Senior Mental Health Clinician

Conejo Valley Unified School District; Thousand Oaks (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Conejo Valley Unified School District in Thousand Oaks is seeking a Senior Mental Health Clinician to deliver comprehensive mental health services to students and families. The role includes psychotherapy, assessments, treatment planning, and supervision of clinical staff within a district setting.

Ideal candidates hold a CA MFT or LCSW license, have at least four years of experience with two post-graduate years, and can work collaboratively with an IEP team to support high-need students and

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a qualifying field per CA requirements and Board approvals.
• Minimum four years of experience with at least two years post graduate in mental health services.
• Licensed as MFT or LCSW per CA Board requirements; active license required.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group psychotherapy and crisis intervention.
• Develop and implement treatment plans with multidisciplinary team.
• Supervise staff and trainees, monitor caseloads and provide clinical supervision.
• Conduct intake assessments and diagnostic evaluations for children and adults.
• Collaborate with IEP teams and community resources to support students.

Skills

Clinical supervision

Psychotherapy

Crisis intervention

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Documentation & reporting

Education

Master's degree (Marriage & Family Counseling / Counseling Psychology / Clinical Psychology / Social Work – clinical emphasis)

Job description

This position is funded with specialized/limited-term funding.

Applications will be screened for best qualified applicants to compete in the Competitive Examination Process.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

Structured Oral Interview - the oral interview will contain questions that assess technical knowledge and experience, and one's general fitness for successful performance in the position.

Examination Date: TBD

CERTIFICATION OF ELIGIBLES FOR HIRE

Applicants must receive a passing score (80%) on the Oral Examination Panel in order to be placed on the eligibility list. Eligibility lists are valid for six (6) months and the top three (3) ranks go forward for the hiring interview for each vacancy.

BASIC POSITION FUNCTION

• Under general supervision, perform the full range of assignments related to the provision of mental health services, including individual and group psychotherapy, assessments, diagnosis, the development and implementation of treatment plans, and professional counseling. Evaluates and manages staff, provides legally required clinical supervision to associates and trainees, monitors caseloads and intervenes in high priority cases.
• DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS BETWEEN RELATED CLASSES
• Senior Mental Health Clinician encompasses the responsibility of being prescribed both functional and clinical supervision over mental health staff, including positions in the Mental Health Clinician I/II job classes, intern and other program personnel as assigned.
• Develops social emotional and mental health programs and protocols and oversees their implementation.
• Provides functional and clinical supervision to licensed/unlicensed clinicians and student interns within the context of licensure, in keeping with State regulations and according to applicable District policies.
• Works with the Mental Health Program Coordinator or designee to evaluate program staff, provide counsel both verbal and in writing relative to performance objectives; develops clinical developmental goals for staff serving under one’s clinical supervision; provides training to current and new staff members.
• Conducts clinical intake assessments; prepare diagnostic evaluations which include obtaining personal, social, emotional, and substance abuse history; determine the cause, nature and severity of the child’s mental health; prepare and maintain related clinical documentation.
• In collaboration with other members of the multi-disciplinary (e.g. IEP) team, including child and family members, participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of goal oriented treatment plans, and related case management.
• Provides individual, family or group therapy to individuals from diverse backgrounds toward the goal of achieving higher functioning in interpersonal relations and learning amongst emotionally and behaviorally disturbed children.
• Provides crisis intervention, intervening in crisis situations when a child exhibits acute psychiatric symptoms which present an immediate threat to the child or others.
• Provides administrative support services including outreach and information about how to access and apply for state and federal programs (such as Medi-cal), performs pre-screening and assists in paperwork completion to determine eligibility.
• Provides consultation on the most complex mental health challenges, including in-depth analysis of a child’s history, mental status and previous treatment, and on the community resources available for the treatment of a child.
• Prepares case documentation, progress and court reports, special reports, proposals, grants, manuals and correspondence.
• Collaborates on behalf of the child/family with other support services provided by health care, social services agencies and community organizations.
• Participates in training on various topics such as cultural competency, diversity, equity, inclusion, clinical practice, compliance, treatment planning, case management, co-occurring disorders and substance abuse.
• Performs job-related job duties as assigned.

Education

A Master’s degree in one of the following or a closely related field: Marriage & Family Counseling, Counseling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling, Social Work with an emphasis on Clinical Social Work or other equivalent Master's degree from a college or university approved by the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Board of Behavioral Science Examiners.

Experience

A minimum of four years of experience, with at least two (2) years post graduate training providing mental health services to children or adults with mental illness disorders or serious emotional disturbances.

Licenses/Certifications/Special Requirements

• Valid California Class C Driver’s License or an alternate method of transportation for travel between district sites
• A current valid license as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Marriage Family and Child Counselor) OR a license as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker issued by the California Board of Behavioral Science.

Incumbents are required to maintain an MFT or LCSW license with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as a condition of continued employment.

Knowledge of:

• Inclusive and equitable practices and interventions for students, recognizing the value of varied strengths and perspectives.
• Clinical intake methods and techniques for purposes of mental health evaluations, diagnosis and prognosis;
• Diagnosis and evaluation criteria of mental health disorders in children and young teens, including alcohol and drug issues, co-occurring disorders, including contributing psychosocial and cultural factors affecting mental health and service delivery.
• Evidence based, culturally relevanttherapeutic techniques and modalities for treatment, rehabilitation, and case management of persons with serious mental illness;
• Administrative procedures related to the delivery of mental health services, and MediCal and state and federal mental health programs descriptions, treatment benefits, application procedures, etc.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary,
• Basic record-keeping techniques,
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

Ability to / Skill in:

• Learn and apply rules and regulations in executing assigned work functions;
• Maintain the security of confidential materials;
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action;
• Comprehend and follow directions given verbally and in writing;
• Demonstrate mental acuity sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position;
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• Deliver technical training and presentation content before a diverse audience, small and large.
• Maintain records and prepare reports of varied clinical complexity in adherence with legal mandates;
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others;
• Meet schedules and time lines;
• Exercise independent judgment and initiative without close supervision;
• Be motivated to produce high quality work product and maintain a work pace appropriate to the position.