MFT/MSW Graduate Student Trainee (Parental Mental Health)

About PLN

Founded on Skid Row in 1980, Para Los Niños provides education and wraparound support, serving over 10,000 children, youth, and families annually in some of the most underserved areas in Los Angeles. PLN fosters pathways to success by striving for excellence in education, family support, and comprehensive social-emotional, and community-based services.

Through early education, TK-8th grade education, youth workforce services, and family and community services Para Los Niño's' model provides a comprehensive, holistic approach to break the cycle of poverty and help children and youth thrive.

Position Overview

This is a clinical track that entails work with adults, specifically the maternal/paternal caregiver of an infant. Students are placed in our Partnership For Families program. Students receive extensive training in understanding perinatal mood and anxiety disorders which impact our parents and caregivers who are either currently pregnant or up to a year post-partum. Students will provide the following services: intake assessment (an extensive bio-psychosocial history, diagnosis, and treatment plan); individual and group psychotherapy; crisis intervention when needed; targeted case management (i.e. linkage to additional support services) as clinically indicated. Students will also participate in a multi-disciplinary team aimed at integration and collaboration.


Duties

• Conducts in home visits and works with clients following their initiative in the development and achievement of their case plan goals.
• In collaboration with members of the client's treatment team, participates in multi-disciplinary meetings to support the parent in meeting treatment goals.
• Coordination and facilitation of psycho-educational groups/workshops such as Nurturing Parenting,
• Participates in staff meetings, case conferences, training, and professional consultation as necessary.
• Participates in weekly individual and group supervision.
• Follows state laws regarding confidential information in verbal and written communication.
• Maintains client files to level of requirements mandated in agency policy and completes documentation in a timely manner.
• Must be able to produce documentation in Standard English, which is legible and coherent.
• Prepares clinical documentation in connection with case requirements such as psycho-social assessments, treatment plans and weekly progress notes.
• Must be able to maintain positive working collaborative relationships with family services staff.
• Performs other job-related duties as directed by supervisor or director.

Qualifications and Experience Requirements

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, sills, and/or abilities required to perform the job successfully.

• Preferred experience working with low-income children and families.
• Leadership skills desired with some foundational knowledge of human development and family dynamics.
• Ability to nurture respectful relationships with families and children and be sensitive to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.
• Knowledge of child abuse/crisis intervention techniques.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• TB test clearance (to be renewed every two years).
• Bilingual English/Spanish required. English proficiency supporting professional-level verbal and written communication to children, parents and other staff members required.

Education and Certification Requirements

• Currently pursuing an MSW, MFT or MA in related field. Be approved for field work/practicum placement by department director.
• Must have a reliable automobile for use on the job (mileage will be reimbursed). Valid California Driver License. State required automobile insurance coverage.
• Successfully pass all post offer, pre-employment screening requirements, including criminal background check, drug test and provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

Physical Requirements

To perform this job the individual must be able to carry out all essential functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

• Approximately 50% of time is spent sitting, while frequently required to walk, stand and bend.
• Must be able to speak and hear well.
• Good vision is imperative.
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Employee will be required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance.

Expectations for All Para Los Niños Staff

Candidates for employment at Para Los Niños, regardless of position, will consistently demonstrate the following:

• Unwavering belief in and commitment to fulfill the mission of Para Los Niños.
• Deep commitment to the success of all PLN students and families.
• Commitment to excellence and high standards -- for self, students, and colleagues.
• Continuous learning by engaging in reflection, self-assessment, and individual professional development.
• Use of data to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement.
• Ability to thrive as a member of a collaborative team.
• Self-motivation and initiative with solutions-oriented disposition.
• Belief in and ability to develop respectful relationship with parents and children marked by sensitivity to the students' cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively handle challenging situations.
• Comfort with basic Microsoft Office applications and a curiosity and propensity to push own adoption of new technology and approaches.
• Regular, punctual attendance and professional appearance.

Para Los Niños is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

It is the established policy of Para Los Niños (PLN) to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without discrimination with regard to race, religious belief (including dress or grooming practices), color, sex, sex stereotype, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions (including breast feeding), age, national origin (including possessing a driver's license issued under Vehicle Code § 12801.9), ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identification and expression, transgender status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics, genetic information, family care, marital status, enrollment in any public assistance program, status as military, a veteran or qualified disabled veteran, status as an unpaid intern or volunteer, or any other classification protected by law. PLN also prohibits discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.