Therapist I (Temporary) at Para Los Niños in Los Angeles, CA

About PLN 

Founded on Skid Row in 1980, Para Los Niños (PLN) partners with more than 10,000 children, youth, and families each year through integrated education, wellness supports and advocacy, addressing individual and systemic barriers to create pathways to success. In addition to operating early education centers, charter elementary and middle schools, youth workforce development sites and family services, PLN is the only children’s mental health provider in the Skid Row neighborhood. PLN's community transformation work brings together community members, community-based organizations, city and county agencies, elected officials, and businesses to tackle issues that impact PLN families. Ninety-three percent of families served by PLN live in areas with the highest levels of food insecurity and homelessness in L.A. County.

Position Overview   

Under the supervision of the Clinical Supervisor, the Therapist I is responsible for completing clinical assessments and providing therapy to individuals, families, and groups. The Therapist I will provide psychotherapeutic services to children, youths, adults and families.

Duties  

Carries our Mission, Vision, and Values established by the President/C.E.O. and Board of Directors. Promotes and supports the mental health of clients. Participates in the agency Continuous Quality Improvement process for the division.  Participates in the ongoing Quality Assurance efforts for the provision of mental health services to children and families. Provides an array of clinical services to clients including psychiatric assessments; crisis intervention; clinical child abuse treatment; individual, family, and group therapy. Participates in weekly case conferences and training provided by the clinical services program. Provides therapy at the home or other locations when clients are unable to come to the office for treatment. Follows state laws regarding mental health issues and confidentiality. Maintains client files to level of requirements mandated in agency policy and completes documentation in a timely manner. Must be able to produce documentation in Standard English which is legible and coherent. Must be adept at the use of computer software programs (MS Outlook/Word/Excel) and database driven documentation program (experience with Exym a plus). Prepares correspondence and reports in connection with case requirements by legal and contracting entities i.e., child protective services, probation, courts, Department of Mental Health, etc. Must be able to maintain positive working collaborative relationships with clinical services staff. Performs other job-related duties as directed by supervisor or director.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics

MSW, MFT or MA in related field. Holds a BBS Intern Registration Number (or has submitted an application within 90 days of posting. Holds a MFT Intern registration. At least one year or more of experience working with low-income children and families. Have knowledge of evaluation of risk for suicidal and homicidal ideation, imminent danger and knows appropriate intervention. Have skills in providing counseling and therapy to clients experiencing emotional distress and crisis. Knowledge of child abuse/crisis intervention techniques. Training and/or Certification in an evidence-based practice (i.e. MAP, CCP or PCIT). Good communication and interpersonal skills. Bilingual (E/S) required.

Physical Requirements  

To perform this job the individual must be able to carry out all essential functions satisfactorily.    Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.    

Approximately 50% of time is spent sitting, while frequently required to walk, stand and bend.   Must be able to speak and hear well.     Good vision is imperative.     Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.     Employee will be required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance.  TB test clearance to be renewed every two years.   Verification of Immunizations required by the California Department of Health (Pertussis, Measles and Influenza). 

This job description does not encompass all essential functions and responsibilities. Para Los Niños reserves the right to modify or add to the typical duties of a position at any time.   Expectations for All Para Los Niños Staff 
  Candidates for employment at Para Los Niños, regardless of position, will consistently demonstrate the following:  

Unwavering belief in and commitment to fulfill the mission of Para Los Niños.   Deep commitment to the success of all PLN students and families.   Commitment to excellence and high standards -- for self, students, and colleagues.   Continuous learning by engaging in reflection, self-assessment, and individual professional development.   Use of data to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement.   Ability to thrive as a member of a collaborative team.   Self-motivation and initiative with solutions-oriented disposition.   Belief in and ability to develop respectful relationships with families and children informed by the students’ cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.   Excellent oral and written communication skills.   Ability to effectively handle challenging situations.   Comfort with basic Microsoft Office applications and a curiosity and propensity to push own adoption of new technology and approaches.   Regular, punctual attendance and professional appearance.  

Para Los Niños is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer    

It is the established policy of Para Los Niños (PLN) to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without discrimination with regard to race, religious belief (including dress or grooming practices), color, sex, sex stereotype, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions (including breast feeding), age, national origin (including possessing a driver’s license issued under Vehicle Code § 12801.9), ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identification and expression, transgender status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics, genetic information, family care, marital status, enrollment in any public assistance program, status as military, a veteran or qualified disabled veteran, status as an unpaid intern or volunteer, or any other classification protected by law. PLN also prohibits discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.