AMFT/ACSW Behavioral Health Therapist - Los Angeles, CA

Downtown Los Angeles
Patient Services – Behavioral Health /
Full-Time Regular /
On-site
Planned Parenthood Los Angeles is seeking an experienced Behavioral Health Therapist with excellent clinical and communication skills to work full-time at our high school well being centers in the San Fernando Valley area. This role provides a variety of mental health services to a culturally diverse population in the Los Angeles County area activities include but may not be limited to a) Provide assessment and diagnosis using DSM-5 and ICD-10 manuals, b) collaborate with clients and family members as is appropriate to develop treatment plans focused on reducing symptomology, improving resiliency and family functioning and connecting individuals with community resources, as needed;  and c) providing individual and family therapy in office and via telehealth.  Therapist must demonstrate an ability to work effectively with a culturally diverse population and staff.  Therapist are responsible for timely completion of clinical documents using PPLA’s electronic health record (EHR) including assessments, treatment plans and progress notes and other clinical documentation. 

The Behavioral Health Therapist provides comprehensive behavioral health services to mild and moderate patients at PPLA who qualify for and could benefit from mental health services. Therapist will use a broad range of treatment modalities to best match the patient need and diagnosis including IPT, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, family systems, psychodynamic, etc. Therapist will also provide for outpatient referrals and on-going mental health treatment, as needed. Therapist will work in consultation with PPLA providers as needed, as well as coordinate with community providers including Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Department of Public Health, and other health plans/resource agencies. The therapist is responsible for providing community based mental health services to adults and adolescents. 

Over one hundred years ago, Planned Parenthood was founded on the idea that everyone should have the information and care they need to live strong, healthy lives and fulfill their dreams. Founded 57+ years ago, Planned Parenthood Los Angeles is one of the largest providers of reproductive health care services in Los Angeles County. The Planned Parenthood Los Angeles (PPLA) team works together to provide high-quality, affordable reproductive health care to women, men, and young people across Los Angeles County. At PPLA, you will discover a culture of like-minded individuals who are eager to make positive contributions to their community and to the Planned Parenthood mission.

Our ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

    • Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy/Social Work required. Current Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Social Worker’s (LCSW) license in the state of California required.
    • Registered with California BBS as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) or Associate Clinical Social Worker (ACSW) required; Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Licensed Social Worker’s (LCSW) preferred
    • Works out of several high school sites in San Fernando Valley as well as our Downtown Los Angeles Headquarters
    • A minimum of 3 years of post-graduate experience with at least 2 years of direct clinical services to adolescents and young adults
    • Must meet Los Angeles County background check requirements via Live Scan fingerprint clearance
    • Knowledge of evidenced based practices (EBPs), cognitive behavior therapy, interpersonal therapy, motivational interviewing, psychodynamic practices and trauma work preferred
    • Must be able to work in a paperless environment utilizing the electronic management of all client information
    • Reliable means of transportation for onsite and off-site work
    • If using a personal vehicle to drive for work purposes, a valid CA driver license and current auto insurance in compliance with the minimum requirements of CA vehicle code are required

Clinical/Patient Care Responsibilities:

    • Abortion patients are cared for at each of our health centers, and in part through the administrative, support, and other non-clinical services provided at all PPLA locations, and by all PPLA employees. Supporting these critical services is an essential job duty, and a fundamental responsibility of all employees and contractors.
    • Provide intensive, short term individual therapy either on-site or via telehealth.
    • Complete bio-psychosocial assessments and develop treatment plans designed to help facilitate clients growth and to assist with clients’ ability to interact with others.
    • Act as liaison with LA County Department of Mental Health, Department of Public Health, and other entities, as needed.
    • Ensure that all appropriate policies and guidelines are followed.
    • Provide appropriate community based mental health services to adults and teens.
    • Conduct appropriate referrals and linkages to community services including housing, drug and alcohol services, medical care, and other services as needed using warm handoffs when possible.
    • Maintain timely and detailed clinical records of all client interactions, and other required documentation, which conforms to standards of best practice, and Department of Mental Health guidelines.
    • Caseload size will be determined based on the type of services provided, location of services, and capacity determined by behavioral health and clinical services manager, in collaboration with Patient Services leadership.
    • Assessing and monitoring clients condition to ensure successful transition or discharge.

Administrative Responsibilities:

    • Serves as a clinical resource for PPLA staff regarding behavioral health protocols and patient management.
    • Adheres to all PPLA protocols - as well as federal and state standards.
    • Attends clinic staff, clinic management and general staff meetings and in-services, as applicable.
    • Participates in Task Forces or committees as needed and/or as requested.
    • Apply strong internal and external customer service standards of all program staff. 
    • Adheres to protocols related to quality, safety/risk management. 
    • Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Director of Behavioral Health, Senior Directors of Clinical Services and Health Center Operations, or Chief Medical Officer.

Generous salary and benefits package include:

    • Medical, dental, and vision coverage options for you and eligible dependents
    • Free basic life/AD&D policy with additional voluntary coverage options
    • Short Term Disability, Critical Illness and Accident policies
    • 403(b) Retirement plan with up to 3% employer match
    • Medical and Dependent Flexible Spending Account plans
    • Public Transportation and Commuter Pre-Tax Reimbursements
    • Generous vacation, sick, and holiday benefits
    • Hiring Range: $38.97 - $46.77 per hour (Non-Exempt) 
Compensation Philosophy and Position Hiring Range:
At Planned Parenthood Los Angeles we continuously work towards our values of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion including with our compensation philosophy. PPLA recognizes that decisions about pay and benefits have significant impact on staff, so we are committed to ensuring all positions are rooted in a description that identifies competencies, duties, responsibilities and qualifications, and that they are compensated equitably which takes into account both internal organizational equity and market compensation data for similar roles.

Equal Employment Opportunity will be afforded to all applicants and other covered persons without regard to protected characteristics, including their perceived protected characteristic. Protected categories include: race (including traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to, hair texture and protective hair styles such as, braids, locs, and twists as examples but not exhaustive list), color, religion or religious creed (including religious belief, observation, practice, dress, and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding/chestfeeding, or related medical conditions), reproductive health decision-making, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status (including past, current or prospective service in the uniformed service), and any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.  PPLA will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with the requirements of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.