Mental Health Worker, Level I (Full-time)

ABOUT LA CHEIM

La Cheim has been providing a robust continuum of care for nearly 50 years to help children and adults who were previously unreachable. Our non-public school, community mental health center, therapeutic behavioral services program, and Short-Term Residential Treatment Program offer educational and mental health services throughout Alameda and Contra Costa County.

Our team is made up of teachers, art therapists, counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists, RNs, social workers, MFTs, and mentors who are known for their caliber and compassion. They create life-changing experiences for those they serve. All La Cheim programs embrace and apply a Trauma-Informed approach to addressing emotional and behavioral issues.

By joining La Cheim you will be part of a supportive community serving an inspiration mission. You will enjoy rich benefits, valuable training and wellness opportunities, close support, and room to grow.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Mental Health Workers are responsible for ensuring adequate treatment and supervision for our clients in the 24-hour continuum, meeting Community Care Licensing regulations as to STRTP coverage, and supporting the STRTP Program through increased communication and continuity of treatment.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Must have a valid California Driver License and car insurance

• Must be able to pass all required tests and clearances (Live Scan (DOJ, FBI, Guardian) TB test, etc.)

Direct care staff shall meet ONE of the following requirements before employment:

• Have previously been employed as a staff or volunteer at a STRTP or Short-term residential therapeutic center for at least one year; OR

• Foster and Kinship Care Education and have at least 100 hours of experience working with youth; OR

• Have a valid Vocational Training Certificate, credential or documentation demonstrating that the individual is a trade journeyperson who instructs children in vocational skills and has at least 100 hours of experience working with youth; OR

• Have a valid certificate as an Alcohol Counselor, Drug Counselor or Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and have at least 100 hours of experience working with youth; OR

• Have completed 12-semester units of Early Childhood Education or Adolescent Development.

OR

• A valid Child Development Teaching Permit; OR

• A Bachelor of Arts or Sciences Degree; OR

• Have relevant experience as determined by the Department of Social Services to meet the above requirements.

Desired Qualifications:

• Previous experience collaboratively interacting with youth utilizing and incorporating Trauma Informed Care Principles.

• Team orientated personality

Additional Requirements:

• Direct care staff must be at least 21 years of age.

• Valid California Driver’s License

• Maintain active insurance coverage

• Clearances of TB test, physical exam, FBI and DOJ, and other mandatory State/Federal requirements.

• Report suspected neglect or abuse as a Mandated Reporter.

PROFESSIONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Functions as a “team player,” prioritizing the organization’s best interests

• Proactively identifies opportunities for improvement and ways to contribute

• Exhibits creativity, adaptability, openness, and a high level of professionalism

• Possesses strong organizational and interpersonal skills

• Maintains confidentiality with discretion

• Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Works effectively independently and pays close attention to detail

• Collaborates well with other agency staff

• Outstanding organizational and time management abilities.

• Exhibit a strong professional commitment and represent La Cheim effectively while engaging with the community.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The following is the extent of the specific activity required for this position:

• Stairs – climbing stairs up to 50-100 – up to 2-4 hours, not continuously.

• Sitting – up to 2 hours, not continuously; standing – up to 4 hours, not continuously

• Walking – up to 2 hours, not continuously; bending over – up to 1 hour, not continuously.

• Crawling – up to 0 hours; climbing – up to 0 hours, reaching overhead – up to a few minutes.

• Crouching – up to ½ hour, not continuously; kneeling – up to a few minutes

• Balancing – up to 0 hours; pushing or pulling – up to a few minutes.

• Lifting or carrying – 25 pounds or less; repetitive use of feet – up to 0 hours

• Repetitive use of hands – up to 0 hours

• Grasping – with one or both, simple and firm, for up to 1 hour, not continuously

• Fine dexterity - either hand up to 1 hour, not continuously Auditory and visual acuity – 8 hours within normal limits and maybe with glasses, contact lenses or hearing aids.

• Driving cars and vans; Exposure to uneven concrete and blacktop

• Exposure to normal dust, heat, and noise

• Exposure to emotionally disturbed students who may be physically and verbally violent and require safe physical management.

• Frequent exposure to office equipment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Provide general supervision to clients by the facility's policies and Trauma Informed Principle

• Support the clients' needs in a culturally and linguistically responsible manner.

• Document mental health interventions occurring on AM shift on Shift Exchange Report, and the Electronic Health Record System; and collect other health and outcome data as required.

• Wake up clients and see that they are prepared for school, including appropriate hygiene and dress, and assisting with administering prescribed medications, etc.

• Conduct morning check-ins before clients leave for school, addressing any concerns and help the clients set goals for the day.

• Assign and supervise the clients in various daily maintenance tasks expected of them (i.e., cleaning room, making beds, dusting furniture, mopping floors, assisting in mealtime setup and cleanup procedures).

• Transport clients to appointments (medical, dental), school or community group outings and designated locations ensuring compliance with transportation rules and ensuring proper upkeep of the van.

• Check-in with Overnight Staff, read shift exchange and Incident Reports to be aware of the resident's overnight status and transmit the information to the school program as necessary.

• When the clients are not in school, Direct Care Staff are required to supervise the clients at the STRTP by following the facility schedule.

• Participate in a check-in group to ensure adequate reporting of resident’s concerns during the day and resolving any conflicts from the school program or occurring on the van ride.

• Complete thorough bedroom checks when the students are at school (check for needed repairs, hazardous conditions, food and plates, clean dresser drawers, etc.).

• Conduct 30-minute rounds throughout the shift.

• Attend assigned STRTP Weekly Staff Meetings and Supervision each week; and

• Proactively support the maintenance of an inclusive and respectful working environment.

• Some work weekends and holidays may be required.

• Provides verbal and non-verbal crisis de-escalation and intervention for clients.

• As directed by the Continuous Quality Improvement Committee, collect information on an ongoing basis to aid in quality improvement measures to improve policies, practices, and client satisfaction.

• In the absence of the Facility Manager, serve as the designated Facility Manager for the shift.

• Other duties as described in the STRTP Direct Care Staff job description and as directed by STRTP Facility Manager and Administrator.

Training:

• The organization will provide ongoing training and certifications of completion of training.

• New Direct Care Staff shall complete at least 24 hours of initial training and 40 hours of annual training thereafter. Training includes but is not limited to CPR/First Aid, ProAct Restraint Training, Medication Procedures, Trauma Informed Care, and other Evidence-based practices.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Complete all required trainings as assigned

• Attend all mandatory meetings

• Meet regularly for individual oversight with supervisor(s)

• Other duties may be required as La Cheim continues its development. Employees are expected to be flexible and responsive to changes in the scope of duties.

• Understand and embody La Cheim's philosophy, organizational culture, and communication channels by practicing a collaborative approach.

• Complete any additional tasks assigned by the Supervisor, Department Head, and/or CEO