Behavioral Health Clinician

About the role

Lompoc Skilled Nursing and Rehab Center, operated by Generations Healthcare, is seeking a compassionate and experienced Behavioral Health Clinician (LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, or Registered Associate) to join our dedicated team within a locked subacute Mental Health Rehabilitation Center (MHRC). This program serves justice-involved adults who have been found incompetent to stand trial (FIST), many of whom present with moderate to severe mental illness and require structured, intensive treatment to restore competency and stabilize psychiatric symptoms. This vital role supports the psychological, emotional, and behavioral health needs of residents within a secure, highly structured treatment environment. The Clinician is responsible for delivering competency restoration-focused services, conducting comprehensive assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, facilitating individual and group therapy, and providing crisis intervention as needed.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial and forensic-informed assessments, including overview of competency-related factors.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans integrating mental health stabilization and competency restoration goals.
• Maintain caseload of 25 clients to be seen weekly for individual sessions.
• Provide weekly individual and group therapy focused on symptom management, legal education, coping skills, and behavioral stabilization.
• Deliver competency restoration interventions, including psychoeducation related to court processes, legal roles, and rational decision-making.
• Collaborate closely with an interdisciplinary team (psychiatry, nursing, MHRC staff, Social Services) to ensure coordinated, person-centered care.
• Provide crisis assessment and intervention within a locked subacute setting using trauma-informed and de-escalation approaches.
• Monitor, document, and report client progress, including changes in mental status and competency-related functioning.
• Serve as a clinical resource to MHRC staff, reinforcing treatment interventions within the therapeutic milieu.
• Participate in court-related proceedings, communication and documentation including competency progress reports as appropriate.
• Coordinate and communicate with Probation, Public Defenders, etc. on an as needed basis.
• Support discharge planning and coordination with legal systems and community-based services.
• For Licensed Clinicians: Provide clinical supervision and mentorship to registered associates, trainees, and/or students as applicable.
• Deliver staff training on clinical topics including trauma-informed care, forensic considerations, and behavioral interventions.

Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstrates sensitivity to and willingness to work with individuals from diverse social, cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate with compassion and empathy.
• Ability to manage and complete tasks in a quick and effective manner.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong assessment, critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport with both residents and staff.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, influence, motivate, and work harmoniously with others.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, growing organization.
• Leadership and supervisory skills (or interest in developing these skills).
• Creativity and ability to think on one's feet and outside the box in dynamic clinical situations.
• Strong understanding of HIPAA compliance and commitment to maintaining patient confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Proficiency in Point Click Care preferred.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills; ability to prioritize, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the most recent DSM diagnostic criteria for adult mental health disorders, as well as cognitive and developmental considerations.
• Apply principles of behavior modification, assertiveness training, and supportive therapy in clinical practice.

Education, Experience, and Licensing Requirements

• Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a closely related field.
• Current California licensure (LMFT, LCSW, LPCC) in good standing OR current registration as an AMFT, APCC, ASW with the BBS.
• Doctoral interns (Ph.D./Psy.D.) may be considered on a case-by-case basis with approval from the Clinical Director.
• Licensed clinicians must be approved (or eligible) to provide clinical supervision through the BBS.
• Registered associates must maintain active supervision and good standing with the BBS.
• One (1) year of behavioral health experience required; experience with severely mentally ill populations, justice involved and group facilitation preferred.
• Experience working with justice-involved populations is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of court processes, legal communication requirements, and competence restoration are highly desirable.
• Experience with or knowledge of Office of Diversion and Re-entry (ODR) programs preferred.
• Current CPR certification required (or obtained during orientation).
• Proficiency in verbal de-escalation and crisis intervention models (e.g., Pro-Act, CPI, or HWC).
• English proficiency required.

Work Environment

• Locked subacute MHRC serving justice-involved (FIST) clients.
• Structured, secure treatment setting focused on stabilization, rehabilitation, and competency restoration.
• Requires adherence to safety protocols and close collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.

Benefits

• We offer a competitive compensation package, healthcare benefits and excellent career growth opportunities.
• Health Benefits for full-time employees offered on the 1st of the month following the hire date.