SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
Under general supervision, the Mental Health Professional Expert (Therapist) provides comprehensive mental health services to community college students. This includes assessment, diagnosis, individual and group counseling, treatment planning, and crisis intervention. The therapist collaborates with clients and community resources to promote mental health and well-being, ensuring services are delivered in accordance with professional standards and state regulations.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
Assess clients’ strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences; formulate diagnostic impressions based on current DSM criteria.
Develop, in conjunction with clients, individualized treatment plans that are practical and effective.
Investigate case histories and present relevant client information regarding family and social background to the clinical team.
Complete treatment plans, discharge summaries, and all required documentation and correspondence in a timely manner.
Provide individual counseling and facilitate educational and support groups, ensuring all activities are electronically documented within 24 hours.
Select appropriate therapeutic approaches (directive, nondirective, supportive) and plan therapy frequency, intensity, and duration accordingly.
Conduct skill-building psycho-educational and support groups.
Coordinate services by collaborating with community resources and referral sources.
Provide crisis intervention services as authorized and necessary.
Maintain current state license, registration, or certification appropriate to the scope of practice.
Participate in clinical staff meetings and engage in ongoing professional development.
Perform administrative duties as required by the program.
Perform related duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Psychiatric diagnosis and terminology.
Current DSM criteria and clinical assessment methods.
Counseling theories and therapeutic techniques, including individual and group therapy modalities.
Medical record documentation and electronic charting procedures.
Community mental health resources and referral networks.
Crisis intervention strategies and protocols.
Confidentiality laws and ethical standards in mental health practice.
Skills and abilities to:
Conduct thorough mental health assessments and develop accurate diagnostic impressions.
Establish rapport and effectively communicate with diverse student populations.
Develop and implement individualized treatment plans.
Facilitate both individual and group counseling sessions.
Coordinate and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and community partners.
Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential clinical documentation.
Respond effectively to crisis situations.
Adapt therapeutic approaches to meet client needs.
Utilize electronic health record systems efficiently.
Communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
Report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Must hold a current and valid California license as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or possess a Master’s degree in Social Work with corresponding California licensure.
Preferred minimum of two (2) years of clinical experience working in community mental health settings.
Effective written and verbal communication skills in English.
