SUMMARY
The Group Home Therapist (AMFT/ACSW/LCSW/LMFT) provides individual, group, and family psychotherapy, behavioral health assessments, crisis intervention, treatment planning, and clinical documentation for youth and non-minor dependents residing in Brighter Horizon Treatment Center's Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP).
Working under the direction of the Clinical Supervisor, the Group Home Therapist collaborates with the multidisciplinary treatment team, county representatives, psychiatrists, medical providers, educational staff, and caregivers to ensure clients receive trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and medically necessary behavioral health services consistent with STRTP regulations, Medi-Cal requirements, Title 22, and county contract standards.
The Group Home Therapist promotes emotional stabilization, behavioral improvement, permanency planning, and successful transition to the least restrictive level of care.
TECHNICAL SKILLS
- Strong knowledge of trauma-informed care and evidence-based treatment interventions.
- Knowledge of STRTP regulations, Medi-Cal documentation standards, Title 22, and California mental health regulations.
- Ability to complete biopsychosocial assessments and develop individualized treatment plans.
- Skilled in crisis intervention and suicide risk assessment.
- Strong clinical documentation and time management skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication.
- Ability to collaborate within a multidisciplinary treatment team.
- Ability to establish therapeutic rapport with adolescents and young adults.
- Proficiency with Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Microsoft Office.
CERTIFICATIONS
- Associate Clinical Social Worker (ACSW), Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) required.
- Registration or licensure in good standing with the California Board of Behavioral Science (BBS).
- Valid California Driver's License.
- Reliable transportation and proof of automobile insurance.
- DOJ, FBI, and Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) clearance.
- Pre-employment physical, TB clearance, and health screening.
- CPR/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).
- Completion of all agency-required training.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES – CLINICAL SERVICES
- Provide individual psychotherapy in accordance with each client's treatment plan.
- Facilitate group therapy utilizing evidence-based interventions.
- Conduct family therapy and caregiver sessions as clinically appropriate.
- Complete comprehensive behavioral health and biopsychosocial assessments.
- Develop individualized treatment plans with measurable goals and objectives.
- Provide crisis assessment, intervention, safety planning, and stabilization services.
- Coordinate with psychiatry regarding medication concerns and clinical recommendations.
- Monitor client progress and modify treatment interventions as needed.
- Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings.
- Support discharge planning and transition services.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES – CLINICAL DOCUMENTATION
- Complete documentation within required timelines.
- Prepare and maintain:
- Intake Assessments
- Mental Health Assessments
- Individual Treatment Plans
- Progress Notes
- Individual Therapy Notes
- Group Therapy Notes
- Family Therapy Notes
- Crisis Notes
- Risk Assessments
- Discharge Summaries
- Quarterly Clinical Reviews
- Other required county and Medi-Cal documentation
- Ensure documentation supports medical necessity and complies with county, Medi-Cal, CARF, and STRTP standards.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES – COLLABORATION
- Collaborate with:
- Clinical Supervisor
- Head of Services
- County Social Workers
- Probation Officers
- Psychiatrists
- Medical Providers
- Educational Staff
- Direct Care Staff
- Families and Natural Supports
- Participate in Child and Family Team (CFT) meetings.
- Attend treatment reviews, staffing meetings, and court-related meetings as assigned.
- Coordinate behavioral health services with community providers.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES – PROGRAM SUPPORT
- Assist with admissions and clinical intake.
- Provide clinical consultation to residential staff regarding client behaviors and treatment interventions.
- Assist with quality assurance and utilization review activities.
- Participate in program development and performance improvement initiatives.
- Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and agency policies.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS – EDUCATION
Master's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the following:
- Social Work
- Marriage and Family Therapy
- Counseling Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Social Welfare
- Behavioral Sciences
- Related behavioral health field
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS – EXPERIENCE
- Minimum one (1) year providing behavioral health or psychotherapy services.
- Experience working with children, adolescents, foster youth, probation-involved youth, or non-minor dependents.
- Experience in completing clinical documentation and treatment planning.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed treatment and crisis intervention.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in STRTP or residential behavioral health settings.
- Experience with Medi-Cal documentation and billing.
- Knowledge of California children's mental health systems.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
- Experience utilizing evidence-based practices such as CBT, DBT, TF-CBT, Motivational Interviewing, or Solution-Focused Therapy.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and reach for extended periods.
- Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.
- Ability to participate in therapeutic recreational and community-based activities.
- Ability to respond appropriately during behavioral crises and emergency situations.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The Group Home Therapist works within STRTP residential treatment facilities and may also provide services in schools, county offices, community settings, and other approved locations. Evening, weekend, and occasional on-call responsibilities may be required based on program needs.
Pay: $44.00 - $54.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
