Who is Bridging Access to Care, Inc.: Bridging Access To Care, Inc. (BAC) is a nonprofit, multi-service, community-based behavioral health care organization committed to building healthy communities, one person at a time.

In 2012, Brooklyn Aids Task Force changed its name to BAC and successfully made the transition from an AIDS-centered organization to a multi-service community-based healthcare organization. Brooklyn Aids Task Force was the very first HIV/AIDS organization in Brooklyn prioritizing serving persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) since 1986. Today, BAC provides mental health and substance use-related social services, comprehensive HIV/AIDS care, and coordinated health care and supportive services to under-served racial and ethnic minority communities in the Brooklyn and other parts of New York City.

Bridging Access to Care, Inc. offers a competitive salary package, including health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, and opportunities for professional development.

JOB SUMMARY: The Youth Therapist/Mental Health Professional for the SAMHSA Partnership for Early Diversion of Adults and Youth will play a key role in supporting individuals involved with the criminal justice system, particularly those experiencing mental health challenges. This position focuses on the early diversion of adults and youth from the criminal justice system into appropriate mental health services. The Mental Health Professional will assess, intervene, and provide therapeutic support to individuals to ensure that they receive the necessary mental health services while promoting community safety and reducing recidivism. This position is based both in our Clinic and at Riseboro school locations.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• MINIMUM: Masters in Social Work or Mental Health Counseling
• Direct experience working in a mental health article 31 preferred
• MINIMUM: Two (2) years of experience working in mental health or behavioral health, with a focus on crisis intervention, community-based services, or criminal justice diversion programs.
• Experience working with individuals involved in the criminal justice system, particularly adults and youth with mental health and substance use challenges.
• Ability to travel within Brooklyn by public transit.
• Up to 75% of traveling required.

LICENSURE: LMSW, LMHC, LCAT, LCSW

CERTIFICATION: SIFI or CASAC is a plus

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Youth Therapist Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive mental health assessments for youth between the ages of 13-21 who are at risk of entering the criminal justice system.
• Provides trauma-informed weekly or bi-weekly individual therapy for a diverse caseload- including individuals who are struggling with mental health, substance use, homelessness, and other psychosocial issues
• Supports clients with med adherence- familiarity with psychotropic medications with the ability to provide psychoeducation preferred
• Creates client-centered treatment plans every 90 days
• Conducts intakes, comprehensive assessments, and screening tools
• Participates in the weekly interdisciplinary team meeting and initiates coordination of care
• Administers appropriate evidence-based interventions including CBT, DBT, Seeking Safety, motivational interviewing
• Leads group therapy sessions
• Collaborative and concurrent documentation required- session notes and contact notes

Mental Health Professional Responsibilities

Clinical Assessment and Support:

• Develop individualized, comprehensive service plans based on assessment findings, integrating best practices in mental health and trauma-informed care.
• Provide short-term, direct clinical services, brief intervention, clinical case management, and crisis intervention.
• Ensure timely and appropriate referrals to mental health services, community resources, and supportive programs.
• Ensure connection to ongoing treatment through warm hand-offs to services and providing follow-up

Early Diversion Program Implementation:

• Implement evidence-based strategies to divert individuals with mental health challenges away from the criminal justice system and into appropriate treatment.
• Collaborate with law enforcement, court systems, schools, and community organizations to facilitate seamless transitions for individuals to access mental health treatment.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of diversion efforts, ensuring that the individuals' needs are being met while promoting public safety and wellness.

Collaboration and Advocacy:

• Collaborate with community partners, including social services, housing programs, schools, and legal professionals, to ensure a holistic approach to client care.
• Provide coaching and support to non-clinical staff who support individuals receiving services regarding mental health and substance use interventions and engaging the population of focus.
• Advocate for policies and practices that support the mental health needs of individuals involved in the justice system, including participation in local task forces or committees.
• Provide education and training to community members, law enforcement, and other stakeholders about mental health issues, stigma reduction, and the importance of early diversion.
• Attend all required meetings for DOHMH, Riseboro, etc.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of client interactions, assessments, treatment plans, and progress in Maven.
• Monitor and report on outcomes related to the early diversion program, contributing to program evaluation efforts.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong individual and group counseling skills.
• Working experience in best practices-Motivational Interviewing etc.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of SAMHSA guidelines, best practices in early diversion programs, and community mental health resources.
• Strong crisis management, assessment, and therapeutic skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with law enforcement, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to provide clear and concise reports and recommendations.
• Commitment to social justice, cultural competency, and trauma-informed care.
• Ability to effectively manage time and prioritize tasks while working in multiple locations, ensuring high-quality service delivery across all settings.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $41.20 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Weekends only

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• This role requires one of the following licensures: LMSW/LMHC/LCAT/LCSW. Please provide your licensure name and licensure number

Education:

• Master's (Required)

Experience:

• Individual / group counseling: 1 year (Required)
• Clinical documentation: 1 year (Required)
• Motivational interviewing: 2 years (Required)
• youth involved in the criminal justice system: 1 year (Required)
• Clinical counseling: 2 years (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 75% (Required)

Work Location: In person