Director of Mental Health Services (Head of Service)

The MVP Consulting Group (search firm) has been retained to recruit a highly motivated licensed professional to serve as the Director of Mental Health Services - Mental Health Head of Service for our client who is opening LA County Short Term Residential Therapeutic Group Home serving male children ages 12-17.

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Summary: The organization is seeking a dedicated and experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker to serve as the Mental Health Head of Service for our Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program. The successful candidate will lead and supervise the Mental Health Team, ensuring the provision of high-quality mental health services to children in our care. This position requires a commitment to the organization's mission and values, expertise in trauma-informed care, and the ability to collaborate with various stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

1. Team Leadership and Supervision:

• Supervise, support, and assign cases to the Mental Health Team, including Full-time Therapists, Contracted Therapists, Case Managers, and Registered Interns.
• Conduct weekly meetings with house managers, administrators, staff, and residents to ensure the team is meeting the needs of the residents and adhering to protocols.
• Ensure all required reports are completed promptly and communicated to relevant parties.
• Facilitate Mental Health training for STRTP staff and oversee staff development.

2. Administrative Organization:

• Receive, review, and distribute placement referrals from counties.
• Maintain resident binders and file cabinets, ensuring compliance with Title 22.
• Assist with the maintenance of all resident, facility, and staff records.
• File and maintain incident reports, conduct audits of resident mental health files.
• Collaborate with the Placement Coordinator in selecting suitable residents for the program.

3. Case Management and Clinical Services:

• Provide case management services for residents in a group home setting.
• Develop emotional bonds with youth to help them succeed in life and meet new goals.
• Support youth and caregivers in accessing services, healing from trauma, and fostering well-being.
• Develop coping, communication, and self-regulation skills in youth.
• Focus on conflict resolution and encourage academic achievement.

4. Crisis Intervention and Reporting:

• Recognize and understand trauma experienced by children, evaluating and assessing the need for services.
• Conduct needs and service plans, offering information and making referrals to other agencies.
• Provide crisis intervention and conduct risk management assessments.
• Perform safe physical management techniques when required and complete reporting procedures.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Mental Health, Social Work, or Marriage Family and Therapy with a valid LPC, LMFT, or LCSW license.
• Experience working with children and adolescents in a residential therapeutic setting.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, DSM, special education, medication dosages, and Juvenile Codes.
• Strong leadership and supervision skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, residents, and external partners.
• Obtain, within 30 days of employment, Pro-ACT, Red Cross CPR and First Aid Certification and maintain such certification current through the term of employment with SGCC.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain Live Scan clearance, pre-employment physical, TB test and drug test.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• trauma informed care: 2 years (Preferred)
• at risk youth: 3 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• LCSW, LMFT, or LPC credential (Required)

Work Location: In person