ASW/AMFT Behavioral Health Therapist

Wesley Health Centers - JWCH Institute, Inc.; Bellflower (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Health premium allowance

HSA contribution

Paid time off & 13 paid holidays

401(k) Profit Sharing

Mileage reimbursement

Disability & Life insurance

Job summary

Wesley Health Centers - JWCH Institute, Inc. is seeking an Associate Behavioral Health Therapist to provide trauma-informed mental health services and case management within the JWCH Mental Health Services program in Los Angeles County.

The role requires an ASW/AMFT with MSW/MFT training, strong collaboration with an interdisciplinary team, and experience in underserved communities. Bilingual English/Spanish preferred; vaccination recommended as per JWCH policy.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work, counseling, or marriage and family therapy from an accredited college or university.
• Active registration with BBS as an ASW/AMFT or eligibility for such.
• Experience in high-need, unhoused, underserved environments.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct functional and strength-based assessment with comprehensive diagnosis for mental health, substance use, trauma, and psychosocial needs.
• Develop client care plans coordinated with medical and psychosocial services to address social, emotional, and practical needs.
• Provide evidence-based psychotherapy, rehabilitation, and case management via individual, family, and group modalities.
• Provide clinical guidance to an interdisciplinary team to meet program goals and client needs.
• Utilize short-term and longer-term trauma-focused interventions as funded to reduce symptoms and substance use.
• Consult with medical care providers and other specialists to coordinate person-centered care.
• Advocate for clients to access appropriate care within the organization and community.
• Support crisis intervention and de-escalation for high-acuity clients as needed.

Skills

Documentation skills

Time management

Team collaboration

Bilingual EN/ES

Cultural humility

Education

Master’s degree in social work / counseling / MFT

BBS registration eligibility

Tools

EHR in DMH setting

Job description

Position Purpose

The Associate Behavioral Health Therapist for the JWCH Mental Health Services provides mental health and related services in a manner that upholds the JWCH mission to improve the health status and wellbeing of under-served segments of the population of Los Angeles County by providing or coordinating health services and education. The ASW/AMFT is required to assess, treat, coordinate, plan, and link residents experiencing serious mental illness, co-occurring disorders, and medical challenges to a full-range of resources that meet practical, social, and emotional needs. This role ensures high-quality, collaboration driven, and trauma-informed delivery while ensuing services meet medical necessity, and DMH contract requirements which includes comprehensive mental health services, targeted case management, medication management, and crisis intervention.

Principal Responsibilities

• Conduct functional and strength-based assessment along with comprehensive diagnosis for mental health, substance abuse, trauma, and psychosocial needs
• Develop client care plans that are coordinated and integrated with a comprehensive range of medical and psychosocial services to address social, emotional, and practical needs
• Provide evidence-based psychotherapy, rehabilitation and case management services through individual, family, and group modalities for clients and their significant others. Focus on building life skills to reduce symptoms and harm, fostering connection, joy, and meaning, and offering access to necessary resources to improve function and positive health outcomes
• Provide clinical guidance to an interdisciplinary team to ensure that the program treatment goals, and clients' symptoms and behavioral needs are met
• Utilize both short-term and intensive longer-term interventions, as approved by funding source, that target trauma, mental health symptoms, and reduction of substance use
• Consult with medical care providers, psychiatrist, ICMS providers, Substance Counselors, and support persons to enhance understanding of the client and provide a coordinated person centered care
• Advocate for clients within organization and community to ensure access to appropriate care
• Support non-clinical staff, ICMS, substance use providers, and property management staff during working hours with crisis intervention and de-escalation efforts for high-acuity clients
• Provide phone consultation as needed
• Complete all charting in a timely manner and as required by funding sources, including assessments, progress notes, care plans, and billing documentation
• Participate in structured and "as-needed" case conferences
• Assist with provider education for integrated behavioral, substance, and primary care services
• Participate in behavioral health quality assurance/improvement activities to maintain and strengthen standards of care, in accordance with DMH requirements
• Participate in professional development activities
• Support client involvement in planning, implementing, and evaluating services
• Complete data collection forms and prepare reports as required by the program
• Adhere to all organizational safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements to ensure a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
• Participate in required safety and compliance trainings and apply learned practices in daily work activities.
• Identify, report, and help mitigate unsafe conditions, incidents, or hazards in the workplace.
• Use equipment, tools, and supplies safely and responsibly in accordance with organizational and regulatory standards.
• Maintain awareness of infection control, occupational health, and emergency preparedness procedures appropriate to the role.
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Active Registration with BBS as an Associate Clinical Social Worker or Associate Marriage and Family Therapy
• Master's degree in social work, counseling, or marriage and family therapy from an accredited college or university
• Experience working in high-need, unhoused, low income, and underserved environments
• Knowledge and understanding of the impact of intersectionality and trauma on marginalized communities, and subsequent behavioral, substance and medical conditions
• Experience with evidence-based short-term behavioral health interventions
• Ability to navigate complex systems of care and housing resources
• Experience with Electronic Health Records (EHR) in DMH setting preferred
• Experience working in collaborative models
• Strong documentation, organization and time management skills
• Cultural humility and commitment to serving diverse populations
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) ability preferred
• All JWCH, Wesley Health Centers workforce members are recommended to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Employee Benefits

At JWCH Institute, Inc., we believe in taking care of those who take care of others. If you work 30+ hours per week, you'll enjoy competitive pay and a robust benefits package that includes:

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Monthly employer-sponsored allowance for assistance with health premiums.
• Funded Health Savings Account (up to deductible) to assist with carrier-approved medical expenses.
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave) and 13 paid holidays.
• 401(k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing plan.
• Mileage reimbursement.
• Short- and long-term disability plans (LTD/STD).
• Life insurance policy & AD&D, and more!

Become part of a team where your work matters.

JWCH Institute, Inc + Wesley Health Centers is an Equal Opportunity and Fair Chance Employer.