Lead Mental Health Clinician - ReTurn Project

Job Location: Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Salary: $30.00 – $34.00 per hour.

Job Summary

The ReTurn Project Mental Health Lead Clinician will work on the licensure track for BBS and provide in‑office, telehealth, jail‑site, and community‑based re‑entry focused mental health services in North and South Santa Cruz County to adults 18 and over involved in the criminal justice system. The clinician will offer a safe and welcoming environment as an advocate and therapeutic provider, using trauma‑informed practices, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other evidence‑based practices to support social and emotional recovery. The role includes coordinating with internal case management, legal affiliates such as probation, and external resources to ensure whole‑person care and individualized treatment. The clinician will work directly with management, leadership, and contracting partners at SantaCruz Probation to endorse contract compliance, agency standard compliance, chart accuracy, and updated workflows. Services are delivered with dignity and respect for each client’s right of choice, including BioPsychoSocial and other assessments, individualized treatment planning, and timely, accurate documentation.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Clinical Provision

• Manage and maintain an individual caseload of clients; capacity determined by acuity and demand.
• Provide individual and collaborative relationship sessions to enrolled clients.
• Coordinate funding source authorizations and seek extensions when appropriate with support from the Program Manager.
• Conduct regular assessments using the BioPsychoSocial, WHOQOL‑BREF, and other behavioral health feedback‑informed treatment assessments.
• Develop and maintain individualized treatment plans dictated by assessments.
• Provide focused mental health treatment based on assessments, treatment plans, and client‑identified goals and needs.
• Develop and provide discharge planning sessions as treatment concludes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

2. Coordination with Local Corrections

• Maintain background clearance eligibility for jail site and probation site provision.
• Attend corrections trainings as assigned to maintain access to jail sites.
• Provide in‑person and telehealth sessions to incarcerated individuals.
• Coordinate regularly with jail program staff and the Program Manager.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

3. Team Collaboration

• Work alongside licensed medical providers, SUD counselors, internal case managers, and behavioral health professionals within and outside the outpatient program to complement traditional treatment approaches.
• Attend and contribute to team meetings, uplifting the clients’ voice in decision‑making.
• Participate in team trainings, supervision, and reflective practice.
• Commit to program structural wellbeing through safety, workflows, and collaborative team decision‑making with respect and professionalism.

4. Professionalism and Documentation

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in required systems and achieve productivity requirements.
• Demonstrate organization, clear task completion, and strong communication across cultures and identities with supervisor support for adherence strategies.
• Model positive relationships, respectful boundaries, and a safe, supportive environment.
• Use trauma‑informed methodology with all colleagues, clients, and partners.

Qualifications

• Bilingual – English/Spanish preferred (bilingual stipend of $1.00 per hour added to hourly rate).
• Clinician II requirements: licensure track status (registered Associates status within BBS preferred).
• Strong commitment to equity, diversity, and reducing recidivism.
• Passion for working with community clients facing complex challenges.
• Strong communication and active listening skills; adherence to professional boundaries.
• Ability to pass background clearance (Department of Justice and FBI).
• Ability to maintain licensure track status.
• Possession of a reliable vehicle, valid California driver’s license, vehicle insurance, and a good driving record.
• Excellent interpersonal, written/oral communication, and basic computer skills.
• Willingness to engage in ongoing training and personal development, including provider and administrative training.
• Proficiency with software platforms, Microsoft programs, and electronic health records for clear, accurate, timely documentation.

Wages & Benefits

• Compensation: $30.00–$34.00 per hour depending on experience.
• Full‑time employees receive medical and dental insurance.
• Holistic health options: acupuncture and chiropractic services.
• 403(b) retirement plan.
• Work‑life balance: 11 vacation days, 15 paid holidays, and 12 sick days (pro‑rated for part‑time).
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Ongoing training opportunities, including individual and group supervision for Registered Associates.

About Us

At Encompass Community Services we provide a wide range of services related to family and social well‑being, behavioral health, housing, and more. Every day we work to make health, education, and housing more equitable for all people in Santa Cruz County. For more than 50 years our work has touched generations, helping people access education, rebuild relationships, restore health, and regain dignity.