STRTP - Head of Service (LCSW, LMFT)

HEAD OF SERVICE / THERAPIST

Governing Standards: STRTP Interim Licensing Standards (ILS), Version 5 (CDSS, released 12/11/2023); California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing (CCL); Title 22, CCR, Division 6; ILS §87022.1, §87064, §87065, §87019, §87061, §87089.1; DHCS STRTP Mental Health Program & Medi-Cal Specialty Mental Health Services (SMHS); Title 9, CCR §531; San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) and Riverside University Health System – Behavioral Health (RUHS) Mental Health Plan contract, credentialing, and documentation standards.

Position Summary

The Head of Service (HOS) / Therapist is a licensed mental health professional who holds clinical and administrative responsibility for all Specialty Mental Health Services (SMHS) provided at the NFYS Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP) and who additionally carries a direct clinical caseload. As Head of Service, the incumbent directs the program’s mental health services in compliance with CCL licensing, Title 22, and the STRTP Interim Licensing Standards (ILS v5), and with the Medi-Cal Mental Health Plan (MHP) requirements of the contracting county behavioral health departments — San Bernardino County DBH and Riverside University Health System – Behavioral Health (RUHS). As Therapist, the incumbent personally provides individual, group, and family psychotherapy and collateral services.

Per ILS §87064(b)(5), a certified Administrator may also serve as the Head of Service provided the requirements of both roles are met; likewise, the Head of Service may deliver direct therapy provided all licensure, credentialing, and supervision requirements are met.

Minimum Qualifications

• Active, unrestricted California licensure as an LCSW, LMFT, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), or Licensed Psychologist (PhD/PsyD), consistent with ILS §87022.1 and Title 9, CCR §531. Registered associates (ASW/AMFT/APCC) may perform the Therapist function under approved clinical supervision.
• Master’s or doctoral degree in social work, counseling, clinical psychology, or a related behavioral science from an accredited institution.
• Minimum two (2) years of post-licensure clinical experience, preferably in an STRTP, residential, or community mental health setting serving children/adolescents; trauma-informed and CSEC-responsive experience preferred.
• Demonstrated competency in evidence-based, trauma-informed modalities (e.g., TF-CBT, DBT, CBT).
• Working knowledge of CCL / Title 22, ILS v5, the DHCS STRTP Mental Health Program and Medi-Cal SMHS documentation standards, and the DBH and RUHS Mental Health Plan contract, credentialing, and documentation requirements.
• Eligible for credentialing/enrollment as a rendering provider with the county MHP(s) (DBH and/or RUHS) and clearance of applicable Medi-Cal screenings (OIG LEIE, DHCS Medi-Cal S&I, SAM, PAVE).
• DOJ/FBI criminal record clearance or exemption prior to employment (ILS §87019); health screening/TB clearance; CPR/First Aid; and Mandated Reporter (CANRA) certification.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities – Head of Service

• Direct and provide clinical oversight and quality assurance for all SMHS delivered at the STRTP — assessment, individual/group/family therapy, rehabilitation, care coordination, medication support, and crisis intervention — per ILS §87022.1, §87089.1, Title 9, and DHCS.
• Ensure all mental health services comply with CCL / Title 22, ILS v5, DHCS, and the DBH and RUHS Mental Health Plan contract requirements; serve as clinical liaison to CCL, DBH, and RUHS during reviews, audits, and site certification.
• Ensure initial mental health assessments are completed within required timeframes; review and approve Individual Client Plans (ICPs), reassessments, and medical-necessity / utilization documentation.
• Provide or arrange clinical supervision for licensed clinicians, registered associates, MSW interns, and Mental Health Rehabilitation Specialists; co-sign documentation as required by the county MHP.
• Facilitate and document Child and Family Team (CFT) meetings; coordinate with placing agencies, CFS/probation, and families.
• Ensure Medi-Cal-compliant clinical documentation within county MHP timelines; ensure records retention and confidentiality (HIPAA; Title 9; WIC §5328).
• Ensure unusual-occurrence and incident reporting (ILS §87061; LIC 624/624A) and mandated reporting (CANRA); oversee safety planning.
• Maintain the dedicated 40 hour/week Head of Service presence and 24/7 clinical on-call coverage per the clinical schedule.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities – Therapist

• Provide individual, group, and family psychotherapy and collateral services to assigned youth consistent with each youth’s ICP.
• Conduct mental health assessments and crisis intervention; develop, update, and revise treatment plans as clinically indicated.
• Complete Medi-Cal-compliant progress notes within county MHP (DBH/RUHS) timelines, signed with provider name, title, and credentials.