Mental Health Intern (IVC)

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 INTERN (IVC)

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under supervision of licensed clinical staff the Mental Health Intern provides mental health support services to community college students. This position offers a training opportunity to gain clinical experience in assessment diagnosis treatment planning and direct therapeutic services including individual counseling and group facilitation. The intern works as part of a multidisciplinary team to support students mental health and academic success while adhering to applicable laws ethical standards and college policies.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties based on departmental needs:

Assess clients strengths needs abilities and preferences; develop diagnostic impressions based on DSM criteria with supervisor oversight.

Collaborate with clients to create individualized goal-oriented treatment plans.

Investigate and document relevant client case history including family and social background to inform diagnosis and treatment.

Complete treatment plans progress notes discharge summaries and other clinical documentation in a timely manner.

Provide individual counseling and facilitate educational and/or support groups; chart all services within 24 hours of session delivery.

Apply various therapeutic approaches (e.g. directive nondirective supportive) and assist in planning the frequency and duration of therapy.

Conduct psycho-educational and skill-building support groups.

Coordinate services with external agencies and community referral sources.

Participate in crisis intervention services under supervision when necessary.

Attend staff meetings supervision sessions and professional development activities.

Perform administrative tasks relevant to client care and program operations.

Stay informed of current trends best practices and legal/ethical guidelines in the mental health field.

Carry out additional duties as delegated by supervising staff or program leadership.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Psychiatric diagnostic categories and clinical terminology.

Current DSM criteria and mental health assessment techniques.

Principles of individual and group psychotherapy.

Legal and ethical standards of practice including confidentiality (HIPAA FERPA).

Basics of medical record documentation and electronic health record systems.

Cultural competence and trauma-informed practices in diverse educational settings.

Community mental health systems and referral processes.

Skills and abilities to:

Establish and maintain a therapeutic rapport with a diverse student population.

Conduct assessments and develop treatment plans under clinical supervision.

Apply appropriate counseling techniques and evidence-based practices.

Facilitate group counseling and psycho-educational sessions.

Collaborate effectively with supervisors peers and external partners.

Demonstrate professionalism reliability and ethical judgment.

Communicate clearly and compassionately both orally and in writing.

Maintain accurate and timely documentation in electronic health records.

Respond calmly and appropriately in crisis situations with supervisory guidance.

Exhibit a commitment to learning and ongoing professional development.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Must be currently registered as an Associate Therapist in California (AMFT ASW or APCC) or enrolled in a qualifying graduate program with appropriate clinical supervision.

Preferred: Two (2) years of experience working or interning in a community mental health setting.

Strong written and verbal communication skills in English are required.

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 performed in a standard office and counseling setting on a community college campus. Involves frequent student interactions both in-person and potentially via telehealth platforms. Requires the ability to sit for extended periods use computers and electronic devices and conduct confidential counseling sessions. May encounter emotionally sensitive situations requiring calm and supportive responses. Occasional travel for training or outreach events may be required. Must adhere to college and program safety protocols including those related to student privacy and well-being.

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