Who we are:
Union of Pan Asian Communities (UPAC) is a 501(c) (3) organization that provides a comprehensive array of health and human services programming dedicated to improving the overall well-being of San Diego’s underserved communities. Our multicultural and multilingual staff speak more than 30 languages and dialects and provide services in more than 20 of these languages annually. With a focus on mental health, addiction treatment & recovery, housing counseling, community engagement and, business development, and cultural competency education, our goal is to strengthen underserved communities and assist their residents in achieving self-sufficiency.

Summary and Range of Authority:
Be a part of a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team working with an exciting population. Utilize culturally focused, and in-depth learning of diagnosing, psychopharmacology, and other foundational skills. Gain experience working with a diverse population, and training in a variety of modalities and interventions to help grow your clinical skills. The Aging Specialist will provide short term counseling, support and recovery services, and case management services to Older Adults located at Alpha Square and referred from the community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides short term counseling, typically up to 30 days;
• Responds to urgent and emergency referrals from the community
• Provides crisis intervention services
• Performs case closure
• Provides community-based outreach services to isolated older adults.
• Provides linkage with primary care physicians and psychiatrists as needed
• Provides psycho-educational services to older adults
• Coordinates referrals and treatment as needed with outside entities such as Aging and Independence Services, ACT programs, Alpha Square, AIS Senior Team, PERT, and outpatient mental health clinics across San Diego
• Outreaches to primary care physicians, primary care clinics and faith-based centers where seniors congregate
• Participates in staff meetings, case conferences, training, treatment utilization reviews and other quality assurance activities, including case conferences with ancillary providers as needed
• Maintains tracking system of all clients and services provided
• Performs documentation of all services provided
• Attends County Quarterly Older Adult Mental Health Providers Meeting
• Attends additional Older Adult trainings and meetings as assigned
• Participates in at least two outreach events per year.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Required Education, Certifications/Licenses and Language/Cultural Skills:

• Master’s degree (or higher) in social work, psychology, marriage and family therapy, or counseling from accredited college or university with major work in clinical therapy.
• Must be registered with Board of Behavioral Sciences or Board of Psychology
• Must have some knowledge base of Geriatrics/Older Adults.

Minimum Experience and Qualifications Required:

• Minimum of two years clinical experience in a mental health setting, with solid clinical skills in individual therapy, assessments, crisis intervention, and case management. Trained and experienced in diagnosing clients utilizing the DSM-V and ICD 10.
• Knowledge of the theory and practice of psychotherapy (individual and group) and the principles and practice of community mental health.
• Understanding of and commitment to the psychosocial rehabilitation model of psychiatric rehabilitation services, and a strong belief in empowering older adult clients towards recovery.
• Familiarity with community resources and the delivery of case management services.
• Ability to establish and maintain diagnostic and psychotherapeutic relationships with clear understanding of ethical and professional standards.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality with regard to client information and other sensitive or proprietary information.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, with ability to communicate mental health principles to clients, families and providers.
• Ability to work independently and also collaborate as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to prepare written reports accurately and records of services rendered in a timely fashion.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, and able to manage a large caseload.
• Will not be debarred or excluded from participation in Federal programs by the General Services Administration and/or the Department of Health and Human Services of the Inspector General
• Must pass background check (Live Scan Fingerprint).
• Must be able to drive (when needed) for business purposes to other program locations in San Diego County. If employee drives his/her personal automobile for UPAC business, employee must have valid California driver’s license and comprehensive automobile insurance coverage, as required by law.

Additional Preferred Education or Qualifications:

• Bilingual/Bicultural Spanish speaker

Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Spends approximately 70% of work time sitting and meeting with others or working at a desk and/or computer. Spends approximately 30% of work time standing or walking within the work area or outside the office at meetings and events, also bends, twists, stoops and reaches. Ability to communicate well in writing and verbally. Regularly required to sit and talk or hear. Frequently is required to use hands to touch, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms. Working conditions are normal for an office environment; the noise level is usually low.

What we offer:
Health, dental, vision, voluntary life, life insurance, accident and critical illness, identity theft, pet insurance, disability insurance, generous PTO, sick time, 403 b matching, and employee assistance program.