Bilingual Youth Clinical Therapist

Job Title: Bilingual Youth Clinical Therapist

Full-time (40hrs./wk.), non-exempt position.

Job Location: Santa Barbara, California (Hybrid Position)

Salary: $70,000

 ABOUT ILDC:

The Immigrant Legal Defense Center’s (ILDC) mission is to provide equal access to justice and due process to indigent immigrants residing in the Tri-County area by providing pro bono legal representation in deportation proceedings and before the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services agency and informing immigrants on their fundamental civil rights.

Additionally, the ILDC will integrate a Social Work and Case Management program into our removal defense program to advocate for the best interests of our clients inside and outside the immigration courtroom. We will provide wraparound clinical counseling and case management to address healthcare, mental health, economic hardship, food insecurity, housing, and educational needs, empowering our clients to pursue their educational and life goals.

We are a California public benefit nonprofit corporation with 501(c)(3) status.

To find out more about the ILDC and our services, please visit our website at: sbimmigrantdefense.org

OVERVIEW: We are seeking a bilingual Youth Clinical Therapist who is committed to making a positive impact on the mental health and well-being of youth in immigration proceedings and who are represented by the Immigrant Legal Defense Center. As a Youth Clinical Therapist for our organization, you will play a vital role in providing assessments, therapeutic interventions, and other mental health support to youth. This position requires an understanding of the impact of immigration policies, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to social justice. In addition, the position requires a passion for working with youth, developing strong clinical skills, and the ability to collaborate with a diverse team.

This position reports directly to our executive director and contracted LCSW.

Responsibilities:

1. Client Assessment:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify mental health concerns in youth clients.
• Collaborate with supervisor to formulate accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.

2. Individual and Group Therapy:

• Provide evidence-based individual and group therapy to address the needs of youth.
• Utilize therapeutic modalities to promote emotional regulation, resilience, and positive coping strategies.
• Maintain clinical caseload of 8-15 clients.

3. Crisis Intervention:

• Respond to and assess and manage crisis situations effectively, providing immediate support and intervention.
• Collaborate with external crisis support providers.

4. Case Management:

• Collaborate with the organization’s case manager to develop and implement individualized case plans to address clients’ needs including referrals when necessary.
• Advocate for and coordinate necessary services, including educational support, community resources, and mental health services.

5. Advocacy and Support:

• Provide emotional support and counseling to clients facing the challenges of the immigration process.
• Collaborate with Legal Team to enhance their trauma-based support for clients in immigration proceedings.
• Work closely with Legal Team, school personnel, juvenile justice professionals, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to provide comprehensive support.
• Offer consultation to families, caregivers, and other professionals involved in the care of youth.

6. Cultural Competence:

• Demonstrate cultural competence and sensitivity when working with clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Provide resources and guidance to help clients integrate into their new communities and to navigate cultural adjustments.

7. Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records, documenting all interactions and interventions.
• Generate regular reports on caseload status, outcomes, and program impact for internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate and detailed client records, including assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and relevant correspondence.
• Ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards related to client confidentiality including mandatory reporter responsibilities.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in social work or a related field.
• Registered with the California BBS as an ASW, AMFT, or APCC , or eligible for registration.
• Bilingual Spanish/English required.
• At least one year of experience in providing direct clinical services.
• Knowledge of evidence and trauma -based therapeutic interventions for youth.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Understanding or willingness to learn about immigration biopsychosocial impact.
• Valid driver’s license, insurance, and clean driving record.
• Position requires some long-distance travel within the Tri-County area.
• Position is hybrid in person and remote, and candidate needs access to confidential workspace to complete online client sessions.

 WHAT WE OFFER:

A career at ILDC offers the opportunity to work with a team of professionals driven by our passion for defending immigrants’ rights to due process and empowering our clients to achieve their life goals. Our benefits include:

• Weekly individual supervision towards licensure hours, training to learn and improve clinical skills, and a clinical stipend to use for professional development.
• Annual membership to Track Your Hours for licensure tracking
• Clinical stipend for training: $500
• $1,500 salary enhancement for additional qualifying languages beyond English and Spanish
• $3,000 salary increase upon BBS licensure
• Generous PTO, plus 10 holidays and a one-week winter break
• Medical, vision, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and dental benefits
• Generous Parental & Family Leave

How to Apply: Please submit your resume, cover letter, and three professional references to julissa@sbimmigrantdefense.org. In your cover letter, address your direct clinical experience and your commitment to social justice.

The Immigrant Legal Defense Center (ILDC) is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.