PHP Intake Therapist

Job Details Job Location: Main Campus - San Diego, CA 92111 Position Type: Full Time Salary Range: $70,304.00 - $72,304.00 Salary/year Job Shift: Day Job Category: Behavioral Health Support Staff Position Benefits Team-oriented, multidisciplinary approach Ongoing, high-level learning and development opportunities Culturally diverse environment Joint Commission Accredited Organization Comprehensive Health Insurance (medical, dental, vision, pet) Retirement savings plan (403(b) with employer match up to 3%) Generous paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays) Wellness programs Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Tuition reimbursement or assistance for continuing education Employee discounts Employee recognition program Opportunities for career advancement May be eligible for state or federal loan forgiveness programs for work with underserved populations Summary The PHP Intake Therapist supports the enrollment and intake process for youth entering the San Diego Center for Children’s Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs (PHP and IOP). This key role increases access to life‑saving mental health care. PHP treatment is primarily group‑based, abbreviated DBT skills, other groups, and wellness activities. The Intake Therapist conducts intake assessments, completes assessment documentation, assists with running groups, and ensures youth and families are welcomed in a trauma‑informed, professional, and efficient manner while maintaining regulatory and contractual compliance. Responsibilities Assist in the collection and review of required intake documentation, including psychological evaluations, IEPs, immunization records, and consent forms. Conduct in‑person assessment/intake appointments with youth and families with cultural sensitivity and professionalism. Solve families’ barriers to accessing treatment and support connection to resources (e.g., transportation, ECM referral). Conduct motivational interviewing for treatment and engage youth and caregivers in commitment strategies. Assess risk to ensure PHP and IOP services can meet youth and families’ needs. Maintain accurate and timely documentation in electronic records and tracking logs. Communicate with county agencies, school districts, caregivers, and other referral sources to ensure smooth coordination. Ensure all required forms are completed and comply with regulatory and contractual requirements including County of San Diego and Joint Commission standards. Facilitate therapy groups and ensure a therapeutic milieu. Carry a small caseload and cover cases as assigned. Support internal reporting on admissions data. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director. Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and FERPA requirements. Participate in internal quality improvement activities and clinical leadership meetings. Ensure the delivery of high‑quality, trauma‑informed, and culturally responsive services throughout the admissions process. Assist with outreach to increase the visibility of SDCC’s programs and represent PHP and IOP to increase referrals. Ensure that all safety protocols are followed and immediately report any unsafe conditions or incidents to the appropriate supervisor. Contribute to overall program development and improvement initiatives, ensuring the program meets the highest standards of care and compliance. Compliance and Documentation Oversight Review clinical documentation (e.g., assessments, treatment plans, progress notes) to ensure accuracy, quality, and compliance with agency, IEP, and accreditation standards. Support and participate in audits and accreditation processes conducted by SD County, Joint Commission, and other regulatory or funding entities. Crisis Intervention & Support Assist emotional and behavioral concerns when needed by providing de‑escalation and safety planning interventions (calling MCRT, PERT, etc.). Assist when needed to support a crisis and maintain a safe therapeutic environment. Professional Development & Continuous Learning Stay current on best practices in child and adolescent treatment, trauma‑informed care, cultural humility, and neuroaffirming mental health care. Participate in ongoing professional development activities and engage in regular training to maintain required registration and/or licensure/certifications. Seek learning and professional growth through feedback, mentorship, and coaching within the interdisciplinary team. On‑The‑Job Mandatory Ongoing Trainings Maintain all certifications and licenses required for the role, ensuring they remain current. Complete and stay up‑to‑date with all mandatory trainings specified by the San Diego Center for Children, including but not limited to: Residential Counselor Training, Intervention Toolbox, CPR and First Aid Certification, SPA Certification, False Claims, HIPAA, Safety, Trauma Informed Care, Annual Block Trainings, and any other trainings assigned. Restraint and Safety Training Requirements Apply Safe and Positive Approaches (SPA) restraint techniques, which may involve lifting or holding a child in standing, sitting, or ground‑level positions; separating clients acting in an unsafe manner; and prolonged standing, bending, and transitioning youth from standing to seated positions. Must pass a two‑day SPA training that focuses on safely initiating a physical hold with youth presenting as a danger to themselves or others. It is recommended that staff be able to support up to 50 pounds. Behavioral and Emotional Challenges Potential for physical aggression, including kicking, hitting, punching, biting, and hair pulling. Vision Requirements Specific vision abilities required: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Language Skills Ability to read, analyze, and interpret medical records, journals, reports, and legal documents; respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community; effectively present information to management and public groups; produce clear, concise, and clinically appropriate records. Reasoning Ability Ability to read, analyze, and interpret medical records, journals, reports, and legal documents; respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community; effectively present information to management and public groups. Physical Demands The employee is regularly required to stand, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to run, walk, sit and drive a vehicle. The employee must be able to move and/or lift a student when clinically necessary, and follow a student that AWOLs in a walking or running pace. Applying SPA restraint techniques may involve lifting the student, holding the student down in a standing, sitting or ground‑level manner, or separating clients who are acting in an unsafe manner. Certain physical limits and vision abilities are required as described above. Work Environment The work environment may occasionally expose the employee to outside weather conditions. Noise level is usually moderate. Diversity Statement Actively recruiting, retaining, and supporting diverse staff at all levels of the organization. Ensuring diverse perspectives are included in policy, practice, and service development and implementation, and creating an atmosphere of trust, safety, and respect. Encouraging and providing access to professional development to deliver equitable and culturally informed services to the population served. Qualifications Minimum Requirements Must have a registration number issued by the State of California oversight board for that license: ASW/LCSW, AMFT/LMFT, APCC/LPCC, PhD or PsyD, or provide proof of submission of a completed application within the BBS 90‑day rule. Valid California Driver’s License (CDL). Master’s degree from an accredited university. Experience working with youth and families. Clinical experience with youth and families. Preferred Requirements Interest and training in diversity, inclusion, equity, and action and cultural adaptations to evidence‑based treatments. Experience in PHP, IOP, or higher level of care (e.g., inpatient, residential), including experience with safety assessments and safety planning. #J-18808-Ljbffr San Diego Center For Children