LCSW Behavioral Health Therapist

Job Description

Job Description

Position Purpose:   JWCH is expanding our Wellness programs for Mental Health and Substance Use in the Skid Row area. We are opening two new Harm Reduction-Sobering Centers, Board and Care for recently housed and expanding our Out-Patient Behavioral Health programs. Our primary goal is to offer a safe, supportive, and professional environment for individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health and substance use challenges in a harm reduction model. Our 24-hour facilities, our commitment is to deliver continuous care and support to our clients. This means that each staff member plays a crucial role in maintaining a high level of readiness and responsiveness at all times. 

This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of our underserved patient populations. As an LCSW/LMFT, you will be at the forefront of providing innovative, transformative substance use and behavioral health services in one of the highest need areas in the United States. Services will include crisis intervention, psychiatric emergencies, assessments, brief supportive counseling, triage and linkages to social services and housing resources. Your role is important in ensuring comprehensive services that guarantee not just better health outcomes but also improved educational outcomes for our community.

Principal Responsibilities: 

1. Provide interventions for psychiatric emergencies, conduct functional assessments, and offer comprehensive diagnoses for mental health and substance use disorders, as well as develop safety plans.
2. Must have experience working in a detox environment and possess skills in Trauma-Informed Care, Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, brief supportive counseling, and other client- and solution-focused counseling techniques.
3. Work with a multidisciplinary team to ensure that the patient’s clinical treatment goals and behavioral management needs are met by attending case conferences, chronic disease management meetings, staff consultations, and individual meetings with staff to ensure quality care.
4. Develop care plans that are coordinated and integrated with a comprehensive range of medical and psychosocial services to address the patient's social, emotional, and practical needs.
5. Provide in-person psychotherapy, counseling, medical case management, and psychoeducation using individual, family, and group modalities with evidence-based interventions for patients and their significant others. This includes social, emotional, and practical life skills to facilitate safe coping, distress tolerance, stress reduction, mindfulness, relaxation, and access to necessary resources with the goal of improved functioning and positive health outcomes.
6. Ensure interventions are client-centered, strengths-based, and tailored to a comprehensive treatment plan developed after completing a thorough biopsychosocial assessment.
7. Consult with psychiatry and primary care providers to enhance understanding of the patient, provide support for treatment approaches that incorporate behavioral health needs, and assist with implementing biopsychosocial treatment and care plans.
8. Work with Case Management staff to coordinate care, provide referrals, coordinate services, and reduce barriers.
9. Participate in weekly case conferences to assist in problem solving related to patients and to ensure that professional guidance and high-quality case management services are being provided.
10. Participate in community meetings related to the needs of JWCH patients.
11. Participate in Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings held weekly in the clinics.
12. Be available, as assigned, to provide after-hours emergency psychiatric assistance.
13. Provide phone consultations as needed.
14. Complete all required charting, including assessments, progress notes, care plans, and billing documentation. Encounters must be closed by the end of each shift.
15. Assist with provider education for integrated behavioral and primary care services.
16. Participate in behavioral health quality assurance/improvement activities to maintain and strengthen standards of care in accordance with the organization’s CQI Plan.
17. Adhere to all organizational safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements to ensure a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
18. Participate in required safety and compliance trainings and apply learned practices in daily work activities.
19. Identify, report, and help mitigate unsafe conditions, incidents, or hazards in the workplace.
20. Use equipment, tools, and supplies safely and responsibly in accordance with organizational and regulatory standards.
21. Maintain awareness of infection control, occupational health, and emergency preparedness procedures appropriate to the role.
22. Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

1. Master’s degree in social work, marriage and family counseling social welfare from an accredited college or university.
2. LCSW with current California BBS license.
3. 2-3 years’ experience working with chemical dependency and substance use disorders.
4. Demonstrated understanding of the impact of trauma on behavioral and medical conditions
5. Knowledgeable of evidence-based treatments (sand and play therapy, DBT, CBT, Seeking Safety, Motivational Interviewing)
6. Knowledge of principles, procedures, methods and techniques of mental health emergency procedures such as: 5150, CPS reporting, APS reporting, and Tarasoff reporting
7. Experience working with substance abuse disorders preferred.
8. Bilingual (English/Spanish) ability needed.

Disclaimer:  Salary offered will be based on the candidate’s relevant experience, qualifications, and in accordance with applicable laws and internal pay equity policies.

*All JWCH, Wesley Health Centers workforce members are recommended to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Employee Benefits:

At JWCH Institute, Inc., we believe in taking care of those who take care of others. If you work 30+ hours per week, you’ll enjoy competitive pay and a robust benefits package that includes:

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Monthly employer-sponsored allowance for assistance with health premiums.
• Funded Health Savings Account (up to deductible) to assist with carrier-approved medical expenses.
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave) and 13 paid holidays.
• 401(k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing plan.
• Mileage reimbursement.
• Short- and long-term disability plans (LTD/STD).
• Life insurance policy & AD&D, and more!

Become part of a team where your work matters. Apply today and help us change lives, one patient at a time.

JWCH Institute, Inc + Wesley Health Centers is an Equal Opportunity and Fair Chance Employer.