Lmft

Licensed Child and Family Mental Health Therapist

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the clinical supervision of the Early Childhood Mental Health Clinical Supervisor (Clinical Supervisor) the Licensed Child and Family Mental Health Therapist (Therapist) promotes healthy social-emotional development in children (typically ages 0-5) by providing assessment evidence-based intervention support to families and caregivers and other related services and activities. The Therapist specializes in strengthening attachment addressing behavioral challenges and supporting parenting through home visits classroom observations and clinical therapy. This role involves working in field-based settings and engaging with high-risk marginalized or otherwise vulnerable populations (e.g. child welfare involvement homeless etc.) and individuals in crisis. This role also conducts community outreach and helps coordinate care and family events as needed.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

To successfully perform this job an individual must believe in and act in accordance with the Agencys mission/vision statements adopted theoretical frameworks and philosophy and adequately carry out each essential duty. The requirements below outline the knowledge skills and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to assist individuals with disabilities in performing the essential accordance with our team philosophy the person in this position may occasionally be required to perform or assist with tasks beyond the duties listed in this job description.

Direct Services:

• Conduct client interviews and comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments to gather information on the childs and familys histories (e.g. family social medical trauma substance use risk factors and mental health treatment).
• Conduct developmental and mental health screenings (e.g. ASQ-3 ACEs etc.).
• Conduct suicide risk assessments domestic violence assessments and other safety assessments.
• Develop urgent crisis care plans to resolve acute mental or emotional problems and help clients cope which may include referrals to other treatment sources such as a psychiatrist psychologist rehabilitation counselor or another agency.
• Develop individualized treatment plans in collaboration with clients using modalities like play therapy or dyadic (parent-child) therapy to address trauma or emotional issues. Monitor client progress and update treatment goals accordingly.
• Educate caregivers and parents on child development trauma behavior management strategies emotional regulation techniques and other strategies that support childrens emotional well-being.
• Plan and conduct the clients therapy program to address presenting problems identified through the assessment process considering the clients treatment goal and the length and modality of therapy.
• Provide crisis intervention mental health treatment (i.e. dyadic individual couples family and/or group therapy as applicable) and other related mental health care services to clients.
• Utilize evidence-based treatment modalities that are consistent with program goals and that best fit with clients age and treatment needs (e.g. motivational interviewing trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy child-parent psychotherapy etc.).
• Prepare reports letters and clinical summaries as needed. Present cases in supervision and integrate supervisory feedback into treatment
• Mentor and help train pre-licensed mental health therapists (if designated).
• Participate in a multi-disciplinary team to review client cases treatment approaches clinical issues client progress and treatment recommendations.
• Coordinate supportive services by linking clients to community resources as needed to maximize client self-sufficiency and well-being.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation in accordance with agency policies licensing and regulatory standards and COA accreditation requirements.
• Evening and weekend work is required as needed.

Interagency and Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Provide training and support on complex trauma trauma-informed services ACEs positive behavioral support strategies to promote a childs emotional well-being and other relevant topics across programs.
• Support integrated care planning across programs (Foster Care Adoption Family Preservation Early Childhood Education etc.) to create a holistic view of the child/family share information as needed and appropriate develop joint service plans as appropriate ensure access to necessary services and provide specialized input to improve client outcomes.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and case conferences to coordinate services.
• Partner with the communications team to develop and share impact stories.

Quality and Performance Improvement:

• Manage maintain and update client files complete and update case records and perform other administrative duties as required.
• Ensure timely accurate completion of monthly quarterly and annual program activity reports as well as other required documentation.
• Understand and implement regulations policies/procedures and relevant contract requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA state board regulations and ethical standards per state board guidelines.
• Support the program/department in reaching annual plans and agency-wide goals.
• Attend and participate in all mandated trainings work groups program activities focus groups and staff development/training activities to enhance skills and develop professional knowledge.
• Support audits reporting and quality improvement efforts.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Juvenile Probation Los Angeles County Office of Education and community-based organizations to support child and family needs.
• Coordinate with community-based organizations and other providers to ensure continuity of care.
• Represent Allies in community stakeholder or partner meetings and forums as needed.
• Maintain effective relationships with public and private organizations including county departments advocacy groups and community-based organizations.

QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION:

• Preferably the ideal candidate will:
• Have at least two years of experience and specialized training working with children 0-5.
• Have experience conducting dyadic therapy with parents or caregivers and their young children focusing on supporting attachment protective factors and parenting skills. Knowledge and experience with key evidence-based models like Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP).
• Understand child development and how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and positive childhood experiences impact development.
• Have knowledge of child abuse/neglect prevention.
• Be adept at developing relationships with community members and community-based organizations to reach shared goals and foster engagement.
• Be dedicated to creating and supporting culturally responsive services provided by a culturally diverse workforce.
• Know of or have experience working with the LGBTQ community and familiarity with issues of particular relevance to LGBTQ people.
• Have experience providing field-based and/or home visitation services.
• bilingual in English and Spanish.
• experienced with DMH contracts Medi-Cal billing/documentation or EHR systems.

The candidate must have:

• A masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy Social Work Counseling Psychology or Clinical Psychology.
• A current license as an LMFT LCSW or Psychologist in the state of California.
• 3 years of working with children and families or equivalent experience.
• At least 1-year of experience providing direct mental health services (psychotherapy) to adults school-age children and/or children 0-5 in community-based settings.
• Two years of recent related experience in child/family crisis intervention and mental health services.
• Fingerprint background clearance (DOJ FBI & Child Abuse Clearance Index) or approved exemption
• Successful completion of pre-employment physical TB test/PPD risk assessment proof of immunizations for pertussis (Tdap) measles (MMR) and influenza (can decline).
• Class C drivers license proof of automobile insurance and access to reliable transportation. Personal transportation is required.
• Alignment with Allies mission and philosophy.

Allies for Every Child is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and are committed to building a team that understands the communities we serve and maintains core values as an organization. All employment decisions at Allies for Every Child are based on individual merit qualifications and job-related requirements. We welcome candidates from varied backgrounds including those whose personal or professional experiences enhance Allies ability to serve children and families effectively. The organization does not use demographic quotas or preferences in employment decisions.