Bilingual Mental Health Associate Clinician

About the role

The Bilingual Mental Health Associate Clinician (Level I or II) works primarily in the San Rafael/Canal Alliance Community Mental Health Counseling Program, serving Spanish-speaking participants (both uninsured and with Medi-Cal). They may also work in both the School-Based and Novato Community Mental Health Counseling Programs at NMCS.

Responsibilities

• Conducts clinical assessments, develops, and implements appropriate treatment plans for the diagnosis, treatment, and/or referral of participants with mental health disorders.
• If full-time (40 hours/week): Works to maintain an average case load of 25 clients per month.
• If part-time, caseload is prorated.
• Provides outpatient psychotherapy to individuals, couples, families, and groups. Instructs and counsels participants and their families regarding compliance with prescribed therapeutic regimens and adherence to prescribed medication regimens, within the scope of practice. May administer specialized therapeutic procedures, as appropriate.
• Facilitates groups and outreach events as needed, including therapeutic and psycho-education/skill building groups for youth and adults. May develop groups as needed.
• Provides clinical case management, referrals and links to further services.
• Participation in weekly clinical supervision and case consultation meetings, trainings and coordination of services team meetings, as assigned.
• Maintains relationships with school staff, as well as agencies providing service to community residents, and work with them to meet participants’ needs. Serves as a liaison between NMCS and school / community partners; reports to NMCS leadership regarding partner updates and ensures strong communication.
• Serves as a strong ambassador for the agency.
• Completes any related tasks assigned by Director of Mental Health Program and/or Clinical Supervisor. Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Fluent and able to provide counseling in English and Spanish (assessed via language skills test)
• Master's degree or higher in social work, counseling, psychology, or a related field.
• Valid, current B.B.S. Registered AMFT/ASW (clinical supervision is provided by LMFTs only)
• National Provider Identifier (NPI); can obtain NPI prior to employment start date
• Knowledge of principles and practices of individual, group and family psychodynamics as they relate to adults or children; psychological diagnostic methods and terminology; as well as overall human development from infancy through adulthood.
• Knowledge of current principles, techniques, and practices of clinical case work for adults or children; knowledge of health and human services systems in the community including public and private agencies and other community resources.
• Knowledge of principles of mental health education, participant and community advocacy, and systems theory; principles of crisis intervention; needs, problems, and perspectives of people with mental illness, trauma related to immigration, impacts of economic/housing/food insecurity.
• Knowledge of laws and ethics; understanding of participant's legal rights.
• Knowledge of casework objectives, principles, techniques, methods, and caseload management.
• Knowledge of community resources, public social service and assistance programs.
• Understanding of clinical assessment skills with reference to the DSM-V and related clinical interviewing skills.
• Ability to maintain mental health records, including the documentation of all actions and contacts in case files.
• Basic knowledge of the effects of stress and adverse childhood experiences.
• Ability to engage participants in the problem-solving process.
• Ability to work with moderate supervision, follow directions, handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and manage stressful situations effectively.
• Ability to get along with people and establish cooperative working relationships with staff at all levels both within and outside the department.
• Demonstrate exemplary customer service, strong communication and organization skills.
• Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation and e-mail software.
• Valid Class C driver’s license and insurability at non-risk rates (pass a DMV Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check); personal vehicle for home visits (eligible for mileage reimbursement).
• Minimum 12 months working as a Registered Associate with BBS required or equivalent experience or completion of 2080 work hours.
• Prior Medi-Cal experience preferred.
• Sign-on bonus of $250 (part-time) or $1,000 (full-time). Generous benefits package including medical, dental, and vision benefits, paid vacation and sick time, 15 paid holidays/year, employee assistance program, up to 2% retirement employer match, and childcare discount.