Bilingual Youth Clinical Therapist

OVERVIEW: We are seeking a Bilingual Youth Clinical Therapist who is committed to making a positive impact on the mental health and well-being of youth in immigration proceedings and who are represented by the Immigrant Legal Defense Center. As a Youth Clinical Therapist for our organization, you will play a vital role in providing assessments, therapeutic interventions, and other mental health support to youth. This position requires an understanding of the impact of immigration policies, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to social justice. In addition, the position requires a passion for working with youth, developing strong clinical skills, and the ability to collaborate with a diverse team.

This position reports directly to our executive director and contracted LCSW.

Responsibilities:

1. Client Assessment:
• Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify mental health concerns in youth clients.
• Collaborate with supervisor to formulate accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.

2. Individual and Group Therapy:
• Provide evidence-based individual and group therapy to address the needs of youth.
• Utilize therapeutic modalities to promote emotional regulation, resilience, and positive coping strategies.
• Maintain clinical caseload of 8-15 clients.

3. Crisis Intervention:
• Respond to and assess and manage crisis situations effectively, providing immediate support and intervention.
• Collaborate with external crisis support providers.

4. Case Management:
• Collaborate with the organization’s case manager to develop and implement individualized case plans to address clients' needs including referrals when necessary.
• Advocate for and coordinate necessary services, including educational support, community resources, and mental health services.

5. Advocacy and Support:
• Provide emotional support and counseling to clients facing the challenges of the immigration process.
• Collaborate with Legal Team to enhance their trauma-based support for clients in immigration proceedings.
• Work closely with Legal Team, school personnel, juvenile justice professionals, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to provide comprehensive support.
• Offer consultation to families, caregivers, and other professionals involved in the care of youth.

6. Cultural Competence:
• Demonstrate cultural competence and sensitivity when working with clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Provide resources and guidance to help clients integrate into their new communities and to navigate cultural adjustments.

7. Documentation and Reporting:
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records, documenting all interactions and interventions.
• Generate regular reports on caseload status, outcomes, and program impact for internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate and detailed client records, including assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and relevant correspondence.
• Ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards related to client confidentiality including mandatory reporter responsibilities.

WHAT WE OFFER:

A career at ILDC offers the opportunity to work with a team of professionals driven by our passion for defending immigrants’ rights to due process and empowering our clients to achieve their life goals. Our benefits include:

• Weekly individual supervision towards licensure hours, training to learn and improve clinical skills, and a clinical stipend to use for professional development.
• Annual membership to Track Your Hours for licensure tracking
• Clinical stipend for training: $500
• $1,500 salary enhancement for additional qualifying languages beyond English and Spanish
• $3,000 salary increase upon BBS licensure
• Generous PTO, plus 10 holidays and a one-week winter break
• Medical, vision, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, dental, and retirement benefits
• Generous Parental & Family Leave

Qualifications:
• Master’s degree in social work or a related field.
• Registered with the California BBS as an ASW, AMFT, or APCC , or eligible for registration.
• Bilingual Spanish/English required.
• At least one year of experience in providing direct clinical services.
• Knowledge of evidence and trauma -based therapeutic interventions for youth.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Understanding or willingness to learn about immigration biopsychosocial impact.
• Valid driver’s license, insurance, and clean driving record.
• Position requires some long-distance travel within the Tri-County area.
• Position is hybrid in-person and remote, and candidate needs access to confidential workspace to complete online client sessions.