Behavioral Health Therapist

Company: Bakersfield American Indian Health Project
Location: Bakersfield
Posted on: February 15, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Hours Per Week: 40 Job Type: Full-time, Exempt Summary/Objectives of Position The Behavioral Health Therapist is part of a multidisciplinary team that provides culturally and traditionally appropriate care using holistic and integrated approaches to primary care for out/in-patient services to Native American and Alaska Native patients. Therapy includes groups, individuals, adults, adolescents, children, and families. Services include therapy, diagnosis, treatment planning, clinical impressions and safety evaluations, brief intervention, and psychoeducation. To improve patient health literacy, enhance and improve treatment outcomes and to address mild and moderate behavioral health disorders. The Therapist consults with the multidisciplinary team which consists of medical providers/professional team, substance use disorder counselors, and the psychiatry team. Essential Duties, Functions & Responsibilities Assist in the assessment, planning, arranging, and implementing of psychosocial programs, telehealth, and evidenced-based, practice-based, and culturally-based programs and services. Manages the delivery of timely, appropriate, cost-effective, and high-quality services/programs for assigned sites. Assists in the management of department staff member appraisal, evaluation, and performance measure and improvement. Whole person care and wellness and recovery achievement. Collaborates in integrated care, strategic organizational goals/objectives; provides Quality Improvement/Quality Assurance, providing clinical and administrative direction of indicators leading to improved quality of care. Responsible for the content of education and counseling programs for either individual patients or group of patients and serves as liaison to community, individuals, and groups as appropriate. Counsel patients during pregnancy. Conduct surveys and studies relating to the psychosocial status and patterns of population groups as directed. Manages various grants and grant deliverables as assigned. Review and evaluate recent psychosocial health research and interpret it for professionals and patients. Perform short-term counseling and crisis intervention, as necessary. Assist in the implementation of community and social programs as a professional counselor in accordance with BAIHP grants/contracts with federal, state, and local agencies and mandates of service requirements with those grants/contracts. Prepare psychosocial educational materials as needed or required. Coordinate with clinical, health education, community health, and other staff members in the provision of services to patients. Provide referrals for services when needed. Coordinate with other organizational entities involved in psychosocial and behavioral health services. Use tests, measurements, and measurement scales for general and specific assessments as well as objective patient criteria in the provision of services and evaluation procedures. Provide in-service presentations to staff as needed or required. Provide community service information as an outreach worker such as required. Conduct health-related educational presentations to both adults and teens in school and clinical settings. Adhere to agency policies and procedures that advance the goals of BAIHP in a manner that embodies the agency’s philosophy. Keep Executive Management well-informed regarding activities, pending issues, and potential problems or crisis situations with patients, or anyone else. Provide, coordinate, and collaborate with Substance Abuse, Domestic Violence, Suicide Prevention, Probation, Parole, and Life Skill education services upon request. Maintain contact with any assigned advisory groups. Prepare and maintain all required treatment records and reports, including but not limited to intake, bio-psychosocial assessment, treatment plan, treatment summaries, discharge summaries, and data collection forms. Input progress notes and information related to patient treatment using the Electronic Health Record (EHR) and other electronic patient management/health record systems as required. Keep their supervisor informed regarding activities, pending issues, and potential problems. Diligently complete case notes, appointments, and treatment plan recommendations. Minimum Mandatory Qualifications Education: Required master’s in social work or related Master’s Degree completion for LPCC/LMFT/MFCC or other related Licensure for Behavioral Health Therapist. Experience: Experience in an ambulatory health center preferred. Familiar with cultural competency and sensitivity to American Indian/Alaska Native culture, traditions of family customs and values, and child-rearing practices. Familiar with Electronic Health Records Systems, utilizing systems to run reports, monitor data, and evaluate outcomes. License/Certification: Associate Clinical Social Worker (ACSW) or Associate Marriage and Family Therapist required. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist preferred. Valid CA driver’s license is required. Skills: Extensive knowledge of mental health conditions and best practices for psychological treatment. Well-developed listening and interview skills to explore patient needs and administer treatment plans. Strong oral communication skills to counsel and advise patients. Analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective treatment plans. Communication Skills: Demonstrates proficiency in communication and writing skills. Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general and professional documents. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Interpersonal Skills: Ability to foster teamwork; train and direct the work of team members and colleagues. Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to work productively and make independent decisions. Technology: Familiar with electronic healthcare records systems. Proficiency with using computer-based applications (e.g. Microsoft Office) and clinical information management systems. Benefits Offered at BAIHP: At BAIHP, we value our employees and strive to provide comprehensive benefits to support their well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. Here's what we offer: 401(k) matching Dental, Health, & Vision insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off (Vacation, Sick, Vacation Reward) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Indian Preference Bakersfield American Indian Health Project (BAIHP) complies with the Indian Preference Act. Preference in hiring is given to qualified Native Americans under the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, US Code, Sections 472 and 473). Subject to, but not in derivation of the Act, we are an equal opportunity employer.

Keywords: Bakersfield American Indian Health Project, Oxnard , Behavioral Health Therapist, Healthcare , Bakersfield, California