Therapeutic Mentor
Gateway Mountain Center is expanding its nature-based therapeutic program, Whole Hearts, Minds, and Bodies (WHMB), to San Francisco, and we're seeking passionate individuals to join our team.
Whole Hearts, Minds & Bodies has been making a positive impact for over 12 years in rural eastern California. Weekly one-on-one therapeutic outings are designed for high-need youth and young adults, and are led by highly trained para-professionals and associates who are clinically supervised. We have proven success as valued partners in Wraparound services. Our highly relational therapeutic approach, provided in non-clinical and non-stigmatizing settings, has garnered appreciation from youth and families who often face challenges in remaining engaged with more traditional therapeutic programs. Inspired by this success, we are extending this valuable service to Medi-Cal-eligible, high-need youth in the diverse community of San Francisco. Whole Hearts focuses on integrating nature-based activities, mindfulness practices, and physical fitness to support true and lasting healing from severe emotional disturbance, complex trauma, and/or substance dependence.
Position Overview
Mentors are employed to provide Therapeutic Mentoring services to San Francisco area youth, by meeting with clients once a week for a two to four hour session. Mentors pick up clients from home or school, spend session time together in nature, share a bite to eat (optional), and drop the client off at home. As a Whole Hearts Minds and Bodies clinically-supervised mentor you will be trained in our 4Roots Method and cutting-edge humanistic, trauma-informed modalities. WHMB Therapeutic Mentors provide a consistent, caring, authentic relationship with the youth through personal reflection and supported risk taking in nature such as hiking, rock scrambling, and maybe even kayaking and rock climbing (as appropriate). Personal reflection activities include: art-making, nature journaling, meadow-tating and strength-based confidence building. WHMB Therapeutic Mentors provide the container, support, connection and opportunities for young people to thrive, and offer a powerful and flexible option within the field of therapeutic services.
All mentors receive one-to-one oversight and case support. For associate level therapists, counselors and social workers, clinical supervision is provided in accordance with BBS requirements. This position is also open to graduate level training therapists as a practicum or internship site; Gateway Mountain Center will ask for a 10-12 month commitment for internships consideration.
Make a Real Difference: Make a lasting impact on youth struggling with severe emotional disturbance, complex trauma, or substance dependence
Innovative Approach: Blend nature, mindfulness, and physical activity for holistic healing. Be part of an innovative, non-stigmatizing approach to mental health
Professional Development: Receive training in cutting-edge therapeutic techniques
Natural Beauty: Work in beautiful outdoor settings across the Bay Area
Flexibility: Work on an as-needed basis with self-scheduled sessions.
Join a supportive team of professionals dedicated to holistic well-being
The Role: Therapeutic Mentor
As a Therapeutic Mentor, you'll:
Lead one-on-one therapeutic outings for youth, typically 2-4 hours per session.
Implement our cutting-edge 4Roots Method and trauma-informed approaches
Guide activities like hiking, art-making, mindfulness practices, rock-scrambling, kayaking, and rock climbing (as appropriate).
Provide a supportive, authentic relationship to help youth overcome challenges and thrive.
Facilitate personal growth through art, journaling, and mindfulness practices.
Work flexibly, scheduling sessions directly with clients.
Responsibilities:
Conduct weekly client sessions (3-4 hr sessions).
Maintain accurate and timely administrative records, including therapeutic notes for each session, assessments, research, and compliance forms, as needed.
Participate in additional training and professional development.
Comply with county requirements, assessments, and training as assigned.
Attend a minimum of 2 meetings per month with a clinical supervisor (weekly supervision for graduate level interns and registered associates); monthly meetings with the case manager.
Attend monthly in person team meetings to support staff care, training, team-building, resource sharing with the intent of improving Mentor/Mentee relationships and continually improving client outcomes.
Ideal Candidates
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport with youth.
Desire to work in a non-traditional therapeutic setting.
Commitment to trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches.
Strong cultural competency with Black, Latinx, Asian-Pacific Islander, and/or immigrant communities represented in San Francisco.
Bilingual (especially Spanish and Cantonese)
Experienced youth workers (regardless of education) with an interest in nature-based therapeutic interventions. Passionate about nature-based interventions and youth empowerment.
Recent graduates in psychology, social work, or related fields with an interest in nature-based therapeutic interventions. Graduate level clinical training or experience working in mental/behavioral health work (ie. AMFT, ASW, APCC).
Comfortable leading outdoor activities and providing emotional support.
Eager to apply theoretical knowledge in a unique, non-clinical setting
An interest in or knowledge of plants, animals, ecosystems, traditional ways of knowing and relating to land, local human histories, geography, and/or geology.
Required:
Clean Record: LiveScan/DMV
Advanced CPR (offered in org)
Wilderness First Aid Training (WFA offered in org and may be completed within 6 mos. of employment).
Must be willing to conduct and pass live scan and DOJ background checks.
Must have a negative TB screening.
Ability to transport self/mentees around San Francisco (public transportation okay; own car not required; transportation costs reimbursed.)
Gateway Mountain Center is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. We are looking to build a team that is representative of the communities we are serving. Black, Indigenous, People of color, queer, gay, lesbian and/or bisexual people, transgender, genderqueer and/or non-binary folks are encouraged to apply. If you are a dedicated youth-serving professional with a passion for nature-based therapeutic approaches, we encourage you to apply for this opportunity to make an impact in the lives of San Francisco's youth.
Hours: Part Time- Full Time available; Variable/Flexible
Compensation:
Starting rate between $27 to $41 per hour depending on experience and education.
100% reimbursement for assigned Gateway training(s).
50% reimbursement for any Director approved non-Gateway training fees completed.
Transportation reimbursement at the current IRS mileage reimbursement rate PLUS standardized commute mileage reimbursement for field work.
Application Deadline: November 27, 2024