Family Based Mental Health Worker

Alternative Community Resource Programs Inc; Somerset (Somerset County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Alternative Community Resource Program, Inc. seeks a Mental Health Worker to deliver trauma-informed, family-centered services to children and families in home, school, and community settings.

You will support families in achieving treatment goals, help children develop emotion regulation and social skills, and coordinate with care teams. The role emphasizes collaboration with caregivers and professionals, flexible scheduling, and adherence to program guidelines, including required clearances.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or qualifications consistent with PA FBMHS requirements.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Reliable transportation and ability to travel throughout the service area.
• Reliable high‑speed internet access at home for documentation and virtual meetings.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required clearances and trainings (state/federal).

Responsibilities

• Provide therapy-based support to children, adolescents, and families in homes, schools, and community settings.
• Assist families with implementing treatment goals from the plan.
• Support development of emotional regulation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Help establish healthy routines and positive family interactions.
• Maintain accurate documentation and confidentiality, and report progress to the supervisor.

Skills

Bilingual language abilities

Communication skills

Trauma-informed care awareness

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Human Services, Education, Sociology, Criminal Justice, or related field

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Mental Health Worker (MHW)

Family-Based Mental Health Services (FBMHS)

Reports To: Mental Health Professional and Clinical Supervisor FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Mental Health Worker (MHW) partners with the Mental Health Professional to provide intensive, trauma-informed, family-centered services to children, adolescents, and families receiving Family-Based Mental Health Services. Services are delivered primarily in homes, schools, and community settings and are intended to strengthen family functioning, improve emotional and behavioral stability, increase resilience, and support successful treatment outcomes.

The Mental Health Worker develops therapeutic relationships with youth and caregivers while assisting families in achieving treatment goals through skill development, emotional regulation, behavioral support, advocacy, and resource coordination. Services are provided using a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strengths-based approach.

Trauma-Informed Practice Expectation

All Family-Based Mental Health Services staff are expected to demonstrate an understanding of trauma and resilience, incorporate trauma-informed principles into all interactions, promote physical and emotional safety, support family voice and choice, practice cultural humility, and actively work to prevent re-traumatization of children, caregivers, and colleagues.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Direct Service Delivery

• Provide therapeutic support services to children, adolescents, and families in homes, schools, and community settings.
• Assist families in implementing treatment goals identified in the treatment plan.
• Support development of emotional regulation, communication, social, and problem-solving skills.
• Help establish healthy routines, positive coping strategies, and effective family interactions.
• Reinforce therapeutic interventions identified by the Mental Health Professional.
• Support family engagement and treatment participation.

Trauma-Informed Support

• Recognize signs and symptoms of trauma and emotional distress.
• Utilize de-escalation and crisis support techniques when appropriate.
• Foster safe, respectful, and culturally responsive interactions.
• Identify family strengths, supports, and protective factors.
• Promote empowerment, resilience, and family voice throughout treatment.

Care Coordination and Advocacy

• Assist families in accessing community resources and supports.
• Collaborate with schools, healthcare providers, and community agencies.
• Participate in treatment planning meetings and clinical consultations.
• Communicate regularly with the Mental Health Professional regarding progress, concerns, and service needs.

Documentation and Compliance

• Complete progress notes, service documentation, and required reports within established timeframes.
• Maintain accurate records and confidentiality.
• Comply with Pennsylvania regulations, agency policies, and ethical guidelines.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by supervisory or agency leadership to support program operations and the needs of the children and families served.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Human Services, Education, Sociology, Criminal Justice, or a related field, or qualifications consistent with Pennsylvania FBMHS requirements.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record in accordance with agency policies.
• Reliable transportation and ability to travel throughout the assigned service area.
• Reliable high-speed internet access at home sufficient for documentation, virtual meetings, telehealth services, and other agency-related functions.
• Ability to obtain and maintain all required clearances, certifications, and trainings, including:
• Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Clearance
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance
• FBI Criminal History Clearance (when applicable)
• Any additional clearances or certifications required by state regulation, funding sources, or agency policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with children, adolescents, and families.
• Experience providing community-based behavioral health services.
• Training in Trauma-Informed Care, Crisis Intervention, Child Development, Behavioral Health, or Family Support Services.
• Bilingual language abilities.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those necessary for successful performance of the essential functions of this position.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and move throughout home, school, community, and office settings.
• Frequently required to communicate verbally and effectively listen.
• Regular use of computers, telephones, mobile devices, and office equipment.
• Ability to travel extensively within the assigned service area.
• Ability to ascend and descend stairs and navigate residential and community environments.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to remain seated or standing for extended periods.
• Ability to respond effectively during crisis situations.

Work Environment

• Services are delivered in homes, schools, community locations, office settings, and virtual environments.
• Evening and occasional weekend hours may be required.
• Employees may encounter pets, secondhand smoke, varying weather conditions, and diverse community environments.
• Employees completing work remotely must maintain a secure, private, and professional workspace consistent with HIPAA and agency requirements.

Core Competencies

• Trauma-Informed Engagement
• Family-Centered Service Delivery
• Child and Adolescent Development
• Crisis Support and De-escalation
• Cultural Humility and Responsiveness
• Resource Coordination
• Documentation and Compliance
• Professional Communication
• Collaboration and Teamwork
• Strengths-Based Practice

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Equal Opportunity Employer

ACRP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and trauma-informed workplace. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.