Wage band range $17.00 - $24.00 per hour. Starting pay is typically around $19.00 per hour; however, starting pay is ultimately determined by the scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity. Full time night shift roles are eligible for a night shift pay differential. This position does offer future growth opportunities.

STRTP Residential Program:

Under the direction and supervision of the Cottage Supervisor, Mental Health Worker I “MHW I” is responsible for the care and treatment of youth housed in the STRTP Cottage and for collaboration in development and implementation of program including leading groups and program activities, including providing daily support for youth in the program. The MHW I carry out the mission of Casa Pacifica as it relates to day-to-day care and treatment of youth via meeting program and treatment objectives.

DUTIESAND RESPONSIBILITIES (illustrated by typical activities):

• Provides care and supervision for the youth individually and in groups.
• Aids each youth working within a group and handling individual problems.
• Understands natural and logical consequences and restorative justice principles and sets limits for behavior modification.
• Notates the youth’s progress; identifies needs of the youth and communicates information to the treatment team.
• Communicates critical information about each youth assigned to them treatment team. Communicates daily with members of the treatment team about the youth’s progress.
• Assists in developing daily and weekly goals for the assigned youth.
• Assures implementation of intervention plans developed by treatment team. Informs all parties that need to know (school, cottages, activities, medical clinic, clinical staff, etc.) about specific interventions that have been developed.
• Provide behavioral coaching to the youth; individually and in group sessions, to assist in identifying/dealing with difficult feelings, and thoughts that result in maladaptive behaviors as well as teaching appropriate replacement behaviors.
• Ensure effective crisis prevention and intervention through input and promoting awareness of safety plans and de-escalation strategies.
• Communicate changes in or achievement of behavioral goals. Integrate the youth's treatment plan and clinician's recommendations when working with the youth.
• Assures that safety plans are in place and that they are understood by cottage staff.
• Assists in monitoring the success of daily intervention/ safety plans.
• Provides required trauma-informed care, supervision, and treatment in accordance with milieu program and individual treatment plans. Facilitates youth in development of social skills, personal competence, individual responsibility, and self-esteem; provides positive reimbursement experiences.
• Participates in individual youth therapy, family meetings and planning conferences.
• Provides transportation to off-campus activities as required; assures adequate supervision of off campus activities.
• Engages and participates in group recreation activities and events. Develops and assists in leading group activities, experiential outings, and activities of daily living.
• Coordinates a variety of activities for residents including recreation, meal preparation, chores, hobbies, etc.
• Records observations in the cottage communication logs as required; completes incident reports as necessary.
• Maintains assigned unit vehicle and other unit or Casa Pacifica equipment; transports youth to designated off-site activities, school., appointments as needed.
• Attends and participates in cottage/program and general staff training programs; attends out­ side training events and conferences as requested.
• Cares for clothing, shelter, and other basic needs of assigned youth in a manner that contributes to achievement of treatment goals.
• Participates and provides opportunity for recreation activities.
• Accompanies youth to designated activities.
• Performs general housekeeping duties in resident's living area.
• Secures services of medical personnel as needed.
• Assists in the preparation and maintenance of assigned records, files, and reports.
• Provide crisis management and intervention and participates in Therapeutic Crises Intervention (TCI)-approved de-escalation of youth, as necessary.
• Maintains confidentiality in all matters within the organization with respect to personnel, operations and clients.
• Completes incident reports and mental health progress/billing notes before completion of the assigned shift, unless otherwise approved by the supervisor.
• Plans, organizes and facilitates MHW ran groups and on a variety of topics.
• May perform other duties as assigned from time to time.
• Works collaboratively to develop, implement and leading of groups.
• Serves as communication liaison with referring parties and families, by phone or via email as needed.
• Regularly conducts 15-minute checks to ensure proper safety of youth when working overnight shift and as needed for youth on High Risk “HR” Status.
• Participates in weekly group and/or individual supervision meetings with supervisor.
• May perform other duties as assigned from time to time.

Position requires staff must be at least 21 years of age. Completed and cleared Live scan, criminal statement, health screening with TB test. Must undergo a one-hour training which reviews mandatory reporting requirements as per Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA). This training takes place during pre-service orientation training and periodically thereafter.

Valid driver’s license is required for transporting youths. Any changes that occur on your driving record must be reported immediately to your supervisor.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must have the education, experience and be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must meet at least one of the following requirements prior to employment:

1. Bachelor of Arts or Sciences Degree; (social work, sociology and psychology or related field);
2. Have a valid Child Development Training Permit
3. Completed 12 semester units of Early Childhood Education, Adolescent Development, or Foster and Kinship Care Education and have at least 100 hours of experience working with youth.
4. A valid certificate as an Alcohol Counselor, Drug Counselor or Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and have at least 100 hours of experience working with youth.
5. A valid vocational training certificate, credential, or documentation demonstrating that the individual is a trade journeyperson who instructs children in vocational skills and have at least 100 hours of experience working with youth as a mentor, athletic coach, teacher, vocational coach, tutor, counselor, or other relevant experience as determined by the department.
6. Previously been employed as a full-time staff or served as a volunteer at a group home, short-term residential therapeutic program, or substance abuse treatment program for at least one year.
7. Relevant life experience in the child welfare, mental health or juvenile justice system as a consumer, mentor, or caregiver or other relevant experience as determined by the department.

In addition, individual must meet one of the following billing requirements:

1. A minimum two (2) years of full-time experience providing direct care experience in a mental health setting and/or support services to mental health clients and their families.

OR

1. Possesses a bachelor's degree in a mental health related field (Social-Behavioral Sciences including psychology, social work, or sociology) AND A minimum of 6 months full-time experience providing direct care experience in a mental health setting and/or support services to mental health clients and their families.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Must meet at least one of the following requirements prior to employment:

• Bachelor of Arts or Sciences Degree;
• Have a valid Child Development Training Permit, or Vocational Training Certificate; or completed 12 semester units of Early Childhood education and have at least 100 hours of experience working with youth.
• Previously been employed as a staff or volunteer at a group home or short-term residential therapeutic center for 1 year, and/or prior experience working with severely emotionally disturbed children and adolescents.
• Relevant life experience in the child welfare, mental health or juvenile justice system as a consumer, mentor, or caregiver or other relevant experience as determined by the department.
• Internal and external candidates require 1 year experience in facilitating groups, planning therapeutic activities for groups, milieu management, therapeutic interventions, and collaboration with the clinical team and families.
• Internal candidates must demonstrate they meet Casa Pacifica Quality Residential Care Measures “QRC-12” Developing Practitioner skills.

Casa Pacifica offers:

• Comprehensive benefits package, including 401k with up to 5% fully vested employer matching contributions made after first year of service
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance options
• Flexible spending and dependent care programs
• Excellent training opportunities
• Education/tuition assistance programs
• Group Discount Pet Insurance
• Aflac Critical Illness, Accidental & Dental supplemental plan options
• Employee Assistance Program
  • Free Confidential Crisis Line 24/7 (365 days a year)
  • Four face to face or telephonic sessions per issue, i.e.,
    • Stress, Anxiety, Depression
    • Life transitions
    • Grief and Loss
    • Divorce
    • Conflict Resolution
    • Substance Abuse
    • Work-Life Counseling
    • Free Legal and Financial consultations
    • Identity Theft Recovery Services

Casa Pacifica restores hope, enhances resilience, and strengthens community connections for children, young adults, and families.

We are a diverse and inclusive team providing excellent services to all our communities. Our team members are empowered to share their identities, ideas, and perspectives. A culture built on diversity, equity and inclusivity is essential to creating a safe and healing environment at Casa Pacifica.

Casa Pacifica is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer; all applicants will be given full consideration under state, local, and federal law.