SUD / Mental Health Therapist - ODF Program

Position: Mental Health Therapist

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt – Full-Time

Department: Clinical Services

Reports To: Director of ODF Program

Hours: Full-Time or Part-Time

Compensation: Salary/Hourly – DOE, Licensure-Dependent

Location: Bakersfield, CA (Mt. Vernon / Calloway-RSD)

Schedule: Mon–Fri; Evenings/Weekends as Needed

About STEPS, Inc.

STEPS, Inc. is a Bakersfield-based nonprofit providing evidence-based substance use disorder treatment across Kern County. We operate an Driving Under the Influence (DUI) program which includes a state-certified DUI education, group counseling, and one-on-one counseling serving court-mandated participants. Our mission is to INSPIRE participants to make life changes, EMPOWER them with the tools to make it happen, and ELEVATE our participants to a new and healthier lifestyle. We have an encouraging culture focused on our participants. Come join a wonderful team and help change lives.

Position Overview

STEPS, Inc. is seeking an experienced, licensed Mental Health Therapist to provide direct substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health treatment across our Outpatient Drug-Free (ODF) program populations. This journey-level clinical role is open to candidates holding — or eligible to hold — licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), or Pre-Licensed Psychologist (PhD/PsyD).

The Therapist will conduct intakes, bio-psychosocial assessments, and diagnostic evaluations; design and deliver individualized and group treatment; and coordinate care with courts, probation, and community partners for a client population that includes dual-diagnosis and legal-offense-related cases. This role may include evening or weekend flexibility and offers meaningful clinical leadership opportunities, including intern supervision.

What Success Looks Like

In the first 90 days, a successful Mental Health Therapist will:

30 Days — Complete onboarding and required compliance training (HIPAA, documentation standards); shadow assessments; begin building a caseload under supervision.

60 Days — Independently conduct assessments and problem lists; carry an active caseload of individual, group, and/or family therapy clients.

90 Days — Manage a full independent caseload; demonstrate consistent, on-time documentation; actively participate in case coordination with community agencies and referral partners.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Assessment & Treatment Planning

● Conducts intakes and comprehensive bio-psychosocial assessments; diagnoses mental health and substance use disorders.

● Develops individualized problem lists, identifying goals and steps to achievement; revises plans as client needs evolve.

● Screens adults for appropriateness of treatment and evaluates causal relationships among problem behaviors, personality traits, socio-economic conditions, and substance use.

● Participates in the evaluation and implementation of various treatment modalities.

Direct Therapeutic Services

● Provides individual, conjoint, marital/family, and group therapy for clients, including those with dual diagnosis or legal-offense-related needs.

● Provides crisis intervention and evaluates/handles psychiatric emergencies, determining the need for referral.

● Acts as an advocate for clients; refers clients to community agencies, medical, or psychiatric services as appropriate.

Case Management & Community Coordination

● Coordinates cases as assigned and assists staff in the provision of services.

● Works cooperatively with community agencies to provide a full range of client services; participates in community self-help groups and liaison activities.

● Keeps supervisors apprised of issues related to client treatment.

Supervision & Training

● May supervise interns completing licensure requirements; supervises volunteers and provides clinical supervision to non-licensed staff.

● Provides in-service training and presentations to clients, families, staff, and community organizations.

Documentation & Compliance

● Maintains accurate records; prepares correspondence, progress notes, court reports, placement evaluations, and other required documentation.

● Participates in utilization review activities and attends in-service training, meetings, and conferences.

● Utilizes SmartCare and other software to access, maintain, and document electronic client records.

Qualifications

● Degree from an accredited college or university in Psychology, Sociology, Counseling, Social Work, or a related field.

● Licensure (completed or in process) with the State of California as an LCSW, MFT, or LPCC — OR completion of a Doctorate in a Behavioral Science with eligibility for a licensing waiver from the CA Department of Health Care Services (waiver not to exceed five years from date of employment).

● If hired without an active license, licensure must be obtained within an acceptable timeframe of hire.

● Working knowledge of mental health and substance use treatment principles, HIPAA and confidentiality standards, Board of Behavioral Sciences regulations, diagnostic criteria, and diversified treatment modalities.

● Ability to conduct effective interviews, apply diagnostic and treatment frameworks, and work with individuals and groups to effect behavioral change.

● Valid California driver's license.

● Ability to pass an extensive background investigation and fingerprinting, dependent on assignment; disqualification for felony, misdemeanor, or traffic offenses assessed case-by-case.

● Proficiency with personal computers and electronic health record systems.

Preferred

● Experience treating dual-diagnosis clients or legal-offense-related, court-mandated populations.

● Prior experience providing clinical supervision to interns or non-licensed staff, preferred.

● Familiarity with SmartCare or similar EHR/behavioral health documentation platforms.

● Experience preparing court reports, placement evaluations, or utilization review documentation.

● Bilingual in English and Spanish (strongly preferred given Kern County's service population).

● Comfortable working flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, preferred.

Core Competencies

● Clinical Judgment — Applies diagnostic criteria and diversified treatment modalities to a wide range of client presentations.

● Therapeutic Rapport — Builds trust with clients across individual, family, and group settings.

● Crisis Response — Evaluates and manages psychiatric emergencies calmly and effectively.

● Documentation & Compliance — Maintains accurate, timely records that meet HIPAA and regulatory standards.

● Collaboration — Works effectively with community agencies, courts, probation, and referral partners.

● Cultural Sensitivity — Delivers trauma-informed, recovery-affirming care to a diverse client population.

● Adaptability — Manages a flexible schedule and shifting clinical priorities, including evening/weekend availability.

Tools & Platforms

Candidates should be proficient in, or able to quickly learn, the following platforms:

● Clinical Documentation: SmartCare EHR (or equivalent electronic health record system)

● Communication: Microsoft Outlook, Teams

● Documents: Microsoft Word, Excel

● Records Management: Secure electronic client file systems

Working Conditions

● Full-Time or Part-Time, non-exempt position.

● Hours as needed by the program and clients.

● Standard clinical office environment across STEPS program sites.

● Background check is completed.

● Must maintain a valid California driver's license and appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality standards at all times.

● Annual performance evaluations occur at the end of each fiscal year.

Equal Opportunity Employer

STEPS, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Pay: $28.00 - $40.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $28 - $40