Mental Health Clinician - TAY/Families

About Upward Bound House (UBH)

Upward Bound House is committed to breaking the cycle of family homelessness through compassionate, comprehensive services—from crisis and interim housing to permanent housing and prevention. With 30+ years of experience, UBH is a leader in the field, driven by collaboration, empowerment, and diversity. Join a mission-driven team making a meaningful impact every day.

Role Summary

The Mental Health Clinician provides trauma-informed, client-centered therapy to families and Transition Age Youth (TAY) in our DMH-funded Interim Housing programs. This role will provide group therapy, mental health assessments, crisis support, and care coordination—all to support long-term housing and wellness.

Responsibilities:

Clinical Services & Support

• Provide therapy (group, family) using evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches.
  
  
• Complete intakes, assessments, treatment plans, and referrals as needed.
  
  
• Conduct mental health and substance use screenings.
  
  
• Collaborate with case managers and housing staff for coordinated care.
  
  
• Respond to crises and support de-escalation.
  
  
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation (HIPAA and DMH-compliant).
  
  

Team & Program Collaboration

• Participate in multidisciplinary case conferences.
  
  
• Offer clinical insights and trauma-informed guidance to program staff.
  
  
• Coordinate with outside providers to ensure continuity of care.
  
  

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Maintain up-to-date records per UBH/DMH standards.
  
  
• Support audits, reporting, and quality improvement efforts.
  
  

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s in Social Work, MFT, or related field.
  
  
• Registered with BBS (ASW, AMFT, APCC); licensure preferred (LCSW, LMFT, LPCC).
  
  
• Experience with TAY/families experiencing homelessness, trauma, or co-occurring issues.
  
  
• Strong foundation in trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and motivational interviewing.
  
  
• Background clearance and current CE compliance.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Field-based or shelter experience.
  
  
• Bilingual (Spanish or other threshold language).
  
  
• Familiarity with DMH/Medi-Cal documentation or EHR systems.
  
  
• Flexibility for occasional evening/weekend hours.
  
  

Additional Requirements:

• Valid CA driver’s license and insurance.
  
  
• Reliable transportation.
  
  
• CPR/First Aid certified.
  
  
• TB test clearance.
  
  
• Must meet UBH insurance eligibility.
  
  

Work Environment & Physical Demands

This role involves working in field-based settings and engaging with individuals in crisis. Candidates must be able to respond effectively in fast-paced, dynamic, and sometimes high-stress environments. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

UBH is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages people with lived experience, people of color, and bilingual candidates to apply.