LCSW Behavioral Health Therapist

Position Purpose

JWCH is expanding its Wellness programs for Mental Health and Substance Use in the Skid Row area. Two new Harm Reduction-Sobering Centers, Board and Care for recently housed individuals, and expansion of Out-Patient Behavioral Health programs are underway. The primary goal is to offer a safe, supportive, and professional environment for individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health, and substance use challenges through a harm reduction model.

Principal Responsibilities

• Provide interventions for psychiatric emergencies, conduct functional assessments, and offer comprehensive diagnoses for mental health and substance use disorders, developing safety plans.
• Work in a detox environment and possess skills in Trauma-Informed Care, Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, brief supportive counseling, and other client- and solution-focused counseling techniques.
• Attend case conferences, chronic disease management meetings, staff consultations, and individual meetings with staff to ensure quality care.
• Develop care plans that are coordinated and integrated with a comprehensive range of medical and psychosocial services to address the patient’s social, emotional, and practical needs.
• Provide in-person psychotherapy, counseling, medical case management, and psychoeducation using individual, family, and group modalities with evidence-based interventions for patients and their significant others.
• Ensure interventions are client-centered, strengths-based, and tailored to a comprehensive treatment plan developed after completing a thorough biopsychosocial assessment.
• Consult with psychiatry and primary care providers to enhance understanding of the patient, provide support for treatment approaches that incorporate behavioral health needs, and assist with implementing biopsychosocial treatment and care plans.
• Coordinate care, provide referrals, and reduce barriers with Case Management staff.
• Participate in weekly case conferences to assist in problem solving related to patients and ensure professional guidance and high-quality case management services.
• Participate in community meetings related to the needs of JWCH patients and Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings held weekly in the clinics.
• Be available, as assigned, to provide after-hours emergency psychiatric assistance.
• Provide phone consultations as needed.
• Complete all required charting, including assessments, progress notes, care plans, and billing documentation. Encounters must be closed by the end of each shift.
• Assist with provider education for integrated behavioral and primary care services.
• Participate in behavioral health quality assurance/improvement activities to maintain and strengthen standards of care in accordance with the organization’s CQI Plan.
• Adhere to all organizational safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements to ensure a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
• Participate in required safety and compliance trainings and apply learned practices in daily work activities.
• Identify, report, and help mitigate unsafe conditions, incidents, or hazards in the workplace.
• Use equipment, tools, and supplies safely and responsibly in accordance with organizational and regulatory standards.
• Maintain awareness of infection control, occupational health, and emergency preparedness procedures appropriate to the role.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in social work, marriage and family counseling, or social welfare from an accredited college or university.
• LCSW with current California BBS license.
• 2-3 years’ experience working with chemical dependency and substance use disorders.
• Demonstrated understanding of the impact of trauma on behavioral and medical conditions.
• Knowledgeable of evidence-based treatments such as sand and play therapy, DBT, CBT, Seeking Safety, Motivational Interviewing.
• Experience working with substance abuse disorders preferred.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) ability needed.

Employee Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Monthly employer-sponsored allowance for assistance with health premiums.
• Funded Health Savings Account (up to deductible) to assist with carrier-approved medical expenses.
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave) and 13 paid holidays.
• 401(k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing plan.
• Mileage reimbursement.
• Short- and long-term disability plans (LTD/STD).
• Life insurance policy & AD&D, and more!