Mental Health Worker

South Bay Clinic

FT Position: Mental Health Worker

Schedule: Monday-Friday 11:00am-7:00 pm (working lunch with youth)

Do you want to work where you can make an invaluable impact on a teen who is struggling? Do you have a passion for helping youth navigate their world and make positive changes in their lives?

AND if you are considering going back to school to get a Master's in Marriage & Family Therapy, Social Work or Counseling, this role offers excellent real-world clinical experience.

New Alternatives, Inc. is a private nonprofit agency that has provided a wide range of services to children, youth and families in San Diego and Orange Counties since 1978. Therapeutic services include residential, outpatient, day treatment, crisis support and in-home support services.

South Bay Clinic is an outpatient clinic that provides mental health services to youth ages 11-18 who reside onsite at the residential facility in Chula Vista. SBC serves clients primarily referred through Child and Family Well-being (CFWB) or Probation.

Responsibilities

• Build therapeutic relationships with the clients in order to encourage the healing of past relationship traumas and the development of healthy boundaries.
• Encourage and foster positive participation in school and the residential treatment program
• Assist in shaping client behavior through positive reinforcement and teach replacement behaviors for their mental health symptoms.
• Document rehab services through Medi-Cal billing for the purpose of tracking youth’s progress, engagement, and high-risk needs.
• Engage youth in life skills training, skill building, cultural humility and increasing coping skills in individual and group settings
• Collaborate with therapists, county personnel, caregivers, and other individuals involved in the client’s treatment.
• Remain available to assist with crisis assessment and intervention, as needed.
• Participate in supervision, team meetings, CFTs, and case consultation
• Participate in trainings, exhibit competency and utilize evidence based & promising practices, as deemed appropriate

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in the area of behavioral sciences.
• Experience in a mental health setting is preferred.
• Bilingual/Bicultural a plus.

Preferred Qualities

• Creative and able to engage adolescents with challenging behaviors
• Effective crisis intervention and critical thinking skills
• Strong Organizational skills, strong communication skills, and able to work independently
• Knowledge and understanding of trauma-informed care and resiliency practices is a plus

Full-Time Benefits

• Excellent medical and dental benefits
• Vacation, Sick Time
• 403B Plan
• Family Fit Program through LA Fitness & Discounts at CRUNCH Fitness
• Extensive training opportunities
• Great clinical experience and training if you are considering a master's degree
• $21-23 an hour based on education, experience and language capability