Per-diem Children's Mental Health Clinician

Job Title: Children’s Mental Health Clinician (OLP) – Per Diem
Department: Children and Family Treatment and Support Services

Position Summary

The Children’s Mental Health Clinician provides in-home and community-based services to Medicaid-enrolled youth ages 0–21 under the Medicaid State Plan Service Other Licensed Practitioner (OLP). The clinician works independently and collaboratively to deliver trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and family-centered services. This role focuses on early identification, assessment, and intervention to prevent the progression of behavioral health needs and support positive outcomes for children and families.

Department

New Directions’ Children and Family Treatment and Support Services (CFTSS) provide individualized, strength-based, and trauma-informed care to children and families, offering in-home and community-based interventions that promote healing, stability, and wellness.

Agency

New Directions is an equal opportunity employer committed to championing the principles of anti-racism, justice, and equity. We welcome prospective employees from diverse cultures and backgrounds, for all positions, who will uphold our values and contribute to our mission. We aim to have a leadership and workforce that is reflective of the communities we work in partnership with.

Compensation

• $80.00 per hour for billable service hours
• $15.50 per hour for administrative hours

Hours/Schedule

• Per Diem
• Flexible schedule with evening availability required

Location

Niagara County

Professional Development Opportunities

New Directions invests in developing future leaders through training opportunities, supervision, and continuing education support.

Position Specific Duties/Responsibilities

• Deliver trauma-informed, individualized services based on each child’s identified strengths and needs.
• Administer assessments in alignment with youth and family goals, identities, and cultural contexts.
• Provide Licensed Evaluation/Assessment as a basis for diagnosis, treatment planning, and service identification.
• Develop and implement culturally relevant, child- and family-centered treatment plans.
• Provide psychotherapy and counseling to alleviate symptoms or functional limitations related to behavioral health disorders.
• Deliver crisis response, triage, intervention, and follow-up as needed.
• Collaborate with community partners, providers, and informal supports in a multidisciplinary team format.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of community resources for linkage and referrals.
• Utilize New Directions’ electronic case recording system for documentation, service planning, and progress notes.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with all Medicaid billing and documentation requirements.
• Attend all required agency and OMH trainings.
• Participate in regular supervision, follow agency policies, and maintain flexible hours to meet client needs.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work effectively with children, families, staff, and community partners from diverse backgrounds.
• Skilled in providing clinical services to youth with behavioral, emotional, and/or mental health challenges.
• Ability to deliver crisis intervention and therapeutic services with professionalism and empathy.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing needs and maintain appropriate boundaries.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Valid NYS driver’s license, adequate auto insurance, and reliable transportation.
• Ability to pass an annual physical for Category 1 job classification.
• Compliance with agency safety standards and health policies.

Qualifications

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT or MFT-P), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC or MHC-P), Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT) or Licensed Psychoanalyst
• Driver's License
• Experience providing individual, family, or group psychotherapy to adolescents and families preferred. Experience serving individuals with substance use disorders or those in acute crisis also preferred.

We want to emphasize that the preferred qualifications are not required and that we are committed to helping our future colleagues develop these preferred skills. We strongly encourage those who are passionate about fostering a diverse, inclusive and equitable human service organization to apply.