Behavioral Health Clinical Trainee

A Better Way, Inc.; California; On-site; USD 20,664 - 34,440; Part time

Job summary

A Better Way, Inc. in California is hiring a Behavioral Health Clinical Trainee to provide mental health services to children and youth. This part-time position involves delivering direct clinical services across various settings and gaining practical experience under supervision. Candidates should be enrolled in a Master's program in social work, counseling, or psychology and possess strong organizational and clinical skills. The role requires working onsite and may involve routine travel between service sites.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited Master’s-level program in social work, counseling, or psychology.
• Strong clinical writing and documentation skills are essential.
• Some experience working with children or adolescents is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct clinical services in various community settings.
• Deliver psychotherapy and crisis intervention.
• Complete required assessments to support diagnosis and treatment planning.

Skills

Clinical writing and documentation

Working with children or adolescents

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Adaptability

Education

Enrolled in accredited Master’s-level program

Job description

At A Better Way, Inc., we are committed to supporting children, youth, and families involved in—or at risk of entering—the foster care and child welfare systems. Our programs provide trauma-informed, community-based mental health services that promote resilience, stability, and long-term well-being.

Role Summary

Under the supervision of licensed clinicians (LCSWs and/or LMFTs), the Behavioral Health Clinical Trainee provides direct mental health services to children and youth (birth through age 21) and their families across multiple A Better Way programs. Trainees gain hands‑on clinical experience, receive high-quality supervision, and develop professional competencies aligned with California BBS requirements, and best practices in community mental health including evidence-based practices (EBPs). Services may be delivered in home, school, office, community, or telehealth settings, depending on program needs and client circumstances.

Key Responsibilities

Under the supervision of licensed clinicians (LCSWs and/or LMFTs), the Clinical Trainee provides direct mental health services to children, youth, and their families across A Better Way programs.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide direct clinical services in schools, homes, offices, community settings, and via telehealth to children (birth through age 21) and their families
• Deliver psychotherapy, intensive care coordination, and crisis intervention through regularly scheduled sessions
• Utilize a range of clinical modalities, including individual, dyadic, and family therapy
• Understand and implement the Integrated Core Practice Model and collaborate with multidisciplinary partners, including schools, child welfare, and other service systems
• Participate in Child and Family Team (CFT) meetings, IEP meetings, and other required collaborative forums
• Complete required assessments (e.g., CANS, PSC‑35, clinical assessments, Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale) to support diagnosis and treatment planning
• Maintain timely, accurate, and compliant clinical documentation, including progress notes completed within required timelines.
• Meet all contractual, programmatic, and agency documentation standards, including effective chart management
• Attend all required meetings, including weekly individual and group supervision, in accordance with agency and practicum requirements
• Adhere to all regulatory standards, ethical guidelines, mandated reporting laws, and agency policies
• Participate in all required trainings during onboarding and throughout the internship year to maintain compliance and support professional development
• Participate in competency and performance evaluations to support learning, growth, and role effectiveness
• Meet all standards and expectations outlined in the practicum placement contract and the A Better Way personnel manual
• Maintain all documentation required by the trainee’s academic institution and the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited Master’s-level program in social work, counseling, or psychology
• Strong clinical writing and documentation skills
• Understanding of basic theoretical and developmental principles of children’s mental health and family systems
• Understand and desire to work with a strength-based mental health approach
• Knowledge, understanding, and willingness to work with interdisciplinary approaches and partnerships
• Strong desire to learn, take initiative, be curious and reflective, and be adaptable to change
• Ability to work independently and as a member of the team
• Strong organizational, communication, and computer skills
• Some experience working with children or adolescents is required
• Strong ability to engage and connect with children and their caregivers
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, good driving record, and current auto insurance

The Clinical Trainee works in a combination of office, telehealth, and community‑based settings. In‑person attendance is typically required for client sessions unless alternate arrangements are approved. In‑person attendance is generally required 2 days per week for supervision, staff meetings, and other job‑related responsibilities. Remote work privileges vary by role and are subject to supervisor approval.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. The trainee regularly uses hands and fingers to handle objects and operate equipment, and frequently stands, talks, and hears. The trainee may be required to sit on the floor with children and must be able to bend, reach, lift, and move items weighing up to 15 pounds.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a part‑time position. Practicum Placement determines days. Trainees are required to be onsite or available for 24 hours per week.

Travel

Travel is a routine part of the practicum within the agency’s community‑based model. During the work week, the intern may travel between service sites for sessions, meetings, and coordination of care.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

Internship placement is contingent upon passing a background check and obtaining TB and health clearances. When applicable, driving records are periodically reviewed in accordance with company policy. Interns must comply with organizational vaccination requirements.

A Better Way is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Inclusive environments for all employees and applicants are our priority. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, neurodiversity, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, genetic information, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. This document may be subject to periodic review and revision in compliance with California labor and employment regulations.