This job description is intended to be a general statement about this job and is not to be considered a detailed assignment. It may be modified to adjust for necessary changes. Pay Range $$28 to $35 per hour.

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Clinical Supervisor (for clinical oversight) and the Coordinated Services Manager (for programmatic oversight) the Mental Health Therapist is responsible for:

Essential Job Functions

• Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments, diagnosis, and treatment plans from a strength and resource based perspective with Christie’s Place clients
• Provide individual, couple, family and/or group counseling to assist women, children and families living with and affected by HIV in adjusting to the physical/emotional and psychological difficulties associated with HIV
• Complete and maintain all client files, documentation, follow up and all clinical tasks within 3 business days of encounter, with exception when agreed upon by manager
• Participate in the Christie’s Place team as a proactive, positive team member
• Maintain high ethical standards appropriate to the mental health profession
• Conduct crisis interventions and management
• Provide services from a client/family centered and trauma informed perspective
• Participate in Christie’s Place community planning, developing and/or coordinating of special projects
• Provide consultation and training to program staff
• Participate in quality assurance activities
• Maintain compliance with the Ryan White Care Act contract and standards
• Generate monthly program reports
• Other duties as assigned

Core Components of Trauma-Informed Service Provision (as applicable)

• Encourage clients’ choice and voice in their care and treatment
• Participate in and emphasize a team-based approach to client services
• Include client feedback and participation in programmatic design and evaluation when appropriate
• Participate in evidence-based counseling/education practices regarding the impact of trauma, stigma, discrimination, and other various topics and their relation to disease management
• Empower and encourage clients and families in self-management, self-efficacy and behavior change
• Be mindful of environment and aware of the potential impact of trauma when meeting with community members
• Communicate across the continuum of care – from internal staff, to third parties such as health plans, specialists, hospitals, and other health and support facilities

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduate degree in an area of expertise related to the work (MFT, MSW, etc.) and minimum two years of professional experience.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated adherence to federal, state and local laws related to health and social welfare.
• Minimum of two years’ experience working in the HIV/AIDS or related field, recommended.
• Valid California driver’s license, current auto insurance, and reliable transportation
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft suite, email, EHR, and electronic documentation
• Must be willing and able to travel to client homes (rarely), satellite locations, community meetings, and occasional out-oftown conferences
• Must pass an initial background check and remain eligible to provide services according to contract requirements
• Availability and willingness to work evening and weekend hours, as required
• Bilingual English/Spanish required

Preferred Qualifications

• Current independent or associate license granted by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as an LMFT, LCSW, or LPC or licensed Psychologist by the Board of Psychology.
• Experience in the provision of drug and alcohol counseling
• Experience with family and couples counseling
• Experience working with trauma informed and responsive perspective

Required Skills/Knowledge/Abilities

• Knowledge of HIV/AIDS related social and emotional issues, demonstrated competency in working with culturally diverse, low or no income clients, and LGBTQ+ communities
• Ability to appropriately interact and collaborate with clients and health professionals in a variety of settings
• Demonstrated skill in mental health assessments and interventions with individuals and families impacted by chronic disease and loss
• Knowledge of the physical, emotional, mental health, psychosocial and financial impact of HIV/AIDS on infected and affected individuals, couples and families
• Demonstrated experience with mental health counseling interventions specific to the HIV population. Working knowledge of medical terminology particularly as it relates to HIV disease
• Demonstrated experience in preparing and providing educational HIV presentations to consumers, professionals, and community
• Comfortable and experienced in discussing sexual orientation, sexual behaviors, needle use, and other risk behaviors with individuals and small groups
• Effective written/verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and with a team
• Effective problem solving and organizational skills
• Ability to respond appropriately in crisis situations
• Ability to complete documentation required by this contract
• Familiarity with local HIV/AIDS and non-HIV specific resources
• Familiarity with health and social service needs of target populations served

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time
• Ability to reach, bend and stoop
• Physical ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. of reports, supplies or other materials for routine performance of essentialjob functions
• Manual dexterity and strength sufficient to enter information via computer keyboard for long periods of time, to write notes and information as needed, and to pick up and hold paperwork, supplies and other items
• Speaking and hearing ability sufficient to handle phone and in-person conversations with clients, providers and other staff
• Visual acuity and reading ability sufficient to effectively read records and documents, and to accurately view information on a computer monitor
• Eye/hand coordination, hearing and visual acuity necessary for driving safely

Working Conditions

• Normal, climate-controlled office environment
• The work area is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated
• The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of an office setting, e g , practice use of work safety in using equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, observance of fire regulations, use of universal infection control precautions, etc
• May be exposed to clients with infectious diseases when in the community environment
• Christie’s Place is a Drug Free and Smoke Free work environment

Safety

• Maintain current knowledge of policies and procedures as they relate to safe work practices, including emergency and evacuation plans and other pertinent safety regulations
• Follow all safety procedures and report unsafe conditions
• Ensure staff participates in appropriate training programs related to safety and risk management issues. Keep records of

these trainings

• Use appropriate body mechanics to ensure an injury free environment
• Be familiar with location of safety information, nearest fire extinguisher and emergency exits
• Properly use ergonomic material and equipment provided for a safe working environment
• Utilize adequate safeguards, safes, locking arrangements, etc. for the protection of Christie’s Place property, including inventory items

HIPAA/Compliance

• Maintain privacy of all client, employee and volunteer information and access such information only on a need to know basis for business purposes.
• Comply with all regulations regarding corporate integrity and security obligations. Report unethical, fraudulent or unlawful behavior or activity.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Required: Minimum of two years' experience working in mental health field, preferably, the HIV/AIDS or related field. A combination of education, experience, knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the duties assigned to the position. Knowledge of and demonstrated adherence to federal, state and local laws related to health and social welfare. Computer proficiency with Microsoft suite, email, and electronic documentation.

Bilingual in Spanish and English is required.

Preferred: Demonstrated skill in mental health assessments and interventions with individuals and families impacted by chronic disease and loss. Knowledge of the physical, emotional, mental health, psychosocial and financial impact of HIV/ AIDS on infected and affected individuals, couples and families. Demonstrated experience with mental health counseling interventions specific to the HIV population. Working knowledge of medical terminology particularly as it relates to HIV disease. Demonstrated experience in preparing and providing educational HIV presentations to consumers, professionals, and lay audiences. Experience in the provision of drug and alcohol counseling preferred.

Candidate must be comfortable and experienced in discussing sexual orientation, sexual behaviors, needle use, and other risk behaviors with individuals and small groups; will be familiar with the characteristics of the target population, including knowledge of and access to places where staff is likely to encounter members of the target population in settings conducive to dialogue and intervention; and will maintain the established relationship with the target population in order to maintain our agency's established trust and credibility in the community.

Must be willing and able to travel to client homes, satellite locations, and community meetings. As this position requires driving duties, employees must possess a valid Driver's License with access to reliable personal transportation, as well as proof of current vehicle insurance in good standing. Employees must agree they will be included on a regular DMV Pull Notice system for routine review of driving records. Additionally, as a requirement of funding, employees must pass an initial background check and remain eligible to provide services according to contract requirements.