Job Details

POSITION TITLE: Clinical Program Clinician
REPORTS TO: Clinical Program Director
SALARY: $75,000 - $100,000 based on level of license, experience, skills, and knowledge

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Full-time, exempt position starting salary is $75,000-$90,000 plus benefits.
• Flexible schedule to accommodate evening or weekend work.
• Primary focus in Santa Cruz County, including Watsonville and north locations.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: To be considered you must send a short and specific cover letter and resume to careers@diversitycenter.org. Applications without cover letters will not be considered. Cover letters should be succinctly written and address your level of experience in the following areas:

• LGBTQ+ community LGBTQ+-Affirming clinical services and applications for children, youth, adults and seniors populations  
• Group and/or workshop development and facilitation 
• Clinical Supervising Trainees and/or Associates
• Data analysis and/or quality improvement practices
• Address any limitations in traveling throughout Santa Cruz County and neighboring counties as needed.

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Diversity Center (TDC)`s Mental Health Program is the only LGBTQ+ affirming counseling program in Santa Cruz County and is supported by grants and community donations. We are a queer identified clinical team offering LGBTQ+ specific trauma-informed evidence-based services to our LGBTQ+ community members. Our program recognizes how internalized minority stress, social injustices and adverse events influence one`s view of self and the world which then impacts their holistic responses and life choices. Our small clinical team delivers safe and life-affirming mental health care by anchoring our work in this understanding to offer trauma-informed psycho-education, methods and tools that elicit self discovery and self-care. Our program delivers intensional goal-oriented services in person at our Santa Cruz location, at schools, offsite at community locations and virtually as indicated. Duration of services are considered short to moderate (6-12 month average) in length to offer greater accessibility to the community. This full-time clinician role will provide mental health outreach, direct counseling and case management services, develop and offer clinically oriented groups, training and workshops, and be a key support to the Clinical Director`s program vision and execution. This position will also include administering clinical supervision of BBS Trainees or Associates, based on the employee's eligibility for this function.

Employee must abide by all The Diversity Center employment policies as well as Federal, State, County, licensing laws and regulations, including but not limited to sensitivity to cultural diversity, client care, client rights and ethical treatment, confidentiality, safety and security of physical environments, emergency management, teamwork, respect for others, participation in ongoing education and training, communication and adherence to The Diversity Center`s mission initiatives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

All TDC staff work inter connectedly and collaboratively through a distributed leadership model where individuals are encouraged to manage their responsibilities and deliverables and to seek support when needed. Our culture is to be prepared, engaged, accountable, transparent, responsive, and impactful while maintaining the values of workplace well-being. The Clinical Program Clinician must perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the program's policies and procedures. The key responsibilities listed are typical examples of work performed by this position. They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Three key areas of responsibility include:
 

Clinical Services
● Conduct program outreach, screening, assessment, diagnosis, treatment and discharge of LGBTQ+ clients who request mental health services and support at our outpatient clinic.
● Develop, monitor and update short-term goal-oriented care plans with the client that address identified areas of need, including evidence-based practices applicable to the LGBTQ+ populations served.
● Provide individual, couple, family and/or group psychotherapy services.
● Conduct case management support when needed including LGBTQ+ affirming resource coordination and community referral.
● Conduct crisis intervention services when necessary to stabilize a client or visitor.
● Provide mental health support for programmatic activities when requested.
● Maintain current and timely electronic documentation of screening, assessment, treatment goals, treatment progress, case management, referrals and termination of services.
● Generate Gender-Affirming Support Letters: Trained in assessing client`s readiness and document findings in a support letter, in compliance with WPATH08 standards, when clinically indicated.
● Involve child and adult protective services and law enforcement according to established legal reporting mandates.
 

Affirming Wellness Groups, Workshops and Trainings
● Develop and provide LGBTQ+ culturally relevant behavioral health wellness group services and workshops that align with program goals.
● Create and distribute community service information as an outreach worker as needed.
● Develop and provide in-service presentations to TDC staff and/or community providers as needed or required.
● Provide consultation opportunities to community behavioral health providers that enrich affirming care practices.
● Connect with other providers and systems such as primary care providers, schools, community mental health and child welfare to promote cross-system accessibility of affirming care.
● Obtain continued education in the fields of LGBTQ+ affirming care, clinical practices and relevant LGBTQ+ resources.
 

Administrative Functions
● Participate in revenue-generating functions as indicated.
● Conduct surveys and periodic performance evaluations to drive program improvement.
● Assist with data collection and administration function to support program`s grant deliverables and quality improvement initiatives.
● Contribute to enhancing TDC`s LGBTQ+ related resource library to ensure current and accurate information is available to the community.
● Serve as an organization representative at related TDC and community events and activities.
● Conduct clinical supervision (individual, triadic and/or group) if eligible.
● Participate in regular supervision with the Clinical Director.
● Participate in MH team meetings and consultation groups to ensure clinical care quality.
● Maintain an active license to practice in California, administered by CA regulatory licensing board, that is in good standing.

QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE:
To be fully aligned with this position, you must have an unwavering passion for supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Only candidates with a clear track record of performing LGBTQ+ affirming counseling services, training and facilitation and community engagement experience will be
considered. In-depth LGBTQ+ specific knowledge will be part of onboarding & ongoing training but candidates should have some experience working with the LGBTQ+ community.
 

Required qualifications include: 

A proven commitment to The Diversity Center`s mission and values, especially cultural sensitivity and gender awareness. Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities as well as possession of any required licenses or certifications is qualifying.
 

Education: Master's degree or doctorate in Social Work or Marriage and Family Therapy or Professional Clinical Counselor or Clinical Psychology from an accredited college or university. Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology. 

In addition:
● Completion of advanced LGBTQ+ and gender-affirming training that ensures a comprehensive understanding and competency of clinical affirming care and WPATH SOC.
● Completion of Clinical Supervisor training for Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counselor registrants as set by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) requirements is a plus.
 

Experience: At least four (4) years of progressively responsible and directly related work experience. License/Certification: Valid license as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license issued by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)

-OR- License/Certification: Valid Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) license issued by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)

-OR- License/Certification: Valid Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) issued by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)

-OR- License/Certification: Valid Clinical Psychologist License (PsyD or PhD) issued by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)
 

Potential Consideration: Associate with at least 2000 accrued clinical experience direct hours. Associate Registration: Valid Associate Registration issued by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) as indicated: Associate Social Worker (ASW), Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) or Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC).
 

Knowledge: These are the observable and measurable attributes and skills required to perform successfully the key responsibilities of the job and are generally demonstrated through qualifying experience, education or licensure/certification.
● Knowledge of and ability to apply LGBTQ+ affirming theories, principles and practices of clinical care.
● Knowledge of and ability to apply trauma-informed theories, principles and techniques.
● Knowledge of and ability to apply LGBTQ+ minority stress theories, principles and techniques.
● Knowledge of and ability to apply effective psychiatric assessment, interviewing, and counseling techniques
● Knowledge of needs, problems, attitudes, and behavior of intersectional marginalized individuals.
● Knowledge of LGBTQ+ affirming community resources to access and provide for client care needs, and act on behalf of client needs to obtain necessary services.
● Ability to collaborate with clients to establish achievable short-term treatment goals and assess progress.
● Ability to gather data needed to assess needs of clients, progress and to report on service deliverables.
● Ability to manage a caseload, recall case details; conduct care coordination activities; maintain confidentiality of information; determine the appropriate course of action in emergencies and other stressful situations.
● Ability to write DIRP progress notes, case narratives, gender-affirming support letters, and clinical reports.
● Direct experience independently developing and implementing behavioral health group structure and facilitation.
● Experience developing and delivering training and educational workshops for various age levels.
● History of developing community partnerships working towards a common goal.
● Understanding of the importance of working with grant deliverables and data collection.
● Ability to work with diverse queer groups.
● Strong interpersonal skills, able to develop and maintain professional relationships with employee teammates, volunteers, donors, board members, and community stakeholders.
● Self-starter, able to work independently to prioritize overlapping projects to meet deadlines.
● General working knowledge of Google Workspace; including but not limited to: Gmail, Google Docs, Sheets, Forms and Presentation. Canva is also frequently used.
● Excellent verbal, and written communication skills; public speaking, facilitation, and coalition building capabilities.
● Knowledge of and ability to conduct clinical supervision to master-level field placement Trainees and post-graduation Associates.
● Lived experience as a queer person.
● Reliable transportation and an ability to travel regionally in Santa Cruz is required.
● Valid Driver`s License, access to a vehicle and vehicle insurance required.
● Valid Professional Liability Insurance $1M/$3M
● Ability to occasionally work early mornings, evenings, and weekends as required.
● Successful candidates must pass a criminal background check and be able to lift at least 25 pounds.
 

Additional Noteworthy Specialties:
● Living experience as transgender, non-binary, gender fluid, queer person of color is a plus.
● English/ Spanish fluent bilingual verbal and writing skills are strongly preferred.
● Networked with Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties and/or San Francisco Bay Area LGBTQ+ resources.
● Experience in and enthusiasm for adaptive work in a creative learning environment.
● Easy ability to navigate ambiguity by focusing responsibility on achieving collective goals.
● Knowledge of and ability to conduct quality improvement initiatives that support organizational system analysis and innovation.
 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The position`s duties and responsibilities are performed In-Person at The Diversity Center`s Mental Health Program location(s). Scheduling time for remote work requires prior approval by the Clinical Program Director. Services require sitting, writing, reading, typing and computer usage, plus occasional driving, lifting, bending, standing and walking. Telehealth Zoom clinical services are based on client appropriateness, including client preference, transportation barriers, and technology ability. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

SALARY RANGE CONSIDERATION:
This is a full-time exempt position. Compensation is determined by your education, licensure status, experience, knowledge, skills, location, and abilities, as required by the role. The position is budgeted between $75,000-$90,000 depending on experience. However, a combination of the following skills could qualify for a higher salary.

● 2+ years of an active professional clinical license in good standing
● Prior training completion and direct experience with Clinical Supervisor responsibilities
● Former paid experience managing people in a professional setting.
● Former paid experience developing and conducting groups, workshops and/or training in a professional setting.
● 5+ years of professional experience with a history of employment longevity.
● Professional experience serving diverse populations, including transgender individuals, queer people of color, and non-native English speakers.
● English/Spanish bilingual verbal and written proficiency.
 

BENEFIT HIGHLIGHTS:
● Medical, dental, vision insurance
● Generous 22-28 days PTO
● 12 paid holidays
● Paid week (40 hours) off for winter break
● Retirement plan with match after 1 year
● Technology and mileage reimbursement policy
 

ORGANIZATION MISSION:
The Diversity Center inspires and advocates for the LGBTQ+ people of Santa Cruz and Monterey counties by providing critical services, spaces, education, and events that enhance our community's well-being allowing individuals to build resiliency and thrive.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND EQUITY:
The Diversity Center strives to be a workplace that is representative of the community we serve. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all individuals including LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, queer, intersex, Two-Spirit) people; people of no gender, all genders and gender expressions; Black, Brown and Indigenous People; People of Color; people living with HIV, and people with disabilities.