Mental Health Therapist I/II/III (Behavioral Health Court) - Bilingual English/Spanish

• Mental Health Therapist I/II/III (Behavioral Health Court)
• Bilingual Required (English/Spanish)
• Location: Oceanside, CA (County-wide services throughout San Diego County)
• Schedule: Monday-Friday, including a minimum of two evenings until 7:30 PM and one evening until 6:00 PM; nights and weekends as needed
• Work Arrangement: Hybrid (minimum of 3 days in office)
• Pay Range: $30.00-$35.00 per hour

Join Our Team

Lifeline Community Services is seeking a compassionate, bilingual Mental Health Therapist to support youth and families involved in the Behavioral Health Court program. This position provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact by delivering mental health services, case management, crisis intervention, family support, and community-based care to youth facing significant challenges.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the Mental Health Therapist will help youth and families build resilience, improve well-being, and connect to resources that support long-term success. Clinical supervision is provided by licensed clinicians for eligible associates.

What You'll Do

• Conduct mental health assessments, screenings, and eligibility evaluations.
• Provide individual, family, and group counseling using trauma-informed and evidence-based practices.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment and case plans.
• Deliver crisis intervention, safety planning, and stabilization services.
• Coordinate care and connect youth and families to behavioral health, substance use treatment, educational, employment, housing, and community resources.
• Collaborate with families, schools, courts, probation, treatment providers, and community partners.
• Facilitate youth groups focused on life skills, leadership development, anger management, employment readiness, and violence prevention.
• Attend court hearings, case conferences, supervision sessions, trainings, and program meetings.
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation and ensure compliance with agency, HIPAA, and contract requirements.

Provide services in a variety of settings, including office, home, school, court, and community locations throughout San Diego County.

Qualifications

Required

• Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, or a related behavioral health field.
• Current registration with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) or licensed clinician status.
• Minimum two years of experience working with youth and families.
• Fluency in both English and Spanish.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and client-centered care practices.
• Strong written communication, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently while exercising sound clinical judgment.
• Valid California driver's license, reliable transportation, and acceptable driving record.
• Preferred
• Experience working with court-involved youth.
• Experience in Family Functional Therapy (FFT) or similar evidence-based treatment models.
• Familiarity with behavioral health, juvenile justice, or community-based service systems.

What We Offer

• Meaningful work supporting youth and families in the community.
• Clinical supervision for registered associates.
• Collaborative and supportive multidisciplinary team environment.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Mileage reimbursement for approved work-related travel.

Additional Requirements

Employment Is Contingent Upon Successful Completion Of

• Criminal background clearance and fingerprinting
• Drug screening
• Tuberculosis (TB) clearance
• Verification of a valid California driver's license and acceptable driving record

Lifeline Community Services

At Lifeline Community Services, we empower individuals and families to build self-reliant and fulfilling lives. We are committed to providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed services that strengthen communities and create opportunities for lasting change.

Apply today to make a difference in the lives of youth and families throughout San Diego County.

As part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our clients and maintaining the integrity of our workplace, North County Lifeline conducts comprehensive background and drug screening processes for all prospective employees. This includes, but is not limited to:

Driving Record Check: Verification through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to ensure a good standing driving record.

Employment Verification: Confirmation of your employment history to verify your experiences and qualifications.

Reference Checks: Contacting provided references to gain insights into your work ethic, professionalism, and suitability for the role.

Tuberculosis (TB) Screening: A TB test to ensure the health and safety of our clients and staff, in line with public health recommendations.

Drug Screening: A 10-panel non-DOT drug test to screen for the presence of common illicit substances, ensuring a drug-free workplace.

Criminal Background Checks: Comprehensive checks through the Department of Justice (DOJ), FBI, and Child Abuse Index to identify any history that may impact your suitability for employment, particularly in roles involving vulnerable populations.

These screenings are a vital part of our hiring process and must be successfully completed for employment eligibility.

North County Lifeline is dedicated to fair and responsible hiring practices and ensures that all screenings are conducted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, respecting the privacy and rights of all candidates.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this process, aimed at creating a safe and productive work environment for everyone.