The position will provide support to clients and families within clinic-based programs and Natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) families.
CALM is partnering with Cottage Hospital on a multi-year research study to provide therapeutic support to NICU families. Layered levels of mental health support will be provided in the NICU that include additional supports for parents with more risk factors and/or displaying acute distress. Over three years, the NICU therapist will work with nursing staff, NICU parents and families for program support and therapeutic treatment.
The program anticipates serving roughly 300 families per year. In year one, the therapist will provide short term Evidence Based Treatment to NICU parents and families. Therapist will also assist with the development and monitoring of a peer-to-peer support group. In subsequent years, the therapist will provide debriefing assistance for communication simulation trainings to the NICU nursing staff at Cottage Hospital. The therapist will serve as a trauma-informed, subject matter expert, teaching the nursing staff to utilize best practices in dealing with the families of very low birth rate babies in a family centered NICU environment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Obtain perinatal mood disorders certification.
- Develop a transition tool that will facilitate handoff from inpatient LCSW to the outpatient setting.
- Perform clinical assessment and develop rapport with family through trauma-informed communication.
- After training, provide virtual mental health interventions which include, but are not limited to, a six-session trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy program developed at Stanford.
- Create a treatment plan with measurable and observable goals in collaboration with client and family.
- Document all client clinical services that meet agency documentation standards.
- Coordinate with other agencies when appropriate to implement treatment plan.
- Facilitate communication with High Risk Infant Follow Up Clinic LCSW if infant meets California Children’s Services (CCS) qualifications.
- Develop and monitor a peer-to-peer support program of former NICU parents and parent support providers. The CALM therapist will provide appropriate training for parent representatives. Participate in quality improvement initiatives to improve the delivery of comprehensive family support services in the NICU.
- Participate in simulation debriefing training with Cottage Simulation Lab director.
- Develop and implement educational services for staff, based on their knowledge and needs. Major goals are to facilitate their understanding of staff and provide coaching and leadership in roundtable debriefing.
- Provide training in best practices around family centered care and trauma informed communication to nursing staff.
- Collaborate with UCSB researchers to implement research projects on telehealth mental health support and simulation-based nurse communication training.
EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist or Psychologist from an accredited university required.
- A minimum of 1-2 years related work experience in behavioral health.
- Preferred Certification in Perinatal Mental Health
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Must have a passion for this project and the ability to convey that passion to others.
- Excellent verbal/written communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Public speaking skills and ability to network within the community.
- Strong computer knowledge, using PC, Microsoft Word and Excel and Outlook.
- Ability to interact with all ages and cultural backgrounds.
- Bilingual (Spanish) required.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Benefits package includes a competitive salary dependent on experience and education. Benefits include 100% Employer-paid medical, dental, vision and life insurance for employees plus partial benefits for dependent family members, 12 paid holidays, vacation time and sick days and a 403(b) 3% matching program.
TO APPLY:
Qualified, interested candidates are invited to send a resume and cover letter to hr@calm4kids.org.