JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: STRTP Mental Health Specialist

POSITION CLASSIFICATION : Exempt _x_ Non-Exempt

PROGRAM: Short-Term Residential Treatment Program (STRTP)

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Clinical Program Manager, Program Supervisor, or Clinical Program Supervisor.

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: None

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Clinical Program Manager or Clinical Program Supervisor, and following established procedures, provides campus based services, community based services, and in-home services to children and families who are active in the short term therapeutic treatment program (STRTP). As part of the treatment team, job performance contributes to the achievement of the goals for the team. Performance of the typical responsibilities and duties requires the ability to perform the job duties, explain to/instruct others, involving job-related matters generally of limited to moderate complexity.

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Demonstrates leadership and advocacy in empowering family and support people with tools to assist them in attaining permanency, safety, well-being and their self-determined quality of life.

• Supports the ongoing development and implementation of a strength-based systems and permanency principles within the direct service components of the STRTP.

• As a member of the Child and Family Team (CFT), assists in the development of the Treatment Plan. Supports youth to participate in the Child and Family teaming process, and ensures that the youth's voice is heard at CFT meetings and represented in the Treatment Plan, Safety Plan, and De-Escalation Plan.

• Demonstrates a high level of competence working with children and families to assist them in attaining permanency, safety, well-being and their self-determined quality of life.

• Provides quality, culturally proficient, inclusive, trauma informed and relevant ancillary services as part of a Child and Family Team that meets the youth's needs in all environments necessary including: program based, school, and community.

• Documents necessary information as required within the STRTP policy in a timely manner and consistently meets or exceeds productivity standards.

• Demonstrates the ability to facilitate and lead a variety of youth support activities, including but not limited to: youth trainings; youth committee; youth rehabilitation groups and workshops, participates in and supports off campus events.

• Support the Child and Family Team towards developing permanent and lasting connections for the youth by engaging in family and natural support (non relative extended family members (NREFMs).

• Supports in the collection of information and data required for treatment and outcomes, including CANS, PEARLs and others.

• Maintains professional standards regarding client rights.

• Demonstrates an understanding of confidentiality policies, mandated child abuse reporting and duty to warn procedures. Utilizes clinical supervision in any case where these issues are in question.

• Demonstrates the ability to think creatively and intervenes/responds in crisis situations.

• Utilizes supervision, consultation and training in providing on-going high-quality trauma informed services to children and their families effectively and efficiently.

• Demonstrates the ability to work independently. Actively uses supervision and consultation from the Clinical Program Manager and other team members.

• Promotes positive, effective relationships between all service programs within the agency and community.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: (use CCC scope of practice)

• Related BA, or AA & 2 years of related experience, or 3 years of direct service with children and families.

• One-year experience in providing mental health/social work services as a Mental Health Worker, Family Specialist, or IHBS Worker at RCS.

• Experience working in children's mental health setting emphasizing a family systems perspective desirable.

• Basic skills in crisis intervention, suicide assessment, conflict resolution, and interpersonal communication.

LICENSE(S):

• California driver's license and ability to be insured by BAAYFS insurance provider.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Ability to maintain a positive perspective in the treatment and care of youth who have experienced complex trauma.

• Ability to follow directions and to work as part of a team.

• Ability to develop and maintain a creative and optimistic spirit.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to meet and receive a criminal records clearance as required by Title XXII licensing regulations.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

The following are required in day-to-day performance of the duties of this position:

• Sitting, walking, standing, grasping (simple), and visual/auditory acuity are constantly required (over 2/3 of the workday).

• Bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, lifting, reaching and pushing/pulling are required occasionally (under 1/3 of the workday).

• Climbing and crawling are generally not required.

• Must successfully pass TCI Training.