Get to know us:
For over 100 years, Vista Del Mar Child & Family Services (VDM) has taken great pride in providing exceptional programs and services for children and families throughout LA County. VDM envisions a community where all children and families are equipped and prepared to live productive, fulfilling lives. We serve the most vulnerable in Los Angeles, many of whom have faced multi-generational inequities. Vista Del Mar is guided by core values of empowerment, equity, and excellence.
Culture:
At Vista Del Mar, our success is empowered by our staff, families, residents, and clients. We believe in the inclusion and liberation of marginalized communities, standing in unity for justice and recognizing long-standing systemic oppression. We acknowledge we are part of an unjust system and strongly advocate to change oppressive systems and the unconscious bias that affect staff, clients, and families in all communities. Vista is committed to developing a culture of healing, community care, and creating a sense of belonging. Our actions will be louder than our words.
Folks who are Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQ+, of a marginalized gender, disabled, parents, are/have been system-impacted, are immigrants, and anyone who has experienced systemic oppression, and/or gender-based violence are encouraged to apply.
Mission:
Vista Del Mar provides a trauma-responsive continuum of services to empower children, youth, and families in Southern California to lead fulfilling lives.
Role Overview:
The Unit Clinician – Residential Services (RS) possesses and applies basic knowledge and educational background to working with individuals, groups, families, other disciplines and community systems within, as well as outside of, Vista Del Mar. The position works within all systems, such as school programming etc., on behalf of the children. Much emphasis is placed on the positive aspects of residential therapy, as the residential milieu is viewed as the chief tool the clinician works with to bring about the change in the child. In this milieu, the clinician often functions in the role of the child's broker or advocate in utilizing all resources of residential treatment.
Essential Job Duties (other duties may be assigned)
- Supervision, protection and care of children, both individually and in groups, at all times;
- Assists each child in working with a group and handling individual problems;
- Completes the ongoing Intake study in preparation for placement and for discharge planning in cooperation with other unit staff;
- Formulates and implements in their caseload an overall treatment plan for each child and family, in conjunction with the child's entire treatment team;
- Meets regularly with the Direct Care Staff (YDCs) at unit staff meetings, unit meetings, and unit group meetings, regarding the coordination and implementation of treatment plans and specific problem situations;
- Demonstrates an understanding of a DBT, trauma-informed and relationship-based approach in engaging with children and their treatment team, and effectively uses this approach in their work in the unit;
- Participates in unit life including dinners (2 times per week minimum), events, etc.;
- Facilitates daily community groups and group psychotherapy during Day Treatment time;
- Conducts regular therapy sessions (individual, conjoint, family or group) with each child, parent(s) and significant people, in or out of the office as indicated by the treatment plan;
- Coordinates visiting plans for each child with the treatment team, ensuring that the necessary staff is notified;
- Thoroughly evaluates the progress of each child through Treatment Plan Review meetings;
- Adheres to all agency policies regarding paperwork requirements;
- Assists with coordination of psychiatric hospitalization in conjunction with Program Director and other staff;
- Completes all mandated paperwork per State requirements;
- Interfaces with all divisions/departments as indicated within Vista Del Mar on an ongoing basis;
- Maintains ongoing weekly contact with residents' outside placement workers, guardians, relationship mentors, etc.
What You Bring to VDM:
- License eligible - MSW, MFT
- LCSWL/LMFT/PhD (licensed) preferred
- Minimum 2 years of clinical experience preferred
- Experience working in residential treatment (preferred)
- Valid CA driver's license
- COVID Vaccination Card (fully vaccinated) required.
Salary commensurate with experience
Salary: $66,560,000 / year
What Can We Offer You for All Your Hard Work?
- Full benefits offered (Medical, Dental, Vision)
- FSA/Dependent Care and Supplemental benefits through The Standard
- 403(b) – 3% Employer contribution based off annual salary
- 4 Mental Health Days
- Up to 12 Paid Holidays
- Up to 25% for Cell Phone Discounts with 3 Major Carriers (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint)
Vista Del Mar's Credentials:
Our nationally recognized clinical programs have been awarded a Gold Seal by the Joint Commission, the highest level of accreditation possible. In addition, our educational facilities are fully accredited through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and our graduate degree program is recognized worldwide for its high quality of instructions.
Equal Employment Statement
Vista Del Mar is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. Therefore, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Vista Del Mar will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations as part of this commitment.