Title:                    Therapist
 
Program:             Emergency Shelter, CalWORKs, Kayla’s Place
 
Reports to:          CEO
 
Status:                Exempt
 
VALLEY OASIS incorporated in 1981 is a non-profit community based organization dedicated to eliminating social and domestic violence and homelessness through awareness, intervention, prevention, safe shelter and supportive services. Valley Oasis provides a variety of social services to the Antelope Valley, surrounding areas and throughout the United States supporting individuals experiencing Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and homelessness.

This position provides clinical therapy and advocacy related services to adult and children survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault at Kayla’s Place, CalWORKs and Emergency Domestic Violence Shelter.

Essential Job Functions:

• Conduct comprehensive needs assessments with participants
• Provide crisis counseling, conflict resolution, safety planning, and exit sessions
• Develops, plans and implements strategies to ensure that needs of survivors are met and addressed by providing a blend of appropriate individual and group services
• Utilize knowledge of culture, age and development stages to develop treatment plans and provide interventions
• Facilitate therapy group sessions dealing with trauma and related issues for survivors
• Create a case plan, which includes individual therapy services
• Empower survivors through trauma-informed and participant centered services that are intentionally equitable, inclusive, diverse, confidential and professional, and responsive to identified participant and community needs
• Maintain files for each participant and keep them in compliance to ensure program outcomes, effective treatment plans and service delivery goals
• Maintain accurate documentation on participant caseload
• Collaborate with program management to address needs of program participants
• Coordinate with program staff to develop treatment planning and assessing progress
• Chart progress notes and maintain all records with Agency policy
• Collaborate with CEO in matters related to the Agency’s therapeutic services
• Collaborate with Department of Children and Family Services, Psychiatric Mobile Response Team, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, as well as additional community-based agencies
• Engage in professional development to stay current on evidence-based interventions for trauma treatment
• Provide training to assist staff in developing a strong knowledge base and to stay current on evidence-based intervention and trends
• Attend program case reviews and provide clinical knowledge to assist program case managers with participant issues
• Attend agency and program meetings
• Attend trainings and continuing education activities as assigned
• Adhere to agency policies and procedures including confidentiality, child abuse reporting, and code of ethics
• Additional tasks, projects and or responsibilities as assigned by Supervisor that are not outlined but which are an important part of the agency’s goals and/or program outcomes.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 

• Knowledge and understanding of the concepts of Harm Reduction, Trauma Informed Care and the dynamics of trauma
• Knowledge of issues facing trauma survivors (e.g. substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence,  sexual assault, human trafficking and immigration)
• Clear understanding of the concepts of Housing First, Harm Reduction, Trauma Informed Care, and Motivational Interviewing
• Work effectively under conditions of limited supervision, high stress and rapidly changing situations and circumstances
• Ability to work with a diverse population and provide culturally competent advocacy
• Ability to respond quickly and effectively to individuals who may be ill, using substances, lack of personal care, in crisis situations and/or potentially hostile situations
• Actively promote positive, nurturing interactions between participants
• Ability to take appropriate steps to deal with emergency situations with the goal of maintaining the safety of all participants
• Strict confidentiality must be observed as it relates to participant information, agency business, program decisions and all other personal information
• Strong knowledge of case management ethics, HIPAA, Programmatic standards of operation and participant focused ideology
• Must be able to successfully manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, adjust to changing; circumstances, and demonstrate confidence working with diverse stakeholders
• Knowledge and understanding of policy, systems, and local programs that impact survivors and related public funding sources, regulations, requirements, and procedures
• Knowledge of best practice models for assisting survivors with varying degrees of needs/conditions and have a strong understanding of contractual requirements/compliance and applicable performance measures
• Knowledge of community social service agencies and resources
• Promote cooperation and commitment within a team to achieve goals and objective; collaborate with team members, sharing ideas and differences openly; be receptive to new ideas and adapt to change as necessary
• Considers impact of personal and professional choices. Consistently make decisions in keeping with organizational values and Supervisor’s direction
• Maintain professional boundaries and work collaboratively with participants, volunteers and staff
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to follow through from beginning to end on tasks
• Outstanding communication skills, both written and oral; must communicate professionally and positively with participants, co-workers, management, community partners, employers, landlords, and other service providers
• Proficient with office communication equipment and machines (telephone, copier, calculator, fax machine, personal computer, laptop, computer printer and scanner).
• Proficient in use of laptop/desktop computer, Microsoft Windows and Office software programs (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Google drive
• Ability to work a flexible schedule; including nights, days, weekends and holidays
• Use of a personal vehicle may be required to travel in and around Antelope Valley and/or Los Angeles County and periodically transport participants
• Accountability – be on time for scheduled shifts
• Be able to read and write English
• Bilingual Spanish highly desired

Qualifications & Experience:

• MSW, M.A, LCSW in the state of California – preferred (Employed hours may be signed off for State Licensure)
• Two year experience working with adult and children survivors of domestic violence/intimate partner violence and sexual assault preferred
• Two years providing therapeutic services to individuals who have experienced trauma in a non-profit or similar setting
• Experience and competence in the following areas: psychosocial assessment, individual therapy, group therapy, crisis intervention  
• Experience in public speaking

Agency Requirements:

• Must have a valid California Driver’s License;
• Reliable transportation;
• Auto Insurance;
• Clean driving record;
• Employee will be required to complete a TB test, fingerprinting, drug screen (employment pending on drug screen), 72-hour Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault training and CPR/First Aid certification.

• May be in contact with individuals in crisis 
• May experience unpleasant sensory demands associated with an individual’s use of alcohol and drugs, and lack of personal care
• May experience crisis situations and potentially hostile situations, must be ready to respond quickly and effectively. 

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