Child and Family Specialist, Mental Health - Wayfinder Family Services : Job Details

Wayfinder Family Services ensures that children, youth, and adults facing challenges always have a place to turn.

Wayfinder is committed to advancing IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility).

Wayfinder believes inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility are essential to our excellence and our mission's execution. We value differences in the pursuit of inquiry and knowledge, mutual understanding, respect, trust, transparency, and cooperation. We are committed to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and includes individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Individuals of color, women, LGBTQIA+, veterans and differently-abled persons are encouraged to apply.

In exchange for your talent, Wayfinder offers an excellent benefits package, which includes the following:

• This role is eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Competitive salary - Sign-on bonus for eligible roles
• Flexible schedules depending on the position (some offering hybrid)
• Medical insurance with a $30 premium per paycheck coverage plan (employee-only)
• Dental insurance 100% employer paid for HMO coverage plan (employee-only)
• 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match up to 4%
• 11 paid holidays per year and a generous paid time off policy
• Five paid winter holidays (between Christmas Eve & New Year's Day)
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Robust training opportunities: Shared Core Practice Model, Trauma-Informed Care, Evidence-based Practices
• Clinical Supervision for licensure

Compensation:

In accordance with California law, the expected salary range for this position is posted with this position. The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.

Role Summary

The primary purpose of this position is to provide mental health skills-based rehabilitation services to children and Non-Minor Dependents (NMD) in coordination with inter and intra-agency treatment team members and across various community-based settings. To work collaboratively with any identified Child and Family Team (CFT) and deliver professional services that are trauma-informed, culturally competent, and as outlined in the client's treatment plan(s).

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Adhere to the Los Angeles County vision, principles, and steps of the Child and Family Team (CFT) process consistent with the Core Practice Model.
• Works collaboratively with the client, family, therapist, treatment team members, identified Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) personnel, school staff, and all other inter and intra-agency pet order to provide services towards objectives identified in the CTP, including Targeted Case Management (TCM/ICC), Rehabilitative (IHBS), Collateral, Crisis Intervention.
• Meet face-to-face with each assigned client to provide Mental Health Rehabilitation services that are individualized, within his/her scope of practice, and consistent with the Department of Mental Health and the Wayfinder Family Services' Policy and Procedure Manual standards and guidelines. Such services are inclusive of anger management, social, communication, and daily living skills.
• Adhere to the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LAC-DMH) and Wayfinder Family Services' Mental Health Policy and Procedures for the billing and document practices and any services provided under Early Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) funding, and maintains productivity expectations.
• Demonstrate professional and effective communication abilities, including the completion of written reports, letters, and plans, initiating verbal communications with clients, families, the CFT, and inter and intra-agency personnel, and exhibiting an ongoing ability to engage formal and support on behalf of clients and families.
• Provide services to clients and families in a manner that is culturally competent and adheres to the philosophy, mission, and values of Wayfinder Family Services. Understand and uphold best practices and trauma-informed services to meet the needs of abused, neglected, and struggling children/families, and inspire the qualities necessary for children and families to succeed.
• Responsible for maintaining current knowledge of client services, best practices, coordination of care, risk as, assessment and planning, and intervention strategies via continued education, workshops, seminars, and/or training tattoo as to remain current and proficient in factors/interventions relevant to the client and family population.
• Able to establish and maintain appropriate rapport with children, adolescents, non-minor dependents, families, inter and intra-agency personnel, and regulatory bodies
• Attend and participate in regularly scheduled Child and Family Team (CFT) Meetings within the home, community, and/or other community-based settings.
• Perform other duties as may become necessary or as directed.

Qualifications

Education/Certifications:

• Master's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or related field plus two (2) years of experience in a mental health setting as a specialist in the fields of physical restoration, social adjustment, or vocational adjustment OR
• Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work counseling, or related field plus four (4) years of experience in a mental health setting as a specialist in the fields of physical restoration, social adjustment, or vocational adjustment OR
• Associates degree plus six (6) years of experience in a mental health setting as a specialist in the fields of physical restoration, social adjustment, or vocational adjustment required.
• Valid California Driver's License with a minimum of two (2) years of good driving history and must be approved by the agency's insurance carrier to drive agency vehicles.

Experience:

• Experience with working with high-risk children, adolescents, adults, and/or families within the Wraparound, Mental Health, Educational, Child Welfare, and/or Juvenile Probation systems required.
• Bilingual: (English/Spanish), preferred.
• Must meet eligibility requirements to bill for Medi-Cal services.

Employee Wellness & Safety

Wayfinder is committed to creating an environment where employees and clients are safe. To meet this goal, we ask that employees be fully vaccinated (including boosters) against the COVID-19 virus as a condition of employment. All staff must demonstrate evidence of the first vaccine dose on or before their employment start date. Wayfinder will consider requests for exemption based on religious beliefs or medical accommodations. Wayfinder requires a thorough background screening process that includes fingerprinting and a health screening.

Trauma-Informed Care

Wayfinder practices Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) principles which recognize the signs, symptoms, and widespread impact of trauma. Employees integrate the knowledge of Trauma-Informed Care into policies, procedures, and practices to prevent re-traumatization which promotes the healing of families, youth, individuals, and communities.

Wayfinder is an Equal Opportunity Employer.