About PLN
Founded on Skid Row in 1980, Para Los Niños provides education and wraparound support, serving over 10,000 children, youth, and families annually in some of the most underserved areas in Los Angeles. PLN fosters pathways to success by striving for excellence in education, family support, and comprehensive social-emotional, and community-based services.
Through early education, TK-8th grade education, youth workforce services, and family and community services Para Los Niño's' model provides a comprehensive, holistic approach to break the cycle of poverty and help children and youth thrive.
Position Overview
Under the direct supervision of the Director of Clinical Services, the School Based Mental Health Therapist provides clinical services to students and parents and will promote and enhance the overall school academic mission by providing services that strengthen home, school, and community partnerships and address barriers to learning and achievement. School Based Mental Health Therapist will support the school's social and emotional wellness strategies on a Tier I level, as well as individualized Tier II/III intensive supports.
Duties
• Carries our Mission, Vision, and Values established by the President/C.E.O. and Board of Directors.
• Supports with onboarding new students and identifying those students who would benefit from a MH referral. Supports with the completion of MH referrals.
• Carries a caseload of clients with priority to those students who are unhoused, risk of being unhoused and/or at risk of significant impairment in functioning.
• Provides an array of clinical services to clients including bio-psycho-social assessments; crisis intervention; individual, family, and group therapy.
• Participates in weekly case conferences and training provided by the clinical services program.
• Provides therapy at the home, schools or community when clients are unable to come to the office for treatment.
• Provides TIER 2 small group interventions when deemed appropriate.
• Provides TIER 1 trainings to school staff on various social/emotional topics.
• Supports with crisis intervention (risk assessments, DCFS) including providing consultation to school staff about responsibilities related to crisis and risk.
• Follows state laws regarding mental health issues and confidentiality.
• Maintains client files to level of requirements mandated in agency policy and completes documentation in a timely manner.
• Must be able to produce documentation in Standard English which is legible and coherent. Must be adept at the use of computer software programs (MS Outlook/Word/Excel) and database driven documentation program (experience with Exym a plus)
• Prepares correspondence and reports in connection with case requirements by legal and contracting entities i.e., child protective services, probation, courts, Department of Mental Health, etc.
• Must be able to maintain positive working collaborative relationships with clinical services staff.
• Performs other job-related duties as directed by supervisor or director.
Qualifications and Experience Requirements
• Bilingual English/Spanish required.
• MSW, MFT, MA in related field, Psy.D. or Ph.D, License preferred.
• Holds a BBS Intern registration number or BOP registration number.
• At least three years or more of experience working with low-income children and families providing individual and family therapy.
Education and Certification Requirements
• Successfully pass all post offer, pre-employment screening requirements, including criminal background check, drug test and provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
• Current certification in CPR/First Aid
Other Requirements
• Have knowledge of evaluation of risk for suicidal and homicidal ideation, imminent danger and knows appropriate intervention.
• Have skills in providing counseling and therapy to clients experiencing emotional distress and crisis.
• Knowledge of child abuse/crisis intervention techniques
• Must have reliable transportation and State required automobile insurance coverage and valid Class C California driver's license (mileage to be reimbursed) -
• Clean driving record
COVID-19 Vaccine required for all employees
Must have all required vaccinations, including influenza and Covid-19.
Physical Requirements
To perform this job the individual must be able to carry out all essential functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Approximately 50% of time is spent sitting, while frequently required to walk, stand and bend.
• Must be able to speak and hear well.
• Good vision is imperative.
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Employee will be required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance.
Expectations for All Para Los Niños Staff
Candidates for employment at a Para Los Niños, regardless of position, will consistently demonstrate the following:
• Unwavering belief in and commitment to fulfill the mission of Para Los Niños.
• Deep commitment to the success of all PLN students and families
• Commitment to excellence and high standards for self, students, and colleagues.
• Continuous learning by engaging in reflection, self-assessment, and individual professional development.
• Use of data to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement.
• Ability to thrive as a member of a collaborative team.
• Self-motivation and initiative with solutions-oriented disposition.
• Belief in and ability to develop respectful relationship with parents and children marked by sensitivity to the students' cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively handle challenging situations.
• Comfort with basic Microsoft Office applications and a curiosity and propensity to push own adoption of new technology and approaches.
• Regular, punctual attendance and professional appearance.
Para Los Niños is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
It is the established policy of Para Los Niños (PLN) to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without discrimination with regard to race, religious belief (including dress or grooming practices), color, sex, sex stereotype, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions (including breast feeding), age, national origin (including possessing a driver's license issued under Vehicle Code 12801.9), ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identification and expression, transgender status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics, genetic information, family care, marital status, enrollment in any public assistance program, status as military, a veteran or qualified disabled veteran, status as an unpaid intern or volunteer, or any other classification protected by law. PLN also prohibits discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.