Mental Health Clinician

Overview The RDP Mental Health Clinician is based out of a LA County courthouse. This role screens defendants for program suitability, formulates treatment plans, and provides ongoing clinical recommendations to the team. The position links new RDP clients to appropriate services and resources as recommended in their treatment plan. The role requires strong clinical judgment and a robust understanding of mental health and substance abuse treatment programs within the system of care, building partnerships with service providers, and facilitating program connections for defendants in LA County criminal courts in mental health diversion. Reports to the RDP Program Supervisor and coordinates with external stakeholders and the courthouse case management team. Works collaboratively in a fast-paced environment with diverse stakeholders to pursue client diversion and success. Essential Functions Assess potential RDP participants and make diversion recommendations to the court. Engage potential diversion participants in services. Provide brief motivational intervention and information related to services offered through the RDP program. Review collateral information (e.g., discovery, mental health treatment history) and conduct a clinical interview. Assess mental health diagnosis, readiness for change, and needed community linkages. Formulate a diagnosis, comprehensive treatment plan, and recommendations to the court for potential diversion. Engage and collaborate with collaterals (family members, court) as appropriate. Provide education related to mental health recovery and client advocacy. Conduct reassessments when requested and make recommendations regarding ongoing participation in RDP; modify treatment recommendations as needed. Deliver services consistent with ethical standards and a harm-reduction, strength-based, trauma-informed framework. Link clients to appropriate treatment services Identify and enroll clients in appropriate treatment programs (e.g., residential substance treatment, mental health clinics), with urgency for clients in custody. Support clients to accept, participate in, and adhere to treatment programs using motivational interviewing and problem-solving facilitation. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of behavioral health treatment programs and resources; establish and nurture relationships with community treatment providers and resources. Coordinate participant treatment program with court-based needs Support new clients in understanding the court process, conduct, and responsibilities for diversion. Ensure clients attend upcoming court dates as needed. Maintain a detailed log of client progress and status of pending linkages. Collaborate with defense attorney to understand court-based requirements and coordinate efforts; provide routine linkage updates. Engage collaterals (family, court) as appropriate. Provide education on accessing mental health recovery services and advocate for clients. Deliver services consistent with ethical standards and a harm-reduction, strength-based, trauma-informed framework. Collaborate with RDP Supervisor/Clinician throughout screening, treatment recommendations, and linkages to ensure alignment. Coordinate day-to-day operation with external stakeholders and case management team Build and maintain relationships with RDP court staff (judges, judicial assistants, attorneys). Track court dates and submit thorough, high-quality diversion reports per guidelines. Liaise with case management and court staff regarding treatment plans and pending linkages; ensure understanding of client responsibilities for diversion. Collaborate with public and private community health, mental health, and social service agencies. Documentation and Reporting Maintain comprehensive case notes in the electronic health record per program guidelines. Participate in program data collection per program guidelines. Staff Expectations Regular attendance; holiday or weekend work may be required. Maintain and uphold Agency mission, values, policies, procedures, and principles. Perform other duties as needed. Maintain active license and/or registrations as applicable (e.g., BBS). Licensed Clinicians Only: Participate in the Division’s 24-hour crisis line on a rotating basis (pay differential); maintain Los Angeles County active LPS designation; conduct clinical risk assessments and, when appropriate, facilitate psychiatric hospitalizations or develop safety plans. Skills and Abilities Clinical expertise with a focus on high-quality service delivery. Empathetic communication and relationship-building skills. Culturally competent; understands diverse backgrounds and needs. Resourceful; navigates and utilizes available resources. Collaborative; works in diverse teams to solve complex issues. Proactive; anticipates issues and takes initiative. Adaptive to changing circumstances and client needs in a dynamic environment. Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Detail-oriented, organized with strong time management. Courteous, respectful with others; maintains professional boundaries. Minimum Qualifications Required: Unlicensed: Master’s degree in social work or a mental health field from an accredited college or university, and valid license or registration with the licensing body (e.g., BBS). At least 1 year of clinical experience (biopsychosocial assessments, diagnosing, treatment planning, and delivering clinical interventions). Licensed: Master’s degree in social work or mental health field from an accredited college or university, and valid license (LCSW, LMFT, LPCC) with the licensing body (e.g., BBS). At least 2 years of clinical experience (biopsychosocial assessments, diagnosing, treatment planning, and delivering clinical interventions). Experience working with culturally diverse populations. Valid CA driver’s license, proof of insurance, and own vehicle; ability to transport clients in personal vehicle as needed. Must not be on any type of legal supervision (probation or parole). Verification of Employment Eligibility and Background Check; Basic computer skills. Preferred: Lived experience with homelessness, mental health/substance use recovery, or the criminal legal system. Experience with forensic and/or dual-diagnosed populations. Experience on an interdisciplinary team in a mental health or hospital setting. Knowledge of trauma-informed services. Supervisory/Working Conditions Supervisory Responsibilities: None Environmental Conditions (Working Conditions): Office and field settings, including the assigned courthouse. Physical Requirements: Movement around the worksite; driving; ability to lift up to 20 lbs; listening and speaking to complete job requirements. Mental Requirements: Ability to perform complex tasks, handle interruptions and changes in priorities; professional, high-stress interaction; create and follow plans; meet deadlines. #J-18808-Ljbffr Project 180