Licensed Mental Health Clinician; Licensed Psychologist

Overview

Licensed Mental Health Clinician (Licensed Psychologist)

Under the direction of the Infectious Disease and Special Programs (IDSP) Behavioral Health Program Manager and clinical supervisor of the Behavioral Health department, the Licensed Mental Health Clinician (MHC) provides individual and group counseling with persons living with or at risk of HIV. The MHC performs thorough psychosocial assessments of incoming clients. The MHC represents the IDSP department in the community, networking with community service agencies that provide support to persons living with HIV, substance use, and co-occurring mental health disorders.

The MHC fosters and maintains communication with diverse organizations in the HIV community and serves as a role model for cultural and linguistic competency. Maintains client confidentiality at all levels.

• Provides individual, couples, family and group mental health and substance use counseling to persons living with HIV and co-occurring disorders. Counseling must be delivered in a gender- and culturally-appropriate fashion, in accordance with the State of California laws and regulations, professional standards of care, agency guidelines, and ethical guidelines.
• Conducts thorough psychosocial assessments of incoming clients.
• Works with clients to develop treatment plans; performs crisis intervention as needed.
• Assesses and identifies client needs for supportive services on an ongoing basis.
• Acts as a resource, assists in obtaining and/or making appropriate referrals for necessary or requested services.
• Facilitates group sessions and leads specialized educational classes; collaborates with other service team members and other appropriate individuals on clients’ status; within scope of responsibility and expertise, provides guidance and instruction to other staff regarding appropriate treatments for clients.
• Establishes and maintains contact with community resources to ensure continuity of care (e.g. case managers, rehabilitation and detoxification centers, psychiatric units).
• Maintains a caseload as assigned by contractual obligations.
• Maintains professional records and documentation, including progress notes, treatment plans and ongoing evaluation of client progress, consistent with agency expectations and ethical standards.
• Participates in team Case Conference meetings; HIV Multi-Disciplinary meetings; weekly case reviews; quarterly chart reviews.

• Requests assistance and guidance from Clinical Supervisor and professional staff when necessary to address client issues and problems.
• Understands terms, conditions and scopes of work of contracts and grants that fund mental health services.
• Ensures thorough monthly monitoring, progress toward contract goals and objectives.
• Maintains, updates, and implements policies and procedures for mental health services.
• Conducts quality improvement and evaluation activities for mental health services.
• Completes monthly and quarterly narrative and statistical reports accurately and timely.
• Participates in weekly IDSP Department staff meetings and staff development trainings, as needed.
• Maintains a flexible schedule to allow for some after-hours and/or weekend work, and emergency coverage of shifts to meet client and department needs.
• Assists leadership in the promotion and implementation of client activities, educational presentations, and special events.
• Represents San Ysidro Health to other organizations and community groups; networks with other SYHealth programs and HIV/AIDS service providers.

Education Required: Successful completion of terminal graduate training program in a psychotherapy-related field:
Ph.D./Psy.

D. in Psychology or related field from an accredited university or college.

Experience

Required:

• Two years of experience in a mental health setting; and one year of professional experience providing direct services; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Combination of education and years of experience as specified above.
• Sensitivity to LGBT-related cultural concerns and psychotherapeutic issues concomitant to HIV disease. Previous HIV field experience a plus.
• Experience in group facilitation and educational instruction.

Licenses

Required:

• Current valid Licensed Psychologist issued by the State of California required.
• Valid California driver’s license and access to an insured vehicle required.

Verbal and Written Skills Required to Perform the Job:

• Excellent oral, written communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Technical Knowledge and Skills Required to Perform the Job:

• Experience and knowledge with Microsoft Office software.

Equipment Used:

• Personal Computer.

Working Conditions and

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting and constant walking and standing.
• Driving and occasional travel is required.
• May be required to work evenings and weekends.

Universal Requirements:

Pre-employment requirements…