Join McAlister Institute, a 49-year beacon in San Diego's Recovery Community.

We are seeking a passionate and skilled Mental Health Worker (LPHA) to join our ECRRC team. The ideal candidate will have experience providing services to individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), co-occurring substance use disorders, and complex behavioral health needs in an outpatient setting. As a Mental Health Worker, you will provide clinical services, support treatment planning, collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, and help individuals achieve their recovery goals. 

Benefits for YOU:

• 13 paid annual holidays, including your birthday; 12 paid vacation days, paid sick leave
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
• 403(b) Retirement Plan + up to 6% Employer Match
• Health Insurance available the first of the month following 30 days of employment (Sharp)
• EAP

Key Responsibilities:

• Uphold and promote the mission, philosophy, values, and direction of McAlister Institute.
• Report directly to the Program Manager and receive supervision from the Clinical Supervisor.
• Provide mental health interventions, including individual and group counseling for clients with co-occurring disorders.
• Assist in the development and implementation of personalized treatment and recovery plans.
• Conduct assessments and monitor clients’ progress in their recovery journey.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of client interactions and progress.
• Facilitate therapeutic activities that promote coping skills, relapse prevention, and emotional well-being.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to ensure comprehensive care, including referrals to additional resources as needed.
• Educate clients and their families about substance use disorders, recovery and coping strategies, and mental health resources.
• Perform other assigned duties as needed.

• Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related behavioral health field from an accredited institution. 
• Must possess a current, active, and unrestricted California professional license as an LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, or other qualifying LPHA credential recognized by contract requirements. 
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience providing behavioral health services to individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), co-occurring disorders, or substance use disorders. 
• Experience conducting assessments, treatment planning, crisis intervention, and individual and group counseling.
• Strong understanding of engagement, outreach, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and recovery-oriented services. 
• Compliance with all agency and contract requirements related to trainings, public health, certifications, and reporting.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team, with excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population, including the impoverished, unhoused, and those suffering from chronic substance use and/or mental health challenges.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, written and verbal communication, adaptability, and professionalism.
• Proficiency with software and/or equipment (Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
• Proficient with EHR Systems (e.g., Electronic Health Records such as Welligent or SmartCare).
• Maintains confidentiality; listens to others without interrupting; effectively regulates emotions, especially under stress; remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Bilingual proficiency in Farsi and English strongly preferred.
• Must possess a valid and unrestricted California Driver's License, with a good driving record, free of any major infractions.
• Ability to pass all pre-employment screening, including references, education verification, a criminal background check with at least one year clear of probation or parole, a drug test, and a negative TB test.
• Onsite position.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

McAlister Institute is committed to creating a diverse environment and we are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, any other non-job-related factors, and other characteristics protected by local, state, or federal anti-discrimination law covering employment.

Reasonable Accommodations:

McAlister Institute is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the jobs@mcalisterinc.org., for more information. Please include your name and position you are applying for.

Work Authorization Requirement:

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. McAlister Institute does not participate in visa sponsorship programs, including H1-B visas, and will not provide sponsorship for any employment-based visas.

Pre-Employment:

All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from McAlister Institute employment as we are subject to County of San Diego contractual hiring requirements). A pre-employment physical examination, and post-offer background check is required. Candidates must have at least one year clear of probation or parole, a drug test, and a negative TB test.

General Information & Considerations:

Placement on the pay range is based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, relevant years of experience and qualifications.

Current McAlister Institute employees may receive priority consideration for positions when they meet essential qualifications.

To Staffing and Recruiting Agencies:

We do not solicit staffing or agency contacts for our recruitment needs. Our careers site is only for individuals seeking a job at McAlister. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes. Any such submissions will be considered unsolicited and will be ignored to prioritize our own process. We are sure you do amazing work and can give us data to support your sell. We, however, are a non-profit, and are mindful agents of our resources. We do not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to us or email us individually. McAlister Institute is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.