Mental Health Clinician (Interim)

• Identify and enroll clients in appropriate treatment programs (e.g. residential substance treatment, mental health clinics, etc.), moving with particular urgency for clients in custody.
• Support clients to accept, participate in, and adhere to their treatment programs, using techniques such as motivational interviewing and facilitating problem solving. 
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of behavioral health treatment programs and community resources and how to navigate the LA County system of care. Establish and maintain relationships with community treatment providers and resources. 

• Support new clients in understanding the court process, appropriate court conduct, and their specific responsibilities for diversion. Ensure clients are aware of and attend upcoming court dates as needed.
• Maintain a detailed log of client progress and status of pending linkages.
• Collaborate with defense attorney to understand any court-based requirements and coordinate efforts. Provide routine linkage updates.
• Engage and join with collaterals (family members, court) as appropriate. Provide education related to accessing mental health recovery services to better support clients. Engage in client advocacy. 
• Service delivery is consistent with ethical standards and a harm reduction, strength based, trauma informed framework. 
• Collaborate with RDP Supervisor/Clinician throughout the screening, treatment recommendation processes and linkages to ensure alignment.

Coordinate day-to-day operation with external stakeholders and case management team

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with RDP court staff, including but not limited to judges, judicial assistants and attorneys. 
• Track court dates and submit thorough, high quality diversion reports per program guidelines. 
• Liaise with case management team and court staff regarding treatment plan and the status of any pending linkages. Ensure Case Managers clearly understand the clients responsibilities for diversion so that they are able to effectively support clients and complete linkages as needed. 
• Collaborate with public and private community health, mental health, and social service agencies. 

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain comprehensive case notes in the electronic health record per program guidelines.
• Participate in program data collection per program guidelines.

Fulfill baseline Project 180 staff expectations 

• Regular attendance required. Holiday or weekend work may be required.
• Maintain and uphold Agency mission statement, values, policies, procedures, and principles.
• Perform other duties as needed.
• Maintain active license and/or registrations as applicable (i.e. BBS, CCAPP).
• Licensed Clinicians Only:
  • Participate in the Division’s 24-hour crisis line on a two-week rotating basis a few times per year (includes pay differential).
  • Maintain Los Angeles County active LPS designation.
  • Conduct clinical risk assessments and, when appropriate, facilitate psychiatric hospitalizations and/or develop safety plans.

None

Job duties are to be performed both in office and field settings, including the assigned courthouse.

The employee is expected to move about the worksite throughout the day, which may involve walking, standing, and climbing stairs, or using a mobility device, or similar. The employee is expected to drive, carry a maximum of 20 lbs, listen, and speak in order to complete job requirements. 

The employee must be able to do any/all of the following: perform complex and varied tasks such as synthesizing information and making decisions without immediate supervision; handle routine distractions, interruptions, noise, and uncontrollable changes in priorities/work schedules; interact professionally and diplomatically in high-stress situations; create and follow plans; meet deadlines