Graduate Student Trainee

About Us:

Counseling4Kids is a resilient community mental health agency driven by our steadfast commitment to quality care and unparalleled dedication to client engagement. At the core of our mission is a profound belief that every child deserves compassionate support and effective treatment. We prioritize our clients above all else, ensuring their needs are met with empathy and expertise.

Why Counseling4Kids?

Our agency is not just a place of work; it's a dynamic environment where innovation, teamwork, and resilience flourish and where resilience is valued. We embrace creativity and collaboration, fostering a culture of welcoming and nurturing new ideas. Our commitment to staff well-being is paramount, providing a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where every team member can thrive and grow professionally.

As we continue to evolve and expand our services, we invite passionate mental health professionals that are currently in their graduate program and looking for a practicum site to apply for the Graduate Student Trainee role at Counseling4Kids. This pivotal role offers the chance to profoundly impact the lives of children and families in our community. If you are passionate about transforming lives, driving innovation, and upholding the highest standards of care, Counseling4Kids is the place for you.

Job Summary:

The Graduate Student Trainee will provide comprehensive community-based therapy services to children and their families using standard therapy practices and documentation protocols according to the Department of Mental Health (DMH). The Graduate Student Trainee is responsible for meeting weekly service delivery expectations, carrying a caseload of clients, dependent on service delivery, and maintaining accurate and up-to-date case records using the electronic health record system, EXYM, for all services rendered, in accordance with State of California and the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. The Graduate Student Trainee will be responsible for providing the following services: intake assessment (an extensive bio-psychosocial history, diagnosis, and treatment plan); individual and group psychotherapy; crisis intervention when needed; targeted case management (i.e. linkage to additional support services) as clinically indicated. Students will also participate in a multi-disciplinary team aimed at integration and collaboration.

Duties

• Uphold the mission and core values of Counseling4Kids.
• Conducts in-office and in-school sessions with clients following their initiative in the development and achievement of their case plan goals.
• Works collaboratively with clients and the clinical team to develop a comprehensive assessment, treatment plan and desired treatment outcomes.
• Participates in staff meetings, case conferences, training, and professional consultation as necessary.
• Maintains clients' records related to assessment, treatment, progress toward goals and objectives, discharge summary, and treatment outcomes that are accurate, concise, timely, and useful for coordinating treatment team planning, monitoring, and review.
• Clinicians are expected to conduct outreach services to facilitate the development of their caseload when caseload does not permit them to meet 225 hours of billable services of care annually, 7 hours per week minimally.
• Provides evidenced based interventions and/or MAT based on DMH and C4K guidelines
• Attends in-person individual and group supervision at least once a week in the Trainee's home office.
• Seeks guidance and remains knowledgeable of, and complies with, all applicable federal and state laws, as well as company policies that apply to assigned duties.
• Complies with the company's and Board of Behavioral Sciences' (BBS) expectations regarding ethical behavior and standards of conduct.
• Prepares clinical documentation in connection with case requirements such as psycho-social assessments, treatment plans and weekly progress notes.
• Must be able to maintain positive working collaborative relationships with family services staff.
• Performs other job-related duties as directed by supervisor or director.
• Ability to be in-office eight (8) to ten (10) hours per week minimally during the agency's clinical hours and days (M-F) of operation.

• Currently pursuing an MFT, MPCC, MSW or MA in related field. Be approved for field work/practicum placement by department director.
• Must have a reliable automobile for use on the job (mileage will be reimbursed). Valid California Driver License. State required automobile insurance coverage.
• Successfully pass all post offer, pre-employment screening requirements, including criminal background check, drug test and provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
• Ability to nurture respectful relationships with families and children and be sensitive to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.
• Knowledge of child abuse/crisis intervention techniques.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• TB test clearance (to be renewed every two years).

• Bilingual English/Spanish
  • English proficiency supporting professional-level verbal and written communication to children, parents and agency staff members required.
• Preferred experience working with low-income children and families.
• Leadership skills desired with some foundational knowledge of human development and family dynamics.