OUR STORY
Palomar Family Counseling Service (PFCS) is one of most recognized and respected providers of mental health services in North San Diego County. Established in 1956, PFCS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive services that are professional, personal, and affordable. In addition to office-based clinical services such as individual, couples, or family therapy, PFCS offers services in schools, child development centers, and homes. PFCS also offers psychoeducation groups to treat domestic violence and anger management, as well as school-based prevention and early intervention services. Our main office is in Escondido and we have satellite offices in Vista and Fallbrook.
PFCS has an annual budget of over $6 million and a dedicated team of 80+ licensed and pre-licensed therapists, case managers, and administrative professionals. Each year we serve over 6,000 individuals. Our enduring mission is to support and strengthen children, youth, adults, families, school and communities. As we look to the future of San Diego County, we continue to envision and implement ways to ensure a healthy and vibrant community for our fellow citizens.
LEADERSHIP & CULTURE
Palomar Family Counseling Services is led by a dynamic leadership team dedicated to fostering a culture of autonomy, inclusivity, and growth. Lisa Turner, LCSW, has been with the organization for over 20 years and has been the Executive Director since 2015. Our 15-member Board of Directors is comprised of North County residents with expertise in the fields of business, law, mental health, health care, and education. Our passionate and dedicated staff strive to provide effective and evidence-based care with skill and sensitivity. It is our goal to provide the highest standards of professional service. We believe all individuals possess strengths and the capacity for positive growth.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant (Therapist) provides mental health consultation services to staff and families of MAAC’s Early Head Start, Head Start, and State Preschool Programs on a consistent frequency to support a program-wide culture that promotes children’s mental health, social and emotional well-being, and overall health. The services provide support MAAC’s compliance with the Head Start Performance Standards. The Therapist reports to the Early Childhood Program Manager.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
In consultation & coordination with the MAAC Mental Health and Disabilities Manager, the Consultant:
- Provide mental health consultation services on a schedule of sufficient and consistent frequency to ensure the consultant is available to partner with MAAC staff and families promptly and effectively. In general, consultation requests should be responded to within three business days.
- Assist MAAC staff in addressing prevalent child mental health concerns, including internalizing problems such as appearing withdrawn and externalizing problems such as challenging behavior.
- Provide, create, and/or demonstrate capacity of the capacity of the teaching staff in collaboration with Educational Specialists and Developmental Support Services staff to identify and address challenging behavior, including modeling effective pro-social interactions and developing Behavioral Intervention Plans.
- Provide MAAC staff with strategies to identify and support children with mental health and social and emotional concerns.
- Provide MAAC staff with strategies that include using classroom observations and consultations to address staff and individual child needs and help create physical and cultural environments that promote positive mental health and emotional functioning.
- Provide referrals for parents or other family members requesting therapy to PFCS, or to other community agencies.
- Review the results of developmental/behavioral screeners that have been identified as atypical and assist the staff and families in developing a plan to address the concerns.
- Provide staff and parent workshops/trainings such as social-emotional development in children, trauma and resilience, toxic stress, behavior management techniques, children’s mental health, etc. Workshops/trainings to be tailored to individual center/site’s needs.
- Participate in weekly Mental Health and Disabilities Team Meetings to address professional growth activities, software training, children’s issues, etc.
- Become familiar with MAAC’s Conscious Discipline and Teaching Pyramid models and attend training as requested by MAAC.
- Keep accurate records of consultation and enter scope of work into Childplus software database within a week of providing services.
- Share calendar with assigned MAAC staff to reflect applicable events, meetings, workshops, and site visits.
- Attend an onboarding meeting with MAAC and complete required trainings.on database or other methods.
COMPENSATIONS & BENEFITS
- Salary Range: $42 – $45 / hour
- Medical, + Dental, Vision, LTD options available
- 403b Retirement plan available
- 13 paid holidays
- 6 days of vacation (starting); 12 days of annual sick leave
- Professional development and CEUs offered.
LOCATION
The position is based out of our Escondido office, working primarily in community locations, specifically MAAC’s Early Head Start, Head Start, and State Preschool Programs
BACKGROUND PROFILE
- Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field, along with current registration with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as an LCSW, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage and Family Therapist Intern, or an Associate Social Worker.
- The ideal candidate will possess a minimum of two years of experience in delivering direct child, youth, and family mental health services.
- Understanding of early childhood behavioral and developmental health issues, early childhood development, and social learning theory.
- Experience working with diverse populations, including children and youth from various cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed care and evidence-based practices in child and youth mental health.
- Familiarity with the California mental health system and community resources available to children and families.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish rapport with clients and build therapeutic relationships.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner.
- Proficiency in using electronic health record systems and other technology tools to support documentation and treatment planning.
- Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying updated on best practices in the field of child and youth mental health.
- Experience collaborating with schools, child welfare agencies, and other community partners to provide coordinated care.
- Possess a valid driver’s license and adequate auto insurance.
- Trustline Clearance and negative TB results are required.
- Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish (preferred).
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO APPLY, PLEASE CONTACT:
Edralyn Botz, Human Resources & Administrative Coordinator
1002 E. Grand Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025
760.741.2660