CBT Specialist (TEMPORARY)

Position Summary:

Reports to the Clinical Coordinator, the primary responsibility of the CBT Specialist is to support program operations under the supervision of an LCSW supervisor. The CBT Specialist will focus on client screenings and assessments for the appropriate level of care and provide skills-based support to clients. The CBT Specialist will facilitate groups in juvenile detention facilities and out of custody. POSITION WILL BE ONLY FROM MAY 2026-AUGUST 2026 WITH POSSIBLE EXTENSION.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Maintain an ongoing caseload of up to 40 clients for case management and mental health skills-based services, including risk assessment, short-term counseling, and follow-up treatment for youth who have been recently released from incarceration and re-entering the community.
• Provide mental health services as a trainee, including biopsychosocial assessments and gather relevant client history, provide skills-based interventions and psychoeducation, facilitate and co-facilitate groups, treatment planning, and crisis support.
• Will work closely with case managers, restorative specialists, recovery specialist, and care navigators to ensure adherence to treatment plans.
• Collaborate with community organizations, county services and other wrap-around services to establish continuity of care for “warm handoff” linkages for clients when needed.
• Work closely with the Clinical Coordinator and will serve as leader within clinical team.
• Provide back-up coverage for Clinical Coordinator and Program Coordinator as needed.
• Participate in staff meetings, case conferences, team meetings, triage and supervision sessions that cover all stages of treatment, share best practices, and ensure standard compliance.
• Conduct and attend trainings relevant to team and participant needs.
• Submit requests to Clinical Coordinator for flex funds and support services appropriate to treatment plan goals.
• Document and track client usage of such items in case files.
• Maintain case files in a ready state for audits according to quality assurance and compliance standards.
• Ensure mental health treatment services are provided in concert with the policies, procedures, government rules, and regulations for the program.
• Participate in trainings, perform assigned duties, and submit timecards/leave requests according to deadlines.
• Ensure HIPAA, ethical code of conduct, and professional boundaries are maintained with staff and clients.
• Implement management decisions in a positive and timely manner.
• Commit to the agency’s Mission, Vision, and Values; represent actions that define the overall philosophy and objectives of the agency; expect the same from Interns.
• Will have a broad understanding of adult re-entry services, priorities are to provide mental health services, substance use disorder treatment, and diversion programs for individuals in the criminal justice system; provide housing-related assistance, case management, peer support, recovery services, life skills, job skills training and civil legal services.
• Must work a flexible later evening shift (ranging from 9AM-5:30PM, 10:30AM-7PM, and 12:30PM to 9:00PM) and weekends as needed to support the program and leadership.
• Compile and submit documentation of services, demographics, and other required evaluation data to the Data Analyst and YTP Leadership within 48 hours.
• Must adhere to policies regarding professional ethics, appropriate boundaries, and client confidentiality.
• And other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Master's degree in social work or related field preferred.
• At least 3 years of experience working within mental health programs, especially those that work with gang-involved, incarcerated, recovery, and/or re-entry populations and their families is required.
• Minimum of two years of experience providing direct clinical counseling, case management, and knowledge of rehabilitation philosophy and trauma-informed best practices is required.
• Knowledge of DSM-5-TR and working principles of recovery with youth and young adults.
• Must complete a Live Scan Background Check and pass OC Probation Background clearance.
• A valid California driver's license and proof of current auto insurance are required, as this position requires occasional travel and transportation duties in support of agency operations.
• Experience in working within county contract reporting requirements is preferred.
• Intermediate PC skills required; experience in working with Electronic Medical Record systems preferred.
• Bilingual in Spanish or other threshold languages is preferred.
• Background Check Requirement: The successful candidate for this position will be required to pass or clear two background checks. The first background check will be conducted by Project Kinship as per our policies and procedures. The second background check will be conducted by Funders through our contracted vendors, after the candidate is hired with Project Kinship, in accordance with our contractual agreements. Failure to pass either of these background checks may result in the withdrawal of the job offer or termination of employment.
• Tuberculosis (TB) Clearance: The successful candidate for this position will be required to provide documentation of a clear TB (tuberculosis) test or shot, in compliance with Project Kinship’s policy. Failure to provide proof of TB clearance may result in the withdrawal of the job offer or termination of employment.

Other Qualifications

• Experience incorporating a Trauma-Informed and Recovery-Focused treatment approach with participants.
• Experience participating in interdisciplinary teams inclusive of clinical and non-clinical, program staff.
• Understanding of re-entry, formerly incarcerated, immigrant, and refugee cultural issues and dynamics.
• Knowledge of the signs, symptoms, and recovery needs of those with substance abuse issues.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed services and restorative practices.
• Excellent skills in networking, communication, organization, focus, and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to direct work of others, and develop growth plans with Interns.
• Ability to identify and build upon the strengths of clients, Interns, community partners, and the community.
• Value learning as an ongoing process that enables better service for clients and leadership in the industry.
• Initiative, flexibility, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully work on a range of assignments and prioritize evolving tasks.
• Ability to demonstrate respect for cultural, gender, and lifestyle diversities of clients and staff.

Competencies

Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for assistance; Meets commitments.

Interpersonal Skills - Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.

Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Participates in meetings.

Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for accuracy; able to read/interpret written information.

Teamwork- Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests.

Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.

Language Skills -Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

Working Conditions

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here 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 functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; climb stairs; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. Sits for extended periods of time at a computer work station or desk.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Requires work with the public. Job tasks are performed in close proximity to other people. Requires contact with others (face to face, by telephone and other.)

Project Kinship is committed to equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regards to any protected status in accordance with applicable law in regards to all aspects of employment practices.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed for this position and are not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities. Project Kinship’s management team reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs.

Pay: $26.00 - $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person