MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education
1. MS in Mental Health, Mental Health Counseling or equivalent program plus two [2] years experience
2. Registration as an intern

Experience
Above experience should be with children or adolescents (preferred) in residential or outpatient settings.

Abilities
1. Ability to relate to children with emotional disturbances and their families
2. Ability to drive to and from client’s homes in personal vehicle
3. Ability to perform clear and concise documentation
4. Knowledge of community resources, especially related to the mental health field, is highly desirable to make appropriate linkages

License or Certification
1. California MFT Intern or ACSW registered with the California Board of Behavioral Services (BBS)
2. Valid California Driver’s License and automobile insurance

Specialized Skills
1. Ability to interact and communicate both verbally and in writing with emotionally disturbed adolescents, as well as parents, foster parents, care takers, schools, physicians, county agencies, other health care providers as deemed necessary.
2. Demonstrated understanding of psychiatric illnesses and treatment.
3. Demonstrated leadership, organization and management skills.
4. Demonstrated ability to visually and audibly assess the mental status, behavior and needs of potential attendants to the program.
5. Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of community services and county agencies preferred.

Job Description:
JOB SUMMARY:
This position has primary responsibility for mental health and case management services for adolescents and their families. The mental health specialist provides mental health services, including assessment and evaluation, to clients referred to Community Services. He/she acts as a liaison with external agencies and functions on teams with other clinical & support staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Interview referred adolescents and significant others to assess and evaluate their need for services.
2. Work with referred adolescents, their families, representatives of referring agencies, and other relevant parties (in-house and external) to promote rehabilitation and amelioration of problems that interfere with productive social and emotional daily living. Act as liaison with various external agencies (such as Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Mental Health, Probation Department, Dependency Court, and police) to facilitate adolescent’s adjustment in daily living routines.
3. Assist in preparing adolescents for lasting and successful housing, vocational, educational, and treatment experiences. Services include a “whatever it takes” approach involving counseling, shadowing, training, modeling and any other interventions deemed necessary.
4. Maintain ongoing relationships with other county agencies, health care facilities, placement centers and other resources necessary to provide quality care to adolescents in the community.
5. Interact and communicate with other clinical and non-clinical staff.