Mental Health Counselor / PSR Specialist - Bilingual (ESPZ)  (Regular Full-Time, Hourly)
Program: Heartland Wellness & Recovery Center (El Cajon)

Bilingual Mental Health Counselor / PSR Specialist – Mental Health Services for Short-Term Acute Residential Treatment (START) Program
Hours: 32 hours per week

Community Research Foundation inspires and mentors the next generation of mental health professionals! Our accredited programs are growing and expanding, with opportunities for motivated and dedicated staff.

Program Overview:


Located in Escondido, CA, the Esperanza Crisis Center provides intensive, community-based crisis residential services for adults throughout San Diego County. We deliver a unique alternative to psychiatric hospitalization to clients who are suffering a psychiatric crisis of such magnitude so as not to be manageable on an outpatient basis. Our services are provided in a home-like environment that specializes in the psychosocial rehabilitation of each individual.

Built around a bio-psychosocial approach, our multi-disciplinary team addresses each aspect of a client’s unique situation, including mental health, co-occurring substance abuse, housing, medical/medication needs, and establishing connections to social service supports within the community to facilitate successful transition beyond the START program.

Typical Duties of the Mental Health Counselor

  • Conduct initial psychological assessments for clients, utilizing a psychosocial rehabilitation focus and dynamic team-based approach
  • Conduct individual and group counseling/psychotherapy sessions
  • Develop and update individual treatment service plans for clients
  • Create discharge plans and provide linkage to other support services within the community
  • Participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning
  • Excellent opportunity to work with dually-diagnosed adults

Required Skills and Qualifications

  • Master's degree in a mental health-related field such as Social Work, Psychology, Counseling and licensed or registered in CA as IMF, ASW, PCCI, or waiver-eligible (ABD) psychologist candidate as required by contract
  • First Aid/CPR certification is required and must be kept current during employment
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience working with a mental health population, especially with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness and co-occurring disorders is strongly preferred
  • Demonstrated knowledge of County Health and Human Services requirements including documentation is preferred
  • Must be bilingual in Spanish
  • Proficiency in MS Office applications, specifically Word and Excel
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment is essential
  • Reliable transportation is required to fulfill the essential functions of this position. A valid California driver’s license in good standing and proof of insurance are required for employees driving personal vehicles on company business
  • Ability to pass criminal/background clearance

Your well-being matters at CRF! Full-time eligible employees have access to great benefits.

  • Generous paid time off
  • Exceptional medical, dental, vision and other health and wellness benefits
  • Clinical Supervision towards licensure
  • Free training and education
  • Opportunities for advancement
  • Retirement plan with generous employer contributions
  • Graduates: You may qualify for our student loan repayment/forgiveness programs!

Be a part of our vibrant non-profit organization and make a difference in the lives of the people we serve!

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer

In keeping with our commitment to support healthy communities, CRF has a tobacco use policy for all workforce members. More information is available upon request.

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