Mental Health Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title: Mental Health Specialist

Division: Prevention Services

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Supervisor: Director of Behavioral Health

Rate: $80,000.00

Revised: October 2024

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The TransLatin@ Coalition seeks a bi-lingual Mental Health Specialist (MHS) to work at the LA-based office.  Under the administrative direction of the Coordinator of Re-Entry services and clinically supervised by a licensed mental health provider, the Mental Health Specialist will be responsible for the day-to-day implementation of supervised professional mental health counseling to individuals in Los Angeles County accessing services at The TransLatin@ Coalition. The MHS will provide culturally appropriate/competent support programs for clients being released from state prisons and jails, people living with HIV, and those affected by HIV,  and will be involved with all components of the Mental Health program. The MHS will provide culturally appropriate/competent support, including co-facilitation of workshops and co-management of clients. Additionally, it will identify and link previously diagnosed HIV-positive individuals to HIV medical care through outreach, brief intervention sessions, and follow-up activities. Must be able to work with diverse ethnic and cultural communities, including, but not limited to, the following target populations:  monolingual and/or undocumented immigrants, sex workers, substance users, homeless persons of varying ages, people of color,  transgender, gender non-conforming and questioning individuals. This full-time position (40 hours per week) requires flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Coordinate and conduct client intake/screener into support program services, following established funder guidelines and protocols.

  • Provide clinically supervised individual counseling, group support, and case management and advocacy services, including co-facilitation of workshops under the direction of a professional mental health clinician.

  • Conduct follow-up with clients as appropriate.

  • Implement programmatic scope of work at a completion rate.

  • Maintain TLC protocols and policies under professional clinical supervision.

  • Conduct community outreach and engagement activities for prospective clients.

  • Promote the availability of psychosocial and behavioral health and psychosocial support services to prospective clients.

  • Provide necessary program documentation, including the completion of reports, administration of evaluation tools, and other program-related assignments.

  • Attend Case Conferences, Agency, and Community meetings.

  • Other activities as required to conduct program and agency objectives.

  • Ability to perform duties during weekends and evenings when required and regular

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Knowledge, Skills, and Ability

  • Licensed, registered, or eligible MSW, MFTI, Psychology Assistant or equivalent from an accredited college or university with major work in clinical social work and/or marriage and family therapy.

  • Current registration with the Board of Behavioral Sciences.

  • Basic knowledge of HIV/AIDS and related issues. 

  • Bilingual in Spanish is required.

  • Basic knowledge of issues faced by the Re-Entry population and/or HIV/AIDS-related issues

  • Ability to work with clients from diverse cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds.

  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to relate to staff from various cultures, languages, and educational backgrounds.

  • Ability to coordinate multiple tasks/projects simultaneously in a high-pressure environment.

  • Ability to work with diverse communities (e.g., multi-gender, ethnic, generation, bilingual, lesbian, gay,  bisexual, transgender, substance use).

  • Strong written and oral skills necessary for program narrative reporting and presentations

  • Demonstrated experience and knowledge of PC hardware and software (i.e., Word, Excel, PPT).

  • Valid California driver’s license, plus proof of car insurance and reliable transportation.

  • Verify employment eligibility and pass a background check.

  • Updated tuberculosis test (annually) – read, reviewed, and dated by a clinician.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

●      This position might be assigned to supervise behavioral health interns from academic partners.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

  • As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and productive work environment, a candidate for this position may be required to undergo random drug tests. The drug test may be conducted at any stage of the hiring process and will be in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

  • Ergonomically safe office environment with desktop computer, desk, chair, natural light from windows

  • Occasional outreach at community festivals, conferences, nightclubs, and other outreach venues that the target population frequents. Must be comfortable with environmental conditions at the outreach locations, such as noise level, aggressive patrons, and substance use.

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • While performing this job, the candidate typically spends time sitting, standing, walking, frequently driving, carrying (max. 20 lbs), lifting (max. 20 lbs), listening, and speaking.

 

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

  • The candidate in this position must accommodate any/all the following: constant distractions, interruptions, uncontrollable changes in priorities/work schedules, availability for on-call/duty after regular working hours, and exposure to inappropriate behavior and language of others.

 

BENEFITS

After a 90-day probationary period – the following benefits are offered for full-time employees:

  • Employee Paid Medical, Dental, and Vision plans.

  • 403 (b) 100% match by the organization.

  • Paid Vacation and sick time.

How to apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume by e-mail to Jezabel Gentry, HR Representative, at hr@translatinacoalition.org for consideration.

 NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE.

The TransLatin@ Coalition is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. TLC encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender expression, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, and veteran status.