Mental Health Professional Expert (Therapist)

Application Instructions:

• Complete all sections and fields on the application and attach all required documents incomplete applications may not be considered.

• Include all relevant education training and/or experience on the application.

• Do not include any personally identifiable confidential or otherwise unrequested information that does not pertain to job related factors (e.g. social security number date of birth pictures etc.) on your application or attached documents.

• For job postings with a close date all applications received by 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) on the job posting close date will receive consideration.

• For job postings with an initial screening date all applications received by 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) on the job posting initial screening date will receive priority consideration; however typically the job posting will remain open and continue to accept applications until the position is filled.

• For job postings requiring professional references include at least three (3) professional references from the following categories:

1. Current department chair(s) (for faculty) or supervisor(s);
2. Previous department chair(s) (for faculty) or supervisor(s) (from within the past five (5) years);
3. Masters thesis or Doctoral Dissertation advisor or supervisor (for faculty);
4. Colleague(s) or co-worker(s) who can address professional competency and skills relevant to the position; and/or
5. Other professional references.

Please note professional references are typically contacted when a candidate is selected for or as a finalist for a position.

MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL EXPERT (IVC THERAPIST)

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision the Mental Health Professional Expert (Therapist) provides comprehensive mental health services to community college students. This includes assessment diagnosis individual and group counseling treatment planning and crisis intervention. The therapist collaborates with clients and community resources to promote mental health and well-being ensuring services are delivered in accordance with professional standards and state regulations.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Assess clients strengths needs abilities and preferences; formulate diagnostic impressions based on current DSM criteria.

Develop in conjunction with clients individualized treatment plans that are practical and effective.

Investigate case histories and present relevant client information regarding family and social background to the clinical team.

Complete treatment plans discharge summaries and all required documentation and correspondence in a timely manner.

Provide individual counseling and facilitate educational and support groups ensuring all activities are electronically documented within 24 hours.

Select appropriate therapeutic approaches (directive nondirective supportive) and plan therapy frequency intensity and duration accordingly.

Conduct skill-building psycho-educational and support groups.

Coordinate services by collaborating with community resources and referral sources.

Provide crisis intervention services as authorized and necessary.

Maintain current state license registration or certification appropriate to the scope of practice.

Participate in clinical staff meetings and engage in ongoing professional development.

Perform administrative duties as required by the program.

Perform related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Psychiatric diagnosis and terminology.

Current DSM criteria and clinical assessment methods.

Counseling theories and therapeutic techniques including individual and group therapy modalities.

Medical record documentation and electronic charting procedures.

Community mental health resources and referral networks.

Crisis intervention strategies and protocols.

Confidentiality laws and ethical standards in mental health practice.

Skills and abilities to:

Conduct thorough mental health assessments and develop accurate diagnostic impressions.

Establish rapport and effectively communicate with diverse student populations.

Develop and implement individualized treatment plans.

Facilitate both individual and group counseling sessions.

Coordinate and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and community partners.

Maintain timely accurate and confidential clinical documentation.

Respond effectively to crisis situations.

Adapt therapeutic approaches to meet client needs.

Utilize electronic health record systems efficiently.

Communicate clearly and professionally both verbally and in writing.

Report to work on a regular and consistent basis as scheduled to assigned job.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Must hold a current and valid California license as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or possess a Masters degree in Social Work with corresponding California licensure.

Preferred minimum of two (2) years of clinical experience working in community mental health settings.

Effective written and verbal communication skills in English.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The conditions herein 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 job functions

Work is primarily performed in an office setting within the community college campus involving frequent interaction with students staff and faculty. May be required to facilitate group sessions in varied settings such as classrooms or meeting rooms. Position requires the ability to sit for extended periods use computers and electronic devices and engage in face-to-face counseling sessions. May encounter emotionally intense or crisis situations requiring calm professional responses. Occasional travel to community agencies or other off-site locations for coordination of services or training may be required.

Work Schedule: TBD Schedule and shift vary and are subject to change in accordance with the departments needs.

Hours per Week: Up to 25

Employment Conditions and Information:

This is a short-term temporary hourly Non-Bargaining Unit (NBU) assignment not to exceed 160 days and 960 hours per fiscal year (July 1^st through June 30^th). Short-term temporary NBU positions may only be used on an intermittent seasonal or project basis. Education Code Section 88003 states Short-term employee means any person who is employed to perform a service for the district upon the completion of which the service required or similar services will not be extended or needed on a continuing basis.

After successful completion of the onboarding requirements an individual may be employed by the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) as a short-term temporary NBU employee. Employment will be on an if and as needed basis as determined by the SOCCCD. The assignment may be shortened or extended at any time due to departmental needs with little to no notice. NBU employment is at-will and either party may terminate this working relationship at any time. Neither party shall be required to provide any reason for the separation. NBU employees shall not have reemployment rights or recourse to petition to be reinstated.

NBU employees are limited to working in a single position for a single department and site (assignments are onsite only).

NBU employees are paid on a monthly basis. The payroll reporting period is from the 1^st of the month to the last day of the month. NBU employees are paid on the 10th of the following month.

Example: For the following reporting period: January 1^st through January 31^st the NBU employee will be paid on February 10^th.

NBU employees who work more than 1000 hours per fiscal year are required to contribute to the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) through payroll deduction. The SOCCCD does not intend to employ NBU employees for more than 960 hours during any fiscal year.

Notice to all Candidates for Employment:

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 Public Law 99-603 requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) will not sponsor any visa applications.

Employees must reside in California while employed with the SOCCCD.

California Public Employees Retirement SystemandCalifornia State Teachers Retirement System:

A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the SOCCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.

Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS) who accepts employment with the SOCCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS

Disability Accommodations:

If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date by either calling or sending an e-mail to

Attendance Requirement:

All SOCCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis as scheduled to assigned job.

Campus Crime and Safety Awareness:

Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at or . Paper copies are available in the Human Resources office upon request.

Non-Discrimination Notice:

The SOCCCD provides access to its services classes and programs without regard to national origin immigration status religion age gender gender identity gender expression race ethnicity color medical condition military and veteran status genetic information ancestry sexual orientation marital status physical or mental disability pregnancy or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

California Fair Chance Act:

The SOCCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check if the SOCCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction provide mitigating evidence or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

Diversity Equity Inclusion and Equal Employment Opportunity:

The SOCCCDis looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic socioeconomic cultural disability gender identity sexual orientation and ethnic backgrounds present within our community.

The SOCCCD is committed to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed in their classes and as such to eliminating institutional barriers that disproportionately impact students of color. Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment where students staff and faculty from diverse backgrounds can thrive academically and professionally.

Irvine Valley College (IVC) serves approximately 21584 students reflecting a rich diversity: 41% Asian 2% Black/African-American 21% Hispanic/Latino 8% Southwest Asian and North African 5% two or more races and 21% White in Fall 2024.

Similarly Saddleback College (SC) serves around 25789 students with demographics showing 12% Asian 2% Black/African-American 29% Hispanic/Latino 5% two or more races and 47% White in Fall 2024.

These numbers underscore the importance of our commitmentto eliminating equity gaps across all student demographics through implementing dynamic student-centered practices and support the academic and career success of our diverse student body we seek a candidate who will actively contribute to our mission of inclusivity and support. The ideal candidates values will align with SOCCCDs goals for Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO).

THE SOCCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER