Therapist

Position Summary

The Part-Time Therapist provides trauma-informed and culturally responsive behavioral health services for the Pala Band of Mission Indians’ Social Services Department. The Therapist delivers crisis intervention, short-term stabilization, and therapeutic support for tribal members and community residents. This position requires collaboration with multi-disciplinary staff, cultural healers, community partners, and outside agencies to ensure effective and confidential care for individuals and families.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide individual, family, and group therapy with emphasis on trauma-informed care and crisis intervention.
• Conduct clinical assessments, develop treatment plans, and maintain documentation in compliance with federal, state, and tribal standards.
• Participate in crisis response, including on-call rotation for field-based and telehealth interventions.
• Collaborate with mobile crisis staff and cultural healers to integrate clinical and culturally grounded approaches.
• Support program development, grant compliance, and accurate data collection/reporting.
• Provide consultation and training to staff on behavioral health best practices, crisis protocols, and culturally competent service delivery.
• Maintain ethical practice, confidentiality, and HIPAA compliance at all times.
• Represent the department in professional meetings, trainings, and community events.

Knowledge, Skills, Certifications and Abilities

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish rapport and maintain effective working relationships with tribal members, colleagues, service providers, and government agencies.
• Commitment to Tribal values, culture, and philosophy.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention.
• Ability to manage high-stress situations with sound judgment.
• Experience working with individuals facing addiction, mental health, and related challenges.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, case management systems, and data tracking tools.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, or a related behavioral health field.
• Licensed in California as LMFT or LCSW (required).
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in therapy, crisis response, or behavioral health settings.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and tribal behavioral health regulations and standards.
• Experience working with Native American populations preferred.
• Supervisory or leadership experience a plus.
• Bilingual skills (English or Native language) preferred.

Other Requirements

• All employees are expected to follow the Tribal Employee Handbook of the Pala Band of Mission Indians and must adhere to any additional applicable addendums.