Mental Health Specialist

Company: Horizon Services, Inc.
Location: Hayward
Posted on: April 2, 2025

Job Description:

LOCATION: LAMBDA Drop-In Center Hayward, CA 94541

Not sure what skills you will need for this opportunity Simply read the full description below to get a complete picture of candidate requirements.

Who are we?

Horizon Services, Inc. (HSI) is a nonprofit established in 1974 offers addiction treatment with the goal of reducing substance use related challenges for people from all walks of life, including those from some of the most disenfranchised and marginalized communities. We practice our values of Integrity, Respect, Diversity, and Quality to provide residential treatment, withdrawal management, and sobering programs to support the well-being of women, men, youth, LGBTQ, and BIPOC clients to live healthy, fulfilling and constructive lives. HSI is an inclusive workplace and a learning community where our collective experiences enrich each other's growth.

How can you make a difference in people's lives?

The Mental Health Specialist (MHS) is responsible for providing counseling services for participants and residents in drop-in service components. MHS provides assessment, treatment planning, discharge planning, individual, group, and family therapy, and psychoeducational training to participant facing substance use disorder, mood and psychotic disorders, Cluster B personality disorders, and PTSD, among others. This position works with a diverse participant population in a co-occurring and trauma-informed treatment setting. Writes daily and accurate treatment notes in participant electronic file. Develop effective treatment plans and adhere to confidentiality and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities:

Perform participant assessment and appropriate referral services; complete participant intake and orientation as needed to support intake and case mgmt. staff.
Develop treatment plans, continued care plan and maintain charting on participant progress.
Enter admission, discharge, and other data on Electronic Health Record (EHR) as required.
Conduct individual, family, and group counseling sessions. Writes accurate, timely and thorough participant notes.
Assess, manage, and deescalate participant mental health / substance crises
Utilize principles of a trauma-informed care, MI, CBT, DBT, and other evidence-based practices to attend to participant care, including crisis assessment and management.
Support use of Measurement based care platform to track participant progress on a weekly basis
Provide additional client care service and milieu support as needed for coverage
Enter client data into the EHR System.


Services Coordination

Proactively links participant with available internal and external resources to develop/maintain treatment plans, transition/discharge plans, progress notes, and appropriate updates in support of the health and recovery needs of each caseload participant
Provide telephone referral information and crisis counseling; develop and maintain effective working relationships with other agencies and organizations.
Work as part of an integrated, multi-disciplinary treatment team. Develop and maintain respectful and effective team relationships with other staff to coordinate client care as needed.
Communicate to other staff your vacation and time-off schedules.
Train and provide guidance for volunteers and interns.
Ensure compliance with program schedules.
Ensure maintenance of a clean and secure environment at all times.
Ensure client safety and security including management of household, environmental, and participant personal needs as appropriate.


Comply and enforce HSI's polices and procedures

Complies with program standards of care, policies and procedures.
Participate in regular staff meetings, clinical supervision, and trainings
Complete required client and file documentation.
Maintain accurate records by data entering documentation into various electronic systems for all caseload clients in accordance with guidelines established by HSI to satisfy internal and external evaluating requirements.
Other duties as assigned by the program leadership and supervisory staff


What will make you successful in this role?

Experience with co-occurring in a residential setting
Demonstrate ability to engage and support clients with challenging behaviors
Able to manage emotions and reactions to different situations. Stays calm and clear under pressure.
Ability to work effectively both individually and as part of a diverse team.
Experience with evidence based practices and de-escalating resident/beneficiaries
Ability to communicate effective cross-functionally - knows who needs to know what.
Able to exercise good judgment and maintain healthy boundaries with clients.
Able to stay awake and alert during shift
Good computer skills: word, data entry, write clear and accurate narrative reports


What else is required?

MS / MA in Clinical Psychology, Professional Counseling, or related behavioral health science field preferred enrolled in practicum or registered with the BBS.
1+ years of experience working with youth/young adult and specifically with the LGBTQIA+ population
Completed course work related to substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders or currently enrolled in relevant course work
Six (6) months experience working in alcohol or drug treatment field.
Knowledge of alcohol and drug treatment and mental health diagnosis and strong assessment skills.
Knowledge of brief therapy.
Demonstrated ability to facilitate group and family services.
Knowledge of American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) diagnostic criteria and DSM5 criteria preferred
Must be fluent in English; bilingual in Spanish, Vietnamese, Mandarin, or Tagalog preferred
Computer skills are essential - complete required documentation in EHR.
CPR/First Aid certification
Valid California driver's license with a good driving record and car insurance


Compensation and Benefits

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to all full-time and part time employees over 20 hours per week.

100% of medical, dental, Life and LTD for the employee and 50% for any dependents medical and dental coverage.
PTO and Holiday pay.
Retirement benefits after 6 months of service.
Training and CEU opportunities.

And of course, the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to a team of mindful, caring and passionate people at work every day!

Salary: $85,000 Annually ,based on experience and qualifications. Available for a full-time position.

Horizon Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Horizonservices.org

Keywords: Horizon Services, Inc., Hayward , Mental Health Specialist, Healthcare , Hayward, California