Licensed Mental Health Clinician (LCSW)

Position Summary: Under the direction of the Infectious Disease and Special Programs (IDSP) Behavioral Health Program Manager and clinical supervisor of the Behavioral Health department, the Licensed Mental Health Clinician (MHC) is responsible for providing individual and group counseling with person living with or at risk of HIV. The MHC performs thorough psychosocial assessments of incoming clients. The MHC represents the IDSP department in the community, interacting and networking with community service agencies that provide support to persons living with HIV, substance use, and metal health co-occurring disorders. Cultivates and maintains communication and networking with diverse organizations in the HIV community. The MHC serves as a role model for cultural and linguistic competency for other staff to emulate. Maintain client confidentiality at all levels. Essential Functions of the Job: Provides individual, couples, family and group mental health and substance use counseling to persons living with HIV and co-occurring disorders. Service must be delivered in a gender and culturally appropriate fashion. Counseling will be providing in a fashion consistent with the State of California laws and regulations, professional standards of care, agency guidelines, and professional ethical guidelines. Conducts thorough psychosocial assessments of incoming clients. Works with clients to develop treatment plans; performs crisis intervention as needed. Assesses and identifies client's needs for supportive services on an ongoing basis. Acts as a resource, assists n obtaining and/or making appropriate referrals for necessary or requested services. Facilitates group sessions and leads specialized educational classes; collaborates with other service team members and other appropriate individuals on clients' status; within scope of responsibility and expertise, provides guidance and instruction to other staff members regarding appropriate treatments for clients. Establishes and maintains contact within community resources to ensure continuity of care (e.g. case managers, rehabilitation and detoxification centers, psychiatric units.) Maintains a case load as assigned by contractual obligations. Maintains professional records and documentation, including progress notes, treatment plans and ongoing evaluation of client progress, consistent with agency expectations and ethical standards. Participates in team Case Conference meetings; HIV Multi-Disciplinary meetings; weekly case reviews; quarterly chart reviews. Additional Duties and Responsibilities Care Coordinator/Program Support: Requests assistance and guidance from Clinical Supervisor and professional staff when necessary to address client issues and problems. Knows the terms, conditions and scopes of work of contracts and grants that fund the mental health services. Ensures thorough monthly monitoring, adequate progress towards contract goals and objectives. Maintains, updates, and implements policies and procedures for mental health services. Conducts quality improvement and evaluation activities for mental health services. Completes monthly and quarterly narrative and statistical reports in an accurate and timely manner. Participates in weekly IDSP Department staff meetings and staff development trainings, as needed. Maintains flexible schedule to allow for some after hour and/or weekend work, as well as emergency coverage of shifts to meet the needs/demands of clients, service, and/or department related activities and events. Assists leadership in the promotion and implementation of client activities, educational presentations, and special events. Represents San Ysidro Health to other organizations and community groups. Network with other SYHealth programs and HIV/AIDS service providers. Job Requirements Education Required: Successful completion of terminal graduate training program in a psychotherapy-related field: M.A., or M.S. in Social Work, related fields at an accredited university or college. Experience Required: Two year experience in a mental health setting; and one year of professional experience providing direct services; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Combination of education and years of experience as specified above. Sensitivity to LGBT-related cultural concerns and the psychotherapeutic issues concomitant to HIV disease. Previous HIV field experience a plus. Experience in group facilitation and educational instruction. Licenses Required: Current valid, LCSW issued by the State of California required. Valid California driver's license and access to insured vehicle required. Verbal and Written Skills Required to Perform the Job: Bilingual English/Spanish required Excellent oral, written communication, and interpersonal skills. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Technical Knowledge and Skills Required to Perform the Job: Experience wand knowledge with Microsoft Office software. Equipment Used: Personal Computer. Working Conditions and Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods of sitting and constant walking and standing. Driving and occasional travel is required. May be required to work evenings and weekends. Universal Requirements: Pre-employment requirements include I-9, physical, positive background and reference check results, complete application, new hire orientation, pre-employment PPDs. Compliance with all mandated vaccinations and all boosters is a term and condition of employment.