Mental Health Professional Expert (Therapist)

Job Description:

Mental Health Professional Expert (Therapist)

Description

MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL EXPERT (IVC - THERAPIST)

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, the Mental Health Professional Expert (Therapist) provides comprehensive mental health services to community college students. This includes assessment, diagnosis, individual and group counseling, treatment planning, and crisis intervention. The therapist collaborates with clients and community resources to promote mental health and well-being, ensuring services are delivered in accordance with professional standards and state regulations.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Assess clients’ strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences; formulate diagnostic impressions based on current DSM criteria.

Develop, in conjunction with clients, individualized treatment plans that are practical and effective.

Investigate case histories and present relevant client information regarding family and social background to the clinical team.

Complete treatment plans, discharge summaries, and all required documentation and correspondence in a timely manner.

Provide individual counseling and facilitate educational and support groups, ensuring all activities are electronically documented within 24 hours.

Select appropriate therapeutic approaches (directive, nondirective, supportive) and plan therapy frequency, intensity, and duration accordingly.

Conduct skill-building psycho-educational and support groups.

Coordinate services by collaborating with community resources and referral sources.

Provide crisis intervention services as authorized and necessary.

Maintain current state license, registration, or certification appropriate to the scope of practice.

Participate in clinical staff meetings and engage in ongoing professional development.

Perform administrative duties as required by the program.

Perform related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Psychiatric diagnosis and terminology.

Current DSM criteria and clinical assessment methods.

Counseling theories and therapeutic techniques, including individual and group therapy modalities.

Medical record documentation and electronic charting procedures.

Community mental health resources and referral networks.

Crisis intervention strategies and protocols.

Confidentiality laws and ethical standards in mental health practice.

Skills and abilities to:

Conduct thorough mental health assessments and develop accurate diagnostic impressions.

Establish rapport and effectively communicate with diverse student populations.

Develop and implement individualized treatment plans.

Facilitate both individual and group counseling sessions.

Coordinate and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and community partners.

Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential clinical documentation.

Respond effectively to crisis situations.

Adapt therapeutic approaches to meet client needs.

Utilize electronic health record systems efficiently.

Communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.

Report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Must hold a current and valid California license as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or possess a Master’s degree in Social Work with corresponding California licensure.

Preferred minimum of two (2) years of clinical experience working in community mental health settings.

Effective written and verbal communication skills in English.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions

Work is primarily performed in an office setting within the community college campus, involving frequent interaction with students, staff, and faculty. May be required to facilitate group sessions in varied settings such as classrooms or meeting rooms. Position requires the ability to sit for extended periods, use computers and electronic devices, and engage in face-to-face counseling sessions. May encounter emotionally intense or crisis situations requiring calm, professional responses. Occasional travel to community agencies or other off-site locations for coordination of services or training may be required.

Work Schedule: TBD - Schedule and shift vary and are subject to change in accordance with the department's needs.

Hours per Week: Up to 25

Employment Conditions and Information:

This is a short-term, temporary, hourly Non-Bargaining Unit (NBU) assignment, not to exceed 160 days and 960 hours per fiscal year (July 1 st through June 30 th ). Short-term, temporary NBU positions may only be used on an intermittent, seasonal, or project basis. Education Code Section 88003 states "Short-term employee means any person who is employed to perform a service for the district, upon the completion of which, the service required or similar services will not be extended or needed on a continuing basis.”

After successful completion of the onboarding requirements, an individual may be employed by the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) as a short-term, temporary NBU employee. Employment will be on an “if and as needed” basis, as determined by the SOCCCD. The assignment may be shortened or extended at any time, due to departmental needs, with little to no notice. NBU employment is at-will, and either party may terminate this working relationship at any time. Neither party shall be required to provide any reason for the separation. NBU employees shall not have reemployment rights or recourse to petition to be reinstated.

NBU employees are limited to working in a single position for a single department and site (assignments are onsite only).

NBU employees are paid on a monthly basis. The payroll reporting period is from the 1 st of the month to the last day of the month. NBU employees are paid on the 10th of the following month.

Example : For the following reporting period: January 1 st through January 31 st , the NBU employee will be paid on February 10 th .

NBU employees who work more than 1000 hours per fiscal year are required to contribute to the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), through payroll deduction. The SOCCCD does not intend to employ NBU employees for more than 960 hours during any fiscal year.

Closing Date/Time: Tue, 30 Sep 2025

Salary:

50 - 50 Hourly