Child and Family Mental Health Therapist

Job Summary

The Child and Family Mental Health Therapist promotes healthy social-emotional development in children (typically ages 0-5) by providing assessment, evidence-based therapy, support to families and caregivers, and other related services and activities. The Therapist specializes in strengthening attachment, addressing behavioral challenges, and supporting parenting through home visits, observations, and clinical therapy. This role involves working in field-based settings and engaging with high-risk, marginalized, or otherwise vulnerable populations (e.g., child welfare involvement, homeless, etc.) and individuals in crisis.

Categories / Dept

Early Childhood Mental Health

REPORTS TO

Early Childhood Mental Health Clinical Supervisor

STATUS

Full-time Exempt

Details

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Direct Services

• Conduct client interviews and comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments to gather information on the child’s and family’s histories (e.g., family, social, medical, trauma, substance use, risk factors, and mental health treatment).
• Conduct developmental and mental health screenings (e.g., ASQ-3, ACEs, etc.).
• Conduct suicide risk assessments, domestic violence assessments, and other safety assessments.
• Develop urgent crisis care plans, in collaboration with the Clinical Supervisor, to resolve acute mental or emotional problems and help clients cope, which may include referrals to other treatment sources, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, rehabilitation counselor, or another agency.
• Develop individualized treatment plans in collaboration with clients and the Clinical Supervisor using modalities like play therapy or dyadic (parent-child) therapy to address trauma or emotional issues. Monitor client progress and update treatment goals accordingly.
• Educate caregivers and parents on child development, trauma, meaning of behaviors through developmental and trauma lenses, emotional regulation techniques, and other strategies that support children's emotional well-being.
• Plan and conduct the client’s therapy plan under the guidance of supervisory staff to address presenting problems identified through the assessment process, considering the client’s treatment goal and the length and modality of therapy.
• Provide crisis intervention, mental health treatment (i.e., dyadic, individual, couples, family, and/or group therapy, as applicable), and other related mental health care services to clients.
• Utilize evidence-based treatment modalities that are consistent with program goals and that best fit with clients’ age and treatment needs (e.g., motivational interviewing, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, child-parent psychotherapy, etc.).
• Prepare reports, letters, and clinical summaries as needed with the Clinical Supervisor’s support. Present cases in supervision and integrate supervisory feedback into treatment.
• Coordinate supportive services by linking clients to community resources as needed to maximize client self-sufficiency and well-being.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation in accordance with agency policies, licensing and regulatory standards, and COA accreditation requirements.

Interagency and Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Offer support related to trauma-informed services across programs.
• Support integrated care planning across programs (Foster Care, Adoption, Family Preservation, Early Childhood Education, etc.) to create a holistic view of the child/family, share information as needed and appropriate, develop joint service plans as appropriate, ensure access to necessary services, and provide specialized input to improve client outcomes.
• Aid in providing relevant training across programs on topics such as complex trauma, ACEs, child development, etc.
• Participate in a multi-disciplinary team to review client cases, treatment approaches, clinical issues, client progress, and treatment recommendations, and to coordinate services.
• Partner with the communications team to develop and share impact stories.

Quality and Performance Improvement

• Manage, maintain, and update client files, complete and update case records, and perform other administrative duties as required.
• Ensure timely, accurate completion of monthly, quarterly, and annual program activity reports, as well as other required documentation.
• Understand and implement regulations, policies/procedures, and relevant contract requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA, state board regulations, and ethical standards per state board guidelines.
• Support the program/department in reaching annual plans and agency-wide goals.
• Attend and participate in all mandated trainings, work groups, program activities, focus groups, and staff development/training activities to enhance skills and develop professional knowledge.
• Support audits, reporting, and quality improvement efforts.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Juvenile Probation, Los Angeles County Office of Education, and community-based organizations to support child and family needs.
• Coordinate with community-based organizations and other providers to ensure continuity of care.
• Represent Allies in community stakeholder or partner meetings and forums as needed.
• Maintain effective relationships with public and private organizations, including county departments, advocacy groups, and community-based organizations.