Director of Mental Health Services

Summary

The Director of Mental Health Services is responsible for the direction and leadership of operations, financial, programmatic, and human resources activities related to the delivery of mental health services across all levels of care at APCH. This includes the establishment, achievement, and continuous monitoring of APCH's behavioral health goals and objectives. The position provides direction and leadership to ensure APCH meets great member care and improved mental health within an efficient cost structure while improving the work life of staff. The Director of Mental Health Services must align with the vision and strategic goals for the department while managing staffing needs and performance evaluations for direct reports. The Director is the lead therapist, dividing their time between supervising clinical therapists, case management staff, supervising counseling interns, supporting day-to-day activities, and maintaining a very small caseload. The Director is responsible for overseeing daily interventions and follow-through with members, including behavior support when necessary, and meeting with parents. The Director works closely with program staff, providing guidance and training (informal/formal) for all Direct Service Staff members. The Director will collaborate with the HR Department in the onboarding of new counseling staff or interns.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervise APCH clinical therapists, case managers, and counseling interns

Maintain a small caseload, as needed

Facilitate agency case conference meetings to support staff and members based on counseling referrals

Lead and direct mental health services according to industry standards and regulations

Coordinate and participate in monthly Parent Cafe meetings, including the creation of content for parent engagement

Remain informed of best practices with regard to mental health services and administration of the department

Contribute to the development of group/class curriculum content

Coordinate and assist with establishing and implementing community standards (behavioral procedures) for youth (8 – 22) participating in the various programs

Oversee mental health services for APCH members and families through 1:1 and group counseling using various techniques (in Spanish if necessary)

Assist with the review and assessment of IEP reports for incoming members and review annually

Understand, abide by, and enforce California’s Mandated Reporting Laws at APCH

Support APCH program staff with behavior support strategies and implementing restorative practices

Oversee, create, and maintain all relevant forms, documentation, and manuals for the mental health department, including updating Apricot 360 forms as needed

Train department staff in department procedures and program requirements

Work closely with the Senior Director of Programs and members of the leadership team

Work closely with staff and provide guidance and training

Conduct risk assessments when necessary and create safety plans to prevent harm to members or others, utilizing CPI or Pro-Act methods

Develop and implement protocols for the organization’s values of R.E.A.C.H. pillars in year-round programming/curriculum

Seek grants and partnership opportunities to expand and enrich programming

Contribute to ongoing staff training – trauma-informed care, restorative practices, behavior support, and mandated reporting

Contribute to the development of the documentation system, making recommendations for changes as needed

Track and monitor behavioral trends within the center, including active responses to incident reports

Facilitate meetings with parents as needed to address counseling referrals/behavior concerns

Maintain ongoing communication with parents in response to incident reports

Refer members to appropriate resources as needed (i.e., counseling, special needs, etc.)

Maintain strong relationships with the department’s external collaborating partners

Create and submit paperwork and monthly reports in a timely fashion

Attend all required internal and external meetings (Staff, Supervisor, etc.)

Ensure requirements for grantors and other funding sources, including government entities, are met by the Counseling Department

Manage/contribute to grant reports as needed

Perform administrative duties as assigned (including documentation of all services and counseling activities provided)

Manage budgetary expenses and provide oversight of Direct Assistance requests

Adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards and values at all times

Perform other tasks as assigned by supervisor

Qualifications

Must work well with colleagues in a high-energy, collaborative environment with open communication. The ideal candidate will embrace the APCH culture of a learning organization and strive to constantly improve upon systems and services for the benefit of members and employees. The ideal candidate is committed to ongoing personal and professional development.

All employees are expected to contribute to their department's ongoing growth and improvement through excellent job performance. Additionally, you are expected to speak up if you become aware of deficiencies and needs; and to offer solutions and make suggestions for improvements in your purview areas. Likewise, because each employee and each department is integral to the entire APCH community, we expect that as you focus on your area, you will also consider the big picture and the overall mission of the agency, and communicate with the appropriate individuals if/when you become aware of problems and/or have suggestions for ways and opportunities to make APCH stronger and better. Together, we can continue to take APCH to even higher levels of excellence and service to the community.

Technical and Performance Skills

Dedicated to Supporting and Working with Youth

Leadership and Team Management

Cultural Competency

Crisis Intervention

Conflict Resolution

Trauma-Informed Care

Time Management and Prioritization

Excellent Communication Skills

Program Development and Implementation

Grant Writing and Fundraising

Adaptability and Flexibility

Relationship Building

Innovative Problem Solving

Ethical Decision-Making

Technology Proficiency

Mission-Driven

Advocacy

Education/Training/Experience

MA degree in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, MSW, or MFT from an accredited institution of higher learning

Licensure with BBS in California and 2 yrs post-license experience

Course requirements (CEUs) to provide clinical supervision completed

Bilingual in Spanish

Ability to conduct mental health assessments, diagnostic impressions, and develop clear treatment plans

Ability to develop innovative training

Experience implementing PBIS and Restorative Practices (preferred)

Professional Experience implementing Trauma-Informed Care (preferred)

Experience working with youth (8 – 22) required

Experience working with families required

Experience providing supervision of staff (preferred)

Physical and Mental Demands

Able to work in a dynamic and high noise level environment typical of a youth center

Walking and standing required daily

Sitting and using hands/vision for computer work for extended periods

Lift up to 25 pounds occasionally

Able to communicate and convey accurate information