Behavioral Health Clinician

Salud Para La Gente; Watsonville (CA); On-site; USD 67,158 - 83,675; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

PTO 19 days per year

Paid Holidays 12 per year

401(k) Retirement Plan

Voluntary Long-Term Disability

Job summary

Salud Para La Gente is seeking a dynamic Behavioral Health Therapist in California. Under supervision, you will deliver direct behavioral health care, develop treatment plans, coordinate with care teams, and support community members including farm workers and families.

The role emphasizes compassionate, client-centered care and adherence to agency standards. The position requires CA licensure (LCSW or Psychologist), fluency in Spanish/English preferred, and commitment to community health

Qualifications

• Must hold California licenses (LCSW or Psychologist).
• Professional licensure required to practice in California.
• Experience in community health settings is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Screen for behavioral health needs and document assessments.
• Develop individualized treatment plans with client involvement.
• Assist participants in identifying and pursuing realistic treatment goals.
• Coordinate care with internal and external parties and resources.
• Provide emergency crisis intervention when needed.
• Support family members to understand mental health and rehab processes.

Skills

Bilingual Spanish/English

Education

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Licensed Psychologist

Job description

About the Organization

Salud Para La Gente (SALUD) provides high quality, comprehensive and cost-effective healthcare to underserved low‑income communities in Monterey Bay area, including Santa Cruz County and North Monterey County. Since its founding in 1978 as a storefront free clinic, SALUD has grown into a federally qualified community health center and now operates 11 clinic sites with over 400 employees.

Position Summary

We are seeking a dynamic, organized, and detail‑oriented Behavioral Health Therapist. Under the direct supervision of the Behavioral Health Director, the therapist will provide direct behavioral health care to patients, supporting the organization’s mission, vision, and values through excellence, collaboration, innovation, and commitment to the community.

Responsibilities

• Screen for behavioral health needs in patients, provide counseling and referrals, document individual initial and ongoing assessments.
• Develop individualized treatment plans in coordination with the client and involved parties.
• Assist participants in identifying and pursuing realistic treatment goals.
• Monitor and assess participant treatment progress and coordinate with internal and external parties as necessary, providing information on community resources.
• Facilitate and provide assistance with community integration and mental health recovery.
• Provide emergency face‑to‑face crisis intervention and/or prevention as needed to avert or respond to situations.
• Provide education, assistance, and support to family members and others involved with the participant to enhance awareness of mental and emotional illness and to increase their ability to contribute to the rehabilitation process.
• Maintain participant behavioral health records, treatment statistics and other documentation according to agency standards.
• Treat, counsel, and educate clients including those who are primarily monolingual farm workers and their families, demonstrating knowledge of and sensitivity to their needs.
• Consistently adhere to and/or exceed SPLG’s communication guidelines and expectations with internal and external customers including co‑workers, patients, and partners.
• Maintain professional competence by pursuing opportunities for continuous learning, attending continuing education offerings, reading professional literature, and engaging in other activities that develop new knowledge and skills.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• California Licensed Clinical Social Worker or Licensed Psychologist.
• Maintained CPR certificate and valid California driver’s license.
• Experience working in a community health center or similar environment is desired.
• Knowledge of care and control of chronic and acute behavioral health conditions and of public health medicine laws and regulations.
• Experience with electronic information systems development and integration.
• Fluent Spanish/English preferred.

Physical Demands

• Standing, walking, sitting, typing, reaching, bending, moving and/or lifting up to 25 pounds.

Salary & Benefits

Salary Range: $48.75 – $60.74 per hour

Employment Type: Full‑Time

Benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Plans
• Paid Time Off (PTO): 19 days per year
• Paid Holidays: 12 per year
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer contribution
• Voluntary Long‑Term Disability

Additional Information

• Employees on temporary assignments are eligible for holiday pay and California sick pay, both pro‑rated based on hours worked.
• On‑call employees are eligible for California sick pay, pro‑rated based on hours worked.
• Salud is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Salud is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact the Salud Human Resources Department at 831‑728‑8250 or [e-mail].