Child Mental Health Worker

Mcalister-Institute; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays and vacation

403(b) Retirement Plan

Health Insurance

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

McAlister Institute is looking for a dedicated Child Mental Health Worker to join our team in San Diego. This role involves providing assessments and interventions for children with developmental or behavioral needs while working closely with families.

Qualified candidates must have a Master’s degree in a relevant field and experience in co-occurring services. The position offers numerous benefits and a supportive work environment focused on child and community well-being.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field is required.
• License-eligible status with the California Board is necessary.
• At least one year of experience in co-occurring services is needed.

Responsibilities

• Administer child assessments and therapeutic interventions.
• Coordinate with treatment team members for coordinated care.
• Promote wellness and model self-care practices.

Skills

Motivational interviewing

Collaboration

Time management

Communication

Engagement

Education

Master’s degree in Therapy, Social Work, or Psychology

Job description

About this position

Join McAlister Institute, a 49-year beacon in San Diego's Recovery Community.

McAlister Institute is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Child Mental Health Worker to join our integrated treatment team. Reporting directly to the Program Manager and receiving supervision from the Clinical Supervisor, this position is primarily responsible for providing screening, assessment, and therapeutic interventions for children with developmental or behavioral needs. The Child Mental Health Worker will work closely with mothers and other team members to support children’s behavioral, emotional, and developmental goals.

Benefits for YOU:

• 13 paid annual holidays, including your birthday; 12 paid vacation days, paid sick leave
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
• 403(b) Retirement Plan + up to 6% Employer Match
• Health Insurance available the first of the month following 30 days of employment (Sharp)
• EAP

Key Responsibilities:

• Uphold and promote the mission, philosophy, values, and direction of McAlister Institute.
• Actively participate in the program’s treatment team, including case conferences to discuss client updates, treatment strategies, and identifying client needs.
• Provide developmental, cognitive, and behavioral screenings and assessments to children with developmental or behavioral needs.
• Collaborate with Healthy Development Services (HDS) and the Developmental Screening and Enhancement Program (DSEP) to coordinate additional therapeutic services.
• Administer child-specific assessments and therapeutic interventions.
• Collaborate with the childcare specialist to implement the Incredible Years program and provide age-appropriate activities for children.
• Coordinate with treatment team members, including therapists, counselors, care coordinators, and mental health workers, to ensure coordinated care.
• Provide timely interventions, therapy groups, individual counseling, parenting classes, educational workshops, and community referrals.
• Promote wellness and model self-care practices in alignment with Live Well San Diego values.
• Ensure a warm, welcoming, clean, and safe space for clients and maintain equipment in good working condition.
• Attend mandatory meetings and trainings to stay current on certifications and best practices in trauma-informed, gender-responsive, and culturally competent care.
• Adhere to all personnel requirements, including codes of conduct, dress code, and timely reporting.
• Perform other assigned duties as needed.

Salary Information

$25 - $42Hourly Wage

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, Social Work, or Psychology from an accredited graduate program.
• License-eligible status and registration with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences or Board of Psychology. License-eligible practitioners must participate in supervision and be in good standing, clear of disciplinary actions for a minimum of three years at the date of hire.
• Psychological Assistants must be registered with the Board of Psychology or eligible for registration.
• At least one year of providing co-occurring services. Strong understanding of engagement, outreach, and motivational interviewing techniques.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations, including individuals with substance use disorders and mental health conditions.
• Demonstrated experience in identifying and meeting the developmental and behavioral needs of children.
• Compliance with all agency and contract requirements related to trainings, public health, certifications, and reporting.
• Strong paperwork and computer skills, with exceptional written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team, with excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to pass all pre-employment screening, including references, education verification, a criminal background check with at least one year clear of probation or parole, a drug test, and a negative TB test.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• On-site position.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

McAlister Institute is committed to creating a diverse environment and we are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, any other non-job-related factors, and other characteristics protected by local, state, or federal anti-discrimination law covering employment.

Reasonable Accommodations:

McAlister Institute is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the [e-mail]., for more information. Please include your name and position you are applying for.

Work Authorization Requirement:

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. McAlister Institute does not participate in visa sponsorship programs, including H1-B visas, and will not provide sponsorship for any employment‑based visas.

Pre-Employment:

All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre‑employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from McAlister Institute employment as we are subject to County of San Diego contractual hiring requirements). A pre‑employment physical examination, and post‑offer background check is required. Candidates must have at least one year clear of probation or parole, a drug test, and a negative TB test.

General Information & Considerations:

Placement on the pay range is based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, relevant years of experience and qualifications.

Current McAlister Institute employees may receive priority consideration for positions when they meet essential qualifications.