Mental Health 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: The Therapist is responsible for providing assessment, individual, family, and group therapy, case management, collateral services, child and team meetings, and crisis intervention services, in compliance with the Sacramento County Mental Health, DBHS, and EPSDT standard, to clients contracted through the County.

DUTIES:

Schedule and open new referrals within 10 business days of receiving the referral.

Provide family therapy as needed.

Facilitate and participate in child and family team meetings as required by the program and contract.

Meet with clients for individual, family therapy, group, or case management sessions in the office or the community (home, school, etc.), assess client’s needs and level of functioning, determine an appropriate diagnosis, and create a treatment plan. The location of services is to be consistent with the needs of the client and family.

Provide therapeutic services consistently and ensure that no client is without services for more than 30 days.

Provide crisis counseling to children/families as necessary, develop safety plans commensurate with risk level, and review routinely.

Participate in 24/7 on-call rotation as scheduled.

Schedule and coordinate therapy sessions commensurate with the need level of clients.

Assess for, and provide services, when possible, consistent with established evidence-based or best practices focused on identifiable needs areas.

Assess, determine, and make a referral when special services or care are needed for a child (i.e. medication evaluation, psychiatric hospitalization, in-home services or psychological testing, etc.).

Consistently assess each client for length of stay to ensure clients are discharged in a timely manner.

Assemble necessary materials for individual, family, and group therapy sessions.

Develop supportive relationships with caretakers as well as other natural and informal supports available to the client to support treatment and positive long-term outcomes.

Communicate, as appropriate, with family members, programs, schools, etc. issues concerning clients.

Make referrals to Family Partner and Youth Peer Mentor to meet the needs of clients and families.

Provide a level of services commensurate with the level of needs of the client and family. Make referrals for additional services to support the wellness and recovery of the client.

Complete documentation for all therapeutic services provided to clients.

Write daily progress notes for each service (billable and non-billable) delivered within the timelines noted in SCH documentation policy.

Complete appropriate County mental health paperwork, including but not limited to, Core Assessments, Client Plans, and CHQ within the timelines required by the county.

Continuously review charts for new and/or relevant information concerning clients.

Complete timely discharge paperwork in accordance with EPSDT guidelines

Perform Utilization Reviews as assigned.

Coordinate the completion of Mental Health Performance Outcomes including but not limited to CANS within the expected timelines, standardized measures, and any and all outcomes warranted clinically. Incorporate results and create plans accordingly.

Attend weekly/bi-monthly clinical meetings and consult with clinical staff as scheduled.

Coordinate with staff to gather information and discuss concerns regarding clients, or plans to support client’s treatment as necessary.

Collaborate with Support Services (i.e. Community Mental Health Workers, Family Partner and Youth Peer Mentor) regarding client care.

Attend weekly supervision meetings with clinical supervisor if unlicensed, to comply with California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) licensing requirements. Attend weekly group consultation regardless of licensure status.

Attend external training/conferences to meet licensing requirements and keep up to date with current information and developments.

Present information gathered at conferences at weekly clinical meeting.

Attend medication reviews regularly for clients receiving medication through SCH.

Schedule all clients hospitalized due to psychiatric reasons to see SCH psychiatrist within two weeks of hospitalization.

Attend IEP (Individual Education Planning), Child and Family Team Meetings, and other collateral meetings as needed.

Licensed Therapists who have met the California BBS requirements to provide supervision may provide weekly supervision for unlicensed clinicians so they may obtain licensing hours, as assigned by the Program Manager.

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.

1 year of experience with children or adolescents and families with emotional problems is preferred. Trainees will be considered if field placement is completed at SCH.

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 are also required. Must be at least 21 years old.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

Able to function independently and seek guidance when necessary to assist in working with the clients.

Able to provide and document services consistent with Sacramento County DBHS/Medi-Cal requirements.

Knowledge of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

Good knowledge of a variety of therapeutic interventions and models.

Knowledge of child/adolescent development.

Knowledge of child abuse issues.

Knowledge of legal/ethical issues as outlined by the BBS.

Knowledge of substance abuse issues.

Knowledge of team, family, and group dynamics.

Knowledge of anger management and coping skills.

Basic knowledge of psychotropic medications.

Ability to effectively utilize electronic health record systems such as Avatar Clinical Work Station.

Excellent writing skills.

Good communication skills.

Good organizational skills.

Good time management skills.

Skill to maintain a professional, confidential work environment.

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

Skill to accurately diagnose and assess clients.

Ability to relate to children and families in a positive manner.

Ability to establish and maintain appropriate boundaries with clients and families.

Able 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.