2023-2024 Practicum Position - Barstow, CA

About Organization: Wellness Together, a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, partners with schools statewide to increase access to mental health services for students and families. By collaborating with universities and graduate programs, Wellness Together provides cost-effective "turn-key" social-emotional interventions on school campuses across California.

We are committed to developing school-based mental health practices that go beyond traditional medical care and provide much needed social-emotional support at no cost to the student or their family. We advance school-based health by:

1. Advocating for state and national policies that support school-based mental health services

2. Providing training to staff as well as the community on mental health

3. Hosting the annual Student Mental Wellness Conference which partners with the CA Department of Education

4. Cultivating new and existing partnerships to spread best practices and improve school-based mental health

Summary of Position:

Under supervision, the Mental Health Specialist provides mental health services including individual and group counseling, case management, parent and staff consultations, referrals and treatment plans for students identified as having mental health needs. This position conducts mental health training for students, staff and families.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct intake assessments and develop treatment plans

• Provides individual and group counseling

• Provides case management and communicate available services and resources

• Provide crisis intervention and perform risk assessments

• Develop and deliver student, parent and staff training w/school site personnel

• Provide care coordination for referred students

• Consult with school staff including administrators, counselors, and teachers to coordinate care for referred students

• Attend SSTs, Section 504 meetings and related student meetings

• Participate in crisis response to events that occur on campus

• Document and store individual and group counseling logs and notes of mental health treatment provided

• Participate in monthly staff meetings

• Participate in required staff training

• Participate in individual and group supervision as scheduled and required by the BBS

• Other duties as necessary

Qualifications:

Knowledge of:

• Regulations of the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)

• Evidence-based treatment modalities

• Evidence-based counseling interventions

• Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V)

• Crisis management and crisis intervention techniques

• Effective verbal and written communication strategies

• Conflict resolution

• Community referrals and resources

• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

• Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

• Mandated reporting policies and procedures (Child Abuse/Tarasoff)

• Confidentiality and Ethics requirements

• Correct use of English language including grammar, spelling, vocabulary and punctuation

Ability to:

• Provide mental health services to individuals or groups of students

• Refer students and families to community resources, support groups and other social service agencies.

• Read, interpret, apply and explain regulations, policies and procedures

• Work independently and with discretion

• Analyze situations and develop an effective course of action

• Plan, develop, and deliver programs and services to meet student mental health needs

• Operate various office equipment, computer and software programs

• Maintain records and prepare reports and translate as needed

• Establish and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with others

• Maintain current knowledge of applicable rules, codes, laws and regulations

• Define issues, collect and analyze data, determine facts and draw appropriate conclusions

Education and Experience:

Graduate program transcript required if currently enrolled. Must be in practicum/internship. Experience working with “at-risk” youth is preferred, but not required.

Licenses and Other Requirements:

Graduate Program transcript or a copy of your registration information with the BBS

Valid California Class C Driver’s License

Work Environment:

Classroom or office environment indoors. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform functions. The noise level in the work environment is low to moderate. Hazards can include contact with abusive or hostile individuals with unpredictable behaviors.

Physical Demands:

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate assigned equipment

• Hearing and speaking to listen and provide information by phone or in-person

• Seeing to observe and monitor student behavior and to read a variety of materials

• Kneeling, crouching or bending at the waist to file materials

• Standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time

• Lifting, pushing, pulling or carrying objects up to 25 pounds.

• Reaching above the shoulders, horizontally, and overhead

Experience:

• Relevant: 1 year (Preferred)

• Mental Health: 2 years (Preferred)

Language:

• English

• Fluent in a second language (preferred)

Work Location:

• Multiple locations

• Telework when permitted

Qualifications