Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA) has been a pioneer in mental health service, advocacy, innovation, and training for nearly a century, working to ensure that people with mental health needs achieve meaningful, healthy lives in their communities.
MHALA is among the largest and most comprehensive nonprofit mental health agencies in Los Angeles County. The agency supports over 19,000 low-income and no-income individuals annually with integrated services. MHALA achieves impact in the areas of mental and physical healthcare, homelessness and housing, supported employment, and wellness and financial services, with special programs for Veterans and transition-age youth.
MHALA also provides training programs for individuals joining the behavioral health workforce and for the larger community around mental health issues.
MHALA works to ensure that its employees are just as cared for as its members. Communication, collaboration, transparency and a healthy work/life balance are core components of the agency culture. Employees are encouraged to engage in self-care and can enjoy a 35-hour workweek.
MHALA fosters diversity at all levels of the organization. The agency promotes a team-oriented culture that offers opportunities for growth. We are proud to offer a competitive salary and full benefits package, including an employee assistance program, and generous paid time off.
Therapist
Full-time, 35 hours per week
- ASW / AMFT / APCC: $34.00 - $36.00 per hour
- LCSW / LMFT / LPCC: $39.00 - $42.00 per hour
- Licensed Psychologist: $55.00 - $75.00 per hour
(The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.)
Summary: The clinician is an integral part of MHALA’s treatment team. In addition to basic clinical duties (assessment, treatment planning, therapy, etc.) clinicians work collaboratively with the team to share a clinical perspective, educate team members on the impact of mental health needs on a participant’s behavior, conduct clinical case conferencing, and serve a key role in crisis response.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: This is not an exhaustive task list, and other duties may be assigned as deemed appropriate or necessary by the supervisor or program director. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to any qualified person with a medical or psychiatric disability, providing it will not change the essential nature of the position, nor cause undue hardship to the Agency’s operations. MHALA is an equal employer opportunity and service provider. The agency will consider individuals with a criminal history in accordance with both the Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers (FCO) and the California Fair Chance Act (FCA).
- Conduct bio-psycho-social assessments. Meets with participants to gather and synthesize information into a concise yet complete clinically informed bio-psychosocial assessment detailing background, needs, wants, areas of improvement, strengths and diagnosis.
- Conduct therapy (individual, family, and group). Provides evidence-based therapy/treatment modalities to address and improve mental health needs/concerns.
- Develop treatment plans. Using information gathered from a variety of sources – assessment(s), family members, treatment team members, case file, etc. – develops a strengths-based treatment plan.
- Crisis intervention. Provides crisis assessment and intervention to participants presenting with potential psychiatric emergencies. In collaboration with supervisor and treatment team, engages in safety planning including facilitating hospitalization as appropriate, within scope of practice and dependent upon LPS designation.
- Consultation and collaboration. Provides clinical consultation to treatment team members to improve treatment services. Collaborates with wide range of professionals/para-professionals to further participant’s treatment.
- Clinical case conferencing. Participates in clinical case conferencing, bringing a clinical focus when discussing progress and plan future interventions/services.
- Other duties as assigned.
Program Specific:
- Complete documentation in accordance with standards of MHALA and LACDMH County Contracted Provider funding source requirements, and documents in Electronic Health record (EHR), including 24-hour turnaround documentation.
Required Qualifications:
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Associate Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist/Marriage and Family Therapist Intern, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor/Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, or Licensed Psychologist.
- Must have good basic English writing skills, good basic computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook), highly organized, and have excellent communication skills.
- Must be flexible and able to multi-task without losing productivity
- Must have adequate understanding of clinical related concerns, ethics, boundaries, and best practices.
- Must be team-oriented, self-directed, and have good listening and communication skills, the ability to empathize and relate positively to a wide variety of people and dedicated to fulfilling the demand of the position.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bilingual in Spanish is preferred but not required
Additional Conditions of Employment:
- MHALA is no longer requiring COVID-19 vaccinations or booster shots; however, this may become a requirement in the future.
- Minimum 3 years of driving history with current class C driver’s license, a vehicle for transportation, proof of valid automobile insurance, the ability to be insured by MHALA liability insurance are conditions of employment
- TB clearance and re-testing every year are conditions of employment
- COVID-19 vaccinations or booster shots are not currently required, however this may become a requirement in the future. Failure to abide by any agency policy, including those relating to a vaccine or booster shot may result in termination of employment
- Employment verification directly from three (3) past employers within the most recent 7-year period