Mental Health Clinician LPHA- PT

Job description:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

As an ADP Licensed Practitioner of the Healing Arts (LPHA) within Good Samaritan Shelter’s system of care, you play a vital role in supporting clients experiencing mental health challenges who are also participating in substance use treatment programs. Your clinical expertise helps ensure clients receive integrated, compassionate, and effective care.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborative Care: Work within Good Samaritan Shelter’s nine (9) drug and alcohol treatment programs in partnership with AOD Counselors to support client enrollment into the appropriate level of care.
• Assessment & Diagnosis: Review ASAM assessments completed by the treatment team with either the AOD Counselor or client directly to determine the primary SUD diagnosis using DSM-5 criteria and document medical necessity in the client’s electronic medical record.
• Clinical Services: Provide weekly 90-minute individual or group counseling sessions for clients enrolled in Level 3.5 care to address additional mental health needs.
• Documentation: Record all clinical activities, including diagnostic impressions, interview results, evaluations, and treatment recommendations, in compliance with documentation standards.
• Interagency Collaboration: Coordinate care with external agencies—including Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness, Child Welfare Services, Public Health, and Probation (with appropriate releases)—to promote positive client outcomes.
• Client & Family Education: Provide education to clients and their families regarding mental health diagnoses, treatment plans, and the recovery process.
• Case Management: Offer case management support to help clients access stable housing, healthcare, benefits, and life skills development within the scope of therapeutic services.
• Data Entry & Compliance: Enter all relevant information, client interactions, and services into SmartCare and ETO systems within required timelines set by Behavioral Wellness and Good Samaritan policies.
• Travel: Drive to multiple program sites as needed to effectively engage clients and support treatment teams.
• Operational Support: Notify your manager promptly of any maintenance or supply needs, and assist in maintaining an organized and functional work environment.
• Confidentiality: Maintain client privacy and adhere to HIPAA Privacy Practices, reviewed and updated annually during comprehensive treatment training.
• Professional Engagement: Attend staff meetings, complete required trainings on time, and ensure accurate timecard submission.
• Compliance: Adhere to all company policies, procedures, and regulatory standards.
• Additional Duties: Perform other related duties as assigned by your supervisor.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

This section outlines the essential knowledge, skills and abilities are required to perform the daily tasks and job duties bulleted above.

• High School Diploma or equivalent: A minimum educational requirement to demonstrate basic literacy and communication skills.
• Possession of a master’s degree in social work or marriage, professional clinical counseling or family therapy from an accredited university; or,
• Possession of a master’s degree in marriage, family and child counseling, marital and family therapy, counseling psychology, clinical psychology, counseling with an emphasis in marriage, family and child counseling, or social work with an emphasis on clinical social work or other equivalent master’s degree from a college or university approved by the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Board of Behavioral Science Examiners.
• Registration with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as an LCSW, LPCC LMFT or Registration with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as a MFT Associate or Associate Social Worker or Associate Professional Clinical Counselor and:
• Must obtain malpractice insurance.
• Must hold an active membership with a relevant professional association, such as the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) or the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
• Be in good standing with the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) in California.
• To maintain licensure and stay current with the latest developments in their field, LPHAs must participate in continuing education activities and accumulate the required number of CEUs for licensure renewal.
• Excellent communication skills: Ability to effectively communicate with shelter residents, colleagues, and external stakeholders.
• Crisis intervention skills: Capacity to handle crisis situations and de-escalate conflicts.
• Empathy and compassion: Demonstrating genuine care and understanding for individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Ability to work in a team: Collaboration and cooperation with other shelter staff, volunteers, and external agencies.
• Excellent computer proficiency (MS Office – Word, Excel and Google)

Required Qualifications:

Employment Eligibility Verification:

• Must provide documentation to establish identity and employment eligibility in compliance with legal requirements. This may include a U.S. passport, Permanent Resident Card, or other acceptable forms of identification.

Negative Tuberculosis Test:

• Must provide documentation of a recent negative tuberculosis (TB) test result to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.

Background Screening:

• Successful completion of a comprehensive background screening, which may include criminal record checks, employment history verification, and reference checks.

Pre-Employment Drug Screening:

• Must pass a pre-employment drug screening to ensure a drug-free workplace. A negative drug test result is required.

Driving Skills:

• Must meet the requirements set by our auto insurance carrier.

Insurance Coverage:

• Must be able to qualify for Good Samaritan Shelter insurance coverage, which may include meeting specific criteria related to driving record, insurance claims history, and other factors.

Personal Insurance Coverage:

• Must have personal insurance coverage that meets the requirements set by the employer.
• This may include liability insurance, automobile insurance, or any other type of insurance deemed necessary for the position.
• The coverage must be valid and maintained throughout the employment period.

Benefits:

Part-Time Benefits:

• 401k Matching
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Gym Membership Discount
• Working Advantage

Please note that these benefits are subject to specific eligibility criteria and may be subject to change based on company policies and guidelines.

Work Environment:

The work environment for an LPHA/Mental Health Clinician in homeless services is characterized by the need for flexibility, adaptability, and empathy. They work closely with other professionals, including social workers, case managers, and outreach workers, to ensure a coordinated and integrated approach to client care. The setting often involves direct interaction with clients facing complex challenges, and as such, LPHAs must be skilled in building rapport, providing trauma-informed care, and fostering a supportive atmosphere to help clients on their path to recovery and stability.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards
• Capability to navigate stairs multiple times during a shift is required.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 lbs.
• Proficiency in using hands and fingers to perform tasks such as typing, writing, handling paperwork, operating equipment, and assisting residents with daily needs.
• Sufficient vision and hearing capabilities to observe and respond to the environment, communicate with residents and colleagues, and maintain a safe working environment.

Mental Requirements:

The mental demands outlined above are illustrative of the requirements necessary for an employee to effectively fulfill the fundamental duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations can be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to fulfill these essential functions.

• Emotional resilience to cope with challenging situations and provide support to individuals facing difficult circumstances.
• The nature of working with individuals experiencing homelessness can be emotionally draining. Staff must be aware of the signs of compassion fatigue and have strategies in place to manage their own self-care and prevent burnout.
• Establishing and maintaining appropriate boundaries is crucial when working with vulnerable populations. Staff should be able to prioritize self-care, set limits on their emotional involvement, and practice self-reflection to prevent personal emotional strain.
• Serving a diverse population with various cultural backgrounds and identities. Staff should have a strong commitment to cultural sensitivity, respect for diversity, and the ability to communicate effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.

The Good Samaritan Shelter is a non-profit, community-based organization that relies on all members of staff to work together to serve the community and clients. At times, you may be asked to take on additional tasks outside of your usual responsibilities as needed.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and ability required.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $40.00 - $48.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $40 - $48