Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Wellness Equity Alliance (WEA) is a novel national public health organization comprised of a multidisciplinary team of population and public health experts with backgrounds in infectious disease, public health, emergency medicine, primary care, cardiology, pediatrics, psychiatry, community health work (CHW), nursing and advanced practice pharmacy. We work nearly exclusively with underrepresented communities, fundamentally addressing healthcare disparities and the social determinants of health (SDoH) that have been amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing the following:

• People experiencing homelessness
• Indigenous communities
• Immigrant communities
• Rural communities
• BIPOC communities
• LGBTQIA+ communities
• Justice-impacted communities

The WEA team is diverse, inclusive, and agile enough to assemble teams of healthcare professionals within days using our proven local staff recruitment models to address population health crises and infectious disease outbreaks. The WEA team’s partnership model is collaborative and allows hospitals, health jurisdictions, state/local government agencies to provide timely care using equity-based strategies for individuals and marginalized communities.

Purpose of the position

The purpose of the Behavioral Health Provider (LPCC, LCSW, LMHC, LMSW) in the Street Medicine Program is to deliver comprehensive and accessible behavioral health services to unhoused individuals, supporting them in working toward positive health outcomes through group and individual counseling. This role focuses on enhancing mental and emotional well-being by providing high-quality assessments, treatment, counseling, and education tailored to the unique needs of this population. By collaborating with an interdisciplinary team, including primary care providers and case management, the Behavioral Health Provider ensures a holistic approach to care. This coordinated effort creates a supportive environment that fosters improved health outcomes, stability, and a pathway to housing and community integration for those experiencing homelessness.

Mental health providers serving in the Street Medicine Program in Coachella Valley, California, must have diverse skills and be able to perform various duties to support the psychological and physical well-being of unhoused individuals effectively. Licensed providers in California are preferred, but non-independently licensed individuals may also be considered. The key responsibilities outlined below reflect the nature of the work in this job classification; however, they do not encompass all duties and tasks. Employees may be assigned additional responsibilities as needed.

Employees must adhere to all guidelines related to cultural sensitivity, patient care, patient rights, ethical treatment, safety, emergency management, ongoing education, communication, compliance with National Patient Safety Goals, and required licensure and health screenings.

• Staff & Community Education: Educate staff and community partners on the unique needs and challenges the unhoused population faces in Coachella Valley.
• Case Management Education & Training: To support this population, train staff on effective case management strategies tailored to the street medicine model.
• Risk Management & Referral: Identify potential risks to individuals' well-being and make appropriate referrals for additional support.

• Crisis Intervention: Provide immediate support during crises to stabilize clients’ mental health conditions in a street-based setting.
• Psychosocial Assessment: Conduct assessments to understand individuals' mental and social functioning and develop care plans appropriate for the street medicine environment.
• Counseling & Referral: Offer individual and group counseling services and refer individuals to additional community support resources as necessary.

• Care Coordination: Facilitate seamless transitions between different levels of care and support for the unhoused, ensuring ongoing behavioral health support within the street medicine framework.
• Community Resource Management: Maintain an updated list of community resources, services, and shelters relevant to the needs of the unhoused population.
• Education & Advocacy: Educate individuals on available resources and advocate for their access to necessary mental health and social services.
• Collaboration: Work closely with community organizations, shelters, and health clinics to provide comprehensive support to individuals.
• Professional Discretion: Use professional judgment to guide individuals to appropriate services and support systems based on their unique circumstances.
• Mental Health Support: Coordinate access to mental health services, including substance use treatment, through collaboration with primary care and case management teams.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work with primary care providers, case managers, and community partners to deliver holistic care within the street medicine model.
• Care Coordination: Ensure that individuals receive comprehensive, coordinated care that addresses both their physical and mental health needs in an accessible, street-based environment.
• Team Communication: Communicate regularly with the street medicine team to address patient care, community resource connections, and overall health outcomes for the unhoused population.

The mental health provider in this role will play a crucial part in delivering trauma-informed, culturally sensitive care to those living on the streets, focusing on enhancing their quality of life and health outcomes through a compassionate and integrated approach.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• At least five years of clinical or medical social work/ Community mental health delivery experience is required.

Master’s degree from a School of Social Work accredited by the Council of Social Work Education or any relevant Master’s degree in Behavioral Health leading to licensure in California.

Licenses: Applicants must be licensed in California or eligible for licensure. Accepted licenses include:

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
• Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
• Associate Clinical Social Worker (ACSW)
• Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT)
• Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC)

Both independently licensed and non-independently licensed professionals in California are encouraged to apply.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of contemporary behavioral and systems theories relevant to health care; jail-based health service delivery, dynamics, and interventions; grief and bereavement counseling; substance abuse identification and interventions; support for victims of abuse, neglect, or violence; community or financial resources for underserved or vulnerable populations.
• SSDI, SDI, and other governmental/county requirements/programs.
• Thorough comprehension of OBRA and Title 22 is required in New Mexico

Job Tags

Similar Jobs