Behavioral Health Clinician II (Part-Time & Per Diem) (Licensed Level, LCSW/LMFT/LPCC) (Crisis Walk In)

Behavioral Health Clinician II

The Behavioral Health Clinician II serves as a frontline clinician within WEA's Indio Crisis Walk-In Center (CWI), providing rapid assessment, crisis intervention, and short-term stabilization services for youth, adults, and families experiencing acute behavioral health needs.

This role focuses on helping individuals stabilize quickly, engage natural and community supports, and transition safely to ongoing care. Clinicians work in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment and support individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges. The Behavioral Health Provider works closely with an interdisciplinary teamincluding peer support, nursing, psychiatry, and site operationsand partners with clinical leadership to ensure safe, effective, and compassionate care delivery. This is a high-impact role ideal for clinicians who thrive in crisis settings and are motivated to serve vulnerable populations with empathy, structure, and clinical excellence.

Key Highlights

• Compensation: The compensation range for this role is $58 - $72 per hour + differentials when eligible, with final compensation determined based on experience, qualifications, and role scope.
• Work Location & Expectations: This role requires daily in-person engagement at Indio Crisis Walk-in Center location.
• Professional Development: Opportunity to collaborate with cross-functional leaders across Behavioral Health, Medical, Street Medicine, Public Health, Rural Health, and Tribal Health initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Crisis Response & Stabilization

• Conduct timely, comprehensive behavioral health assessments for children, adolescents, adults, and older adults.
• Perform suicide and safety risk assessment and planning to ensure appropriate and safe care and discharge.
• Provide crisis counseling, emotional support, and developmentally appropriate therapeutic interventions.
• Support rapid stabilization through short-term, solution-focused care approaches.
• Monitor client progress during the stabilization period and adjust interventions as needed.
• Engage family members and caregivers to promote safety, stabilization, and continuity of care.
• Support individuals experiencing co-occurring mental health and substance use concerns through early intervention, psychoeducation, and care linkage.

2. Care Coordination & Transitions

• Develop individualized safety plans and transition plans aligned with patient needs.
• Coordinate referrals and warm handoffs to outpatient mental health services, substance use treatment, youth services, and community-based resources.
• Collaborate with internal team members including peer support specialists, nurses, prescribers, and operational staff.
• Build and maintain relationships with external partners such as schools, social services, hospitals, and crisis response teams.

3. Team Collaboration & Interdisciplinary Care

• Shift Lead Duties: Based on clinical level and shift assignment, Behavioral Health Clinicians may serve as the highest-level BHC on shift and act as lead on shift in collaboration with Lead RN and Site Directors.
• Participate in daily clinical huddles and team-based care coordination.
• Contribute to a collaborative, team-oriented environment focused on patient safety and quality care.
• Communicate effectively with clinical leadership and team members to escalate risks and support care decisions.
• Partner with clinical and operational leadership to support smooth patient flow and care delivery.

4. Documentation & Compliance

• Complete timely, accurate, and thorough documentation of assessments, interventions, and care plans.
• Maintain compliance with program requirements, documentation standards, and applicable regulations.
• Support continuity of care through clear and professional communication with internal and external stakeholders.

5. Patient & Family Engagement

• Build trust with patients and families through empathetic, culturally responsive care
• Provide education and support to individuals and caregivers during moments of crisis
• Promote patient dignity, autonomy, and engagement in care planning.

6. Continuous Improvement & Clinical Excellence

• Apply critical thinking and clinical judgment in high-pressure situations.
• Participate in quality improvement efforts and feedback loops to strengthen program effectiveness.
• Contribute to a culture of learning, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Licensed LCSW, LPCC or LMFT in California
• 13+ years of experience providing behavioral health services, crisis intervention, or counseling.
• Experience supporting individuals experiencing acute distress, including mental health crises and/or substance use challenges.
• Strong crisis de-escalation, assessment, and stabilization skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment.
• Excellent communication, organization, and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to work 12-hour shifts within minimum expectations for daytime, overnight, weekend, and holiday availability.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in crisis settings such as CWIC, CSU, ED, urgent care, or community crisis programs.
• Experience working with youth and family systems.
• Experience supporting individuals with co-occurring (dual diagnosis) conditions.
• Bilingual (Spanish strongly preferred).
• Familiarity with local community mental health and social service resources.
• Proficiency with electronic health records (EHRs).

Key Competencies

• Crisis assessment, de-escalation, and stabilization.
• Trauma-informed and culturally responsive care.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
• Team-based care and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Clinical judgment and adaptability in dynamic environments.