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At A Better Way, we are dedicated to serving children and youth who are in – or at risk of entering - foster care. We support children in the foster system, and help them navigate the most difficult times of their life. Be inspired by your own actions. Join our talented and genuinely caring team! 

Our attractive compensation package includes base salary, sign-on bonus, 4 weeks PTO (5 weeks after 2 years!) , 16 holidays including 2 floating holidays, medical insurance, unlimited access to tele-health, and more. 

Covid-19 vaccination required. 

Services are delivered in CONTRA COSTA COUNTY. Program headquarter located in Oakland, CA. 

Role:

Under the supervision of the Mental Health Program Director and the Clinical Supervisor, the Clinician has the primary responsibility for the providing direct mental health services to children five through twenty-one years old and their families Contra Costa County. Services include: assessment; development of a family centered treatment plan; providing developmentally appropriate mental health treatment; coordination of care with child welfare workers, parents, foster parents, and other collaterals; maintaining a written record of treatment, including initial assessments and treatment plans. We are seeking a clinician with previous experience working with systems involved families; including school systems, dependency system, immigration system and criminal justice system. A demonstrated ability to engage and develop strong alliances with families who tend to be suspicious of service providers. Clinician will also be well versed in current mental health practices and trends, such as trauma informed, developmental responsive, family centered, collaborative and culturally responsive services.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Direct client care in home or the community for children five through twenty-one years and their families
• Provide mental health services.
• Be linguistically and culturally competent
• Attend appropriate meetings, which include weekly group supervision, staff meetings, trainings and supervision
• Obtain consent for treatment from the child welfare worker, where appropriate
• Monitor eligibility and obtain authorizations where appropriate.
• Through regularly scheduled sessions, provide psychotherapy, intensive clinical case management, and crisis intervention, to assigned children and families. Work with various modalities including individual, dyadic, and family therapy. Conduct assessments, diagnosis, and treatment plans in collaboration with clients, caregivers, and other providers. Provide appropriate mental health services.
• Follow all procedures and protocols related to EPSDT
• Follow regulatory guidelines, mandated reporting, and program/agency protocols in performing duties
• Meet minimum productivity of 40% of service providers time
• Use time-management skills and supervisory support to meet productivity, documentation, and timeliness requirements.
• Follow regulatory guidelines, mandated reporting, and program/agency protocols in performing duties
• Abide by all provisions of the ABW personnel manual
• Perform any other duties as directed

Qualifications:

• MSW, MA, PhD or PsyD, or LCSW,  from accredited school of social work or psychology. Must be licensed or registered with BBS or BOP.
• Excellent clinical and writing skills.
• Direct experience working with diverse racial and ethnic populations
• Understanding of basic theoretical and developmental principles of infant, early childhood, and family mental health
• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus
• Ability to understand psychological assessment reports; psychological assessment experience a plus for psychologist applicants
• Must have a car and good driving record
• Understand and desire to work with a strength-based mental health approach
• Knowledge, understanding, and willingness to work with interdisciplinary approaches and partnerships
• Understanding DSM, DC: 0-3R, and treatment plans
• Ability to work independently and to work as a member of a team
• Excellent organizational, computer and communication skills.
• Ability to undergo Livescan check needed to work with children

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office setting and in the community. Hybrid work! 

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, talk and hear.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position, 40 hours/ week, hours are subject to change based on Client needs and Programmatic necessity. Some evening hours are required.

Travel

Local travel to various worksites is required.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

Employees must undergo a Livescan check and receive TB and health clearances prior to employment. Driving records are reviewed periodically. Covid-19 vaccination required.

A Better Way is committed to workforce diversity. Qualified applicants will receive full consideration without regard to age, race, color, ethnic background, religion, gender, sexual orientation, HIV-status, national origin or disability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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