Behavioral Health Clinician

About the role

Lompoc Skilled Nursing and Rehab Center, operated by Generations Healthcare, is seeking a Behavioral Health Clinician to join their team within a locked subacute Mental Health Rehabilitation Center (MHRC).

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial and forensic-informed assessments.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans integrating mental health stabilization and competency restoration goals.
• Maintain a 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.

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.

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.
• 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).