Mental Health Therapist- Youth Crisis Outreach Team (YCOT)

About the role

The LPHA Youth Crisis Outreach Team (YCOT) Specialist works under the direction of the YCOT Supervisor. The role plays a vital part in implementing the YCOT program, offering immediate support to youth and their caregivers and families experiencing crisis situations.

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis intervention, screening, referral, relapse prevention, and follow-up/case monitoring services for youth and families experiencing crisis situations within LifePath Systems catchment area.
• Conduct psychosocial and diagnostic assessments to identify behavioral health needs and coordinate access to appropriate treatment options.
• Develop and maintain professional contact with youth and their families, and service providers for medical, social, educational, psychiatric and related service needs.
• Provide on-site and off-site emergent/urgent screening assessments with rapid crisis intervention and crisis management to youth experiencing a behavioral or emotional crisis.
• Collaborate with the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT), Crisis Intervention Services (CIS), and Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) to facilitate stabilization in the least restrictive environment.
• Coordinate and provide appropriate referral and linkage services after staffing with YCOT supervisor/or designee.
• Develop and implement relapse prevention and safety planning strategies for youth in crisis.
• Ensure ongoing communication with the individuals served and their families to provide support and guidance.
• Collaborate with Emergency Department, Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) or Local agencies for youth to divert from inpatient and law enforcement interventions.
• Ensure a seamless connection and coordination with community mental health resources and clinics to facilitate continued support beyond the crisis period.
• Develop and maintain rapport with persons in crisis using modalities such as Motivational Interviewing and other relevant and appropriate methods to communicate and relate with callers in order to resolve crises.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in counseling, social work, or related field required.
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) preferred but will accept Licensed Professional Counselor – Associate, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy – Associate, or LMSW Under Supervision.
• English/Spanish bilingual preferred.
• Experience in providing psychosocial education, skills training, or assessments, particularly with the target population.
• Experience with participating in a treatment team that develops and monitors treatment plans for persons with severe persistent mental illness and substance use disorders.