responsibility for initial safety plan development and implement plan with youth and caregivers.

Coordinate with other team members for comprehensive short-term care.

Participate in the program crisis on-call system.

Facilitate a warm hand-off to county mobile response programs as needed.

Complete required documentation for each client/family interaction within required deadlines.

Ensure thorough and accurate data entry in the identified call center software.

Provide resources and referrals to youth and caregivers as needed.

Ensure thorough and accurate data entry in the identified call center software.

Complete all required program documentation in a thorough and timely manner.

Attend external meetings to support client/caregiver such as emergency CFTs, etc. as appropriate.

Assist in the ongoing development and evaluation of the service program.

Monitor and ensure effective linkages with community and agency service providers.

Support youth in participation in normative activities sponsored by program as well as those in the community.

Participate in training activities as directed.

Establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with internal staff and external resources.

Adhere to policies, systems and standards of the Sacramento Children’s Home and all applicable programs, agencies and contracts.

Participate in supervision, staff meetings, process reviews and other assigned meetings.

Provide back-up support to other staff to maintain coverage of call center during breaks and lunches.

LOCATION: 2750 Sutterville Rd., Sacramento, CA 95820

SCHEDULE: Tuesday – Saturday, 3:00 pm – 11:30 pm

SALARY: $70,116.80 annually; PLUS $7,500 a year if licensed

QUALIFICATIONS: Graduating with a Master’s Degree in a Behavioral Science and registered with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as a LCSW (ACSW), MFT (AMFT) or LPPC (APCC).

New graduates may be considered for employment and are required to be registered with the BBS within 90 days of hire. Students may be considered for employment as long as they are within 60 days of graduation with an applicable Master’s degree and are required to be registered with the BBS by 90 days of graduation.

Unregistered graduates and students are required to have at least 2 years of qualified mental health experience.

Must receive LMFT, LCSW or LPCC license within six years of initial registration with the California BBS as an intern to meet Sacramento County contract requirements.

One year of direct practice experience working with seriously disturbed children, adolescents, and families, and experience in engaging parents as partners and working successfully with families from diverse ethnic and cultural groups is preferred.

Driving is an essential function of this job. As such, employees in this position will be required to furnish their own vehicle to be used in the course of employment. A valid driver’s license and minimum insurance coverage is also required. Must be at least 21 years old.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.

Ability to establish and maintain appropriate boundaries with families.

Ability to provide strength-based and supportive interventions to youth and caregivers.

Ability to use various call center and electronic health record software programs.

Ability to work flexibly, creatively and comfortably with families of varied ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.

Knowledge of child abuse issues.

Knowledge of child development and behavior

Knowledge of family dynamics.

Knowledge of substance abuse issues.

Ability to facilitate team meetings involving family and system(s) partners.

Knowledge of local cultures.

Knowledge of community resources and comprehensive services available to clients served by program.

Skill to communicate effectively in written and oral form.

Skill to plan and organize multiple tasks at one time.

Good organizational skills.

Skill to maintain a professional, confidential work environment.

Ability to manage multiple tasks at one time in an efficient manner.

Excellent problem-solving skills.

Knowledge of Microsoft Word.

Ability to report to work on a regular and reliable basis.

BENEFITS: Excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and accident insurance, short and long-term disability plans, retirement plan with company match, paid vacation, sick leave, 11 paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, professional development, and career advancement opportunities.

TO APPLY: External candidates must complete our online employment application available at www.kidshome.org/careers.

PLEASE NOTE: Non-SCH employees who are made an offer of employment will be required to pass a post-offer, pre-employment background process that includes passing a drug test, including marijuana. Applicants who do not pass any part of this pre-employment process will have their offer of employment rescinded.