Community Mental Health Therapist – San Francisco County

Careers by Empowering Futures, Building Communities

Imagine going to work each day knowing that your efforts positively impact individuals and communities. As a global movement and the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco offers more than just a job—we offer a career with a future and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in your community. At the Y, you can uncover your passion and build a lifelong career addressing some of the nation's most pressing social issues.

Our Organizational Culture

At the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, we are committed to demonstrating values that aim to building strong communities where you can Be, Belong and Become. With Truth & Courage, we strive to understand and act on individual and societal truths. We ensure a safe and inclusive environment with Authenticity & Accessibility, allowing everyone to participate according to their needs. Our approach is Dependable & Creative, as we respond to community needs through strong partnerships. Above all, we embody Dignity & Empathy, treating everyone with respect and compassion, and recognizing the inherent dignity in all individuals.

Position Summary

The Community Mental Health Therapist is an essential member of the YMCA’s interdisciplinary care team, providing services in collaboration with the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) and the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD). This role serves residents in San Francisco public housing communities, including Alice Griffith, Sunnydale, Potrero Hill, and Hunters View.

The therapist delivers direct mental health services, conducts clinical assessments, and engages in community outreach for youth and families. Working collaboratively with a Health Care Provider, CHAMPS (Community Health Access & Mobilization for Prevention and Support) team members, and a Care Coordinator, this position supports the delivery of integrated, accessible, and person-centered care. The therapist plays a key role in promoting community wellness, fostering resilience, and helping reduce barriers to mental health support.

Job Responsibilities

Clinical Services

• Conduct initial assessments and develop individualized treatment plans that are trauma-informed, strengths-based, and inclusive.
• Provide individual, family, and group therapy for youth and adults referred through SFDPH, YMCA programs, and partner agencies.
• Collaborate with Intake Coordinators to ensure timely service linkage and eligibility verification.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant clinical documentation according to YMCA, SFDPH, Medi-Cal, and MOHCD standards.
• Participate in case consultations and interdisciplinary care planning with healthcare providers, CHAMPS staff, and Care Coordinators.
• Monitor client progress, adjust treatment goals as needed, and contribute to outcome evaluations.

Community Engagement and Outreach

• Conduct outreach to residents at public housing sites to promote mental health awareness and access to care.
• Organize and co-facilitate community events focused on emotional wellness, stress management, and family support.
• Build collaborative relationships with residents and community partners to foster a sense of inclusion and well-being.
• Represent the YMCA in community wellness meetings and neighborhood coalitions.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Collaborate within an integrated care team, including healthcare professionals, CHAMPS staff, and Care Coordinators.
• Participate in team case conferences and citywide coordination meetings.
• Support cross-agency data collection and reporting to measure community impact and inform public health planning.

Administrative and Compliance

• Complete all required documentation (e.g., progress notes, treatment plans, discharge summaries) in accordance with compliance standards.
• Attend clinical supervision, professional development, and required city/county trainings.
• Maintain confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA, FERPA, and local privacy regulations.
• Assist with quality assurance activities, program evaluations, and chart reviews as needed.

Preferred Qualifications (Optional)

• Experience providing services in community-based behavioral health programs or working with residents in public housing.
• Familiarity with San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) and MOHCD program standards.
• Proficiency in more than one language is valued (e.g., Spanish, Cantonese, Tagalog, Samoan).
• Experience facilitating community wellness workshops or outreach events.=

Work Environment & Physical Demands

This position involves a combination of office-based and field-based work at public housing sites, requiring travel across San Francisco using public transportation or a personal vehicle, with mileage reimbursement available for travel to multiple sites in one day. The role involves sitting, standing, walking, and engaging with community members in both indoor and outdoor settings. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to support individuals with disabilities in performing the essential functions of the job.

Disclaimers

• Must successfully complete a background screening, including criminal and employment verification. Some positions may also require a credit check.
• All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. The YMCA of Greater San Francisco promotes an equal employment opportunity workplace, which includes reasonable accommodation for otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees. Please contact your manager if you have any questions about this policy or these job duties.
• This job description may not be all-inclusive, and employees are expected to perform other duties as assigned by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified by management as needed.
• Job offers are conditional and contingent upon background clearance. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and CA Fair Chance Act, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.

Salary Description

The position offers a competitive salary of $32-$39 per hour. This rate is based on salary and hourly benchmarking standards for similar roles. This compensation is consistent with funding allocated through grant approval and adheres to the established salary structure for the position. 

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree (MA/MS) in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, Social Work, or equivalent, or within one academic year of completion.
• Registration with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) (AMFT, ASW, APCC) or eligibility within 90 days of hire.
• At least two years of experience providing behavioral health services or case management in community, school, or similar settings.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and culturally responsive clinical practices.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and electronic health record systems (e.g., EPIC, Avatar).
• Current CPR/First Aid Certification (YMCA-approved)

Salary : $32 - $39