Youth Mental Health Specialist

Job Title: Youth Mental Health Specialist

Department: Wellness Program

Site: Various Sites in San Marcos

Report To: Wellness Program Director

Direct Reports: N/A

Salary: $ 24 (hourly)

FLSA Status: (X) Part-time (X) Non-exempt

Primary Function

Under the direction of the Wellness Program Director, the Youth Mental Health Specialist will assist the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos (BGCSM) achieve its mission to integrate social emotional and behavioral health supports within the Club community. The role will be responsible for integrating a trauma informed approach to youth development in addressing the needs of our youth and teens. This role includes conducting behavior observations, developing “support plans,” facilitating one-on-one and group counseling, and training staff in positive behavior management.

This is a part-time position (25-29 hours per week) serving multiple site locations across the San Marcos community.

Responsibilities include

Essential Duties

• Provide one-on-one and group counseling services to youth identified as needing enhanced social, emotional, and behavioral support.
• Assist members in utilizing calm down corners, coping mechanisms, and safe places to manage emotional and behavioral challenges effectively.
• Provide de-escalation and crisis intervention across multiple site locations.
• Communicate behavioral challenges observed in an accurate and timely manner.
• Collaborate and consult with Site Directors and staff for behavioral support, incident response, and implementing positive behavior management strategies.
• Assist members in learning adaptive skills to replace challenging behaviors.
• Create and implement behavior support plans for identified members in collaboration with Site Directors, caregivers, wellness program team, and other supports (i.e. school staff).
• Develop and facilitate social emotional and behavioral management training for program staff.
• Attend weekly staff meetings and one-on-one meetings with direct supervisor.
• Participate in professional development and training related to counseling, mental health, and wellness.
• Attend BGCSM training and events as required.

Program Development

• Design and facilitate group counseling programming focused on social emotional skills such as coping strategies, communication, self-esteem, relationship skills, social awareness, and responsible decision making.
• Develop systems to maintain consistent, high-quality programming and services to support members through a strength based, trauma informed approach.

Program Evaluation and Reporting

• Document all provided services comprehensively and maintain detailed case records to track progress and ensure continuity of care.
• Assist with evaluation activities including data collection, contract and grant activities relating to program evaluation and measurement.
• Collect regular reports and feedback reflecting attendance, participation, and activities provided by Wellness Program, including success plans, goal plans, behavior support plans, and progress reports.
• Collect and share stories of impact with Administrative Team.
• Maintain confidentiality of club members and their families.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or related discipline (A combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree may be substituted for a degree).

Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge and understanding in Trauma Informed Care and experiencing working with youth.
• Understanding of basic youth development principles and developmental characteristics.
• Demonstrated ability to utilize de-escalation skills and remain calm in stressful situations.
• Demonstrate empathy and emotional intelligence in interactions with members, families, and community partners.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills to effectively manage multiple tasks and competing priorities.
• Demonstrated skill in delivering and accepting feedback with staff, colleagues, and supervisors.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including computer skills in Microsoft Office.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age and have valid identification.
• Must have or have the ability to obtain a valid CA’s driver’s license.
• Must have reliable transportation to provide services to various Club sites across San Marcos.
• Clear all required background screenings successfully.

Experience

• Previous experience working with children and adolescents who have experienced trauma, developmental and/or behavioral challenges.

Physical Requirements

• Maintain a high energy level.
• Speak clearly and hear normal conversations as well as out of the ordinary noises.
• Sit or stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to stand, walk and climb.
• Ability to lift, carry, pull or otherwise move objects between 10-20 pounds.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $24.00 per hour

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person