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Job Description
MENTAL HEALTH INTERN (IVC)
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
Under supervision of licensed clinical staff, the Mental Health Intern provides mental health support services to community college students. This position offers a training opportunity to gain clinical experience in assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and direct therapeutic services, including individual counseling and group facilitation. The intern works as part of a multidisciplinary team to support students’ mental health and academic success, while adhering to applicable laws, ethical standards, and college policies.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties based on departmental needs:
Assess clients’ strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences; develop diagnostic impressions based on DSM criteria with supervisor oversight.
Collaborate with clients to create individualized, goal-oriented treatment plans.
Investigate and document relevant client case history, including family and social background, to inform diagnosis and treatment.
Complete treatment plans, progress notes, discharge summaries, and other clinical documentation in a timely manner.
Provide individual counseling and facilitate educational and/or support groups; chart all services within 24 hours of session delivery.
Apply various therapeutic approaches (e.g., directive, nondirective, supportive) and assist in planning the frequency and duration of therapy.
Conduct psycho-educational and skill-building support groups.
Coordinate services with external agencies and community referral sources.
Participate in crisis intervention services under supervision, when necessary.
Attend staff meetings, supervision sessions, and professional development activities.
Perform administrative tasks relevant to client care and program operations.
Stay informed of current trends, best practices, and legal/ethical guidelines in the mental health field.
Carry out additional duties as delegated by supervising staff or program leadership.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Psychiatric diagnostic categories and clinical terminology.
Current DSM criteria and mental health assessment techniques.
Principles of individual and group psychotherapy.
Legal and ethical standards of practice, including confidentiality (HIPAA, FERPA).
Basics of medical record documentation and electronic health record systems.
Cultural competence and trauma-informed practices in diverse educational settings.
Community mental health systems and referral processes.
Skills and abilities to:
Establish and maintain a therapeutic rapport with a diverse student population.
Conduct assessments and develop treatment plans under clinical supervision.
Apply appropriate counseling techniques and evidence-based practices.
Facilitate group counseling and psycho-educational sessions.
Collaborate effectively with supervisors, peers, and external partners.
Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and ethical judgment.
Communicate clearly and compassionately, both orally and in writing.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation in electronic health records.
Respond calmly and appropriately in crisis situations, with supervisory guidance.
Exhibit a commitment to learning and ongoing professional development.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Must be currently registered as an Associate Therapist in California (AMFT, ASW, or APCC) or enrolled in a qualifying graduate program with appropriate clinical supervision.
Preferred: Two (2) years of experience working or interning in a community mental health setting.
Strong written and verbal communication skills in English are required.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions
Work is performed in a standard office and counseling setting on a community college campus. Involves frequent student interactions, both in-person and potentially via telehealth platforms. Requires the ability to sit for extended periods, use computers and electronic devices, and conduct confidential counseling sessions. May encounter emotionally sensitive situations requiring calm and supportive responses. Occasional travel for training or outreach events may be required. Must adhere to college and program safety protocols, including those related to student privacy and well-being.
Work Schedule: TBD - Schedule and shift vary and are subject to change in accordance with the department's needs.
Hours per Week: Up to 25
Employment Conditions and Information:
This is a short-term, temporary, hourly Non-Bargaining Unit (NBU) assignment, not to exceed 160 days and 960 hours per fiscal year (July 1 st through June 30 th ). Short-term, temporary NBU positions may only be used on an intermittent, seasonal, or project basis. Education Code Section 88003 states "Short-term employee means any person who is employed to perform a service for the district, upon the completion of which, the service required or similar services will not be extended or needed on a continuing basis.”
After successful completion of the onboarding requirements, an individual may be employed by the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) as a short-term, temporary NBU employee. Employment will be on an “if and as needed” basis, as determined by the SOCCCD. The assignment may be shortened or extended at any time, due to departmental needs, with little to no notice. NBU employment is at-will, and either party may terminate this working relationship at any time. Neither party shall be required to provide any reason for the separation. NBU employees shall not have reemployment rights or recourse to petition to be reinstated.
NBU employees are limited to working in a single position for a single department and site (assignments are onsite only).
NBU employees are paid on a monthly basis. The payroll reporting period is from the 1 st of the month to the last day of the month. NBU employees are paid on the 10th of the following month.
Example : For the following reporting period: January 1 st through January 31 st , the NBU employee will be paid on February 10 th .
NBU employees who work more than 1000 hours per fiscal year are required to contribute to the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), through payroll deduction. The SOCCCD does not intend to employ NBU employees for more than 960 hours during any fiscal year.
Closing Date/Time: Tue, 30 Sep 2025 -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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South Orange County Community College District
Show moreAbout the District
South Orange County Community College District encompasses 382 square miles in south Orange County serving over 909,000 residents in 26 communities. We know that higher education is directly linked to quality of life and economic vitality. We have helped generations of families achieve their educational and career goals since 1967.
Distinguished faculty from Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College provide students with rigorous academic classes to prepare them for transfer to four-year colleges and universities, basic skills attainment, or career technical training. Our newest campus, the Advanced Technology & Education Park (ATEP), opened in 2007 and offers courses from our two colleges with a focus on workforce development and career technical skills. Emeritus Institutes and community education programs at our colleges offer lifelong learning opportunities for community members of all ages.
The District is governed by a seven-member elected Board of Trustees and the district's chief executive officer is the Chancellor.
District Services provides centralized administrative services to our three campuses. Executive offices include: Chancellor and Trustee Services, Business Services, Technology and Learning Services, Human Resources, and Public Affairs. These departments provide accounting, benefits, facilities planning, fiscal services, human resources, information technology, institutional research and planning, payroll, public affairs, purchasing, risk management, and warehouse/mailroom services to our district.
The district continually assesses the effectiveness of its services through district-wide surveys, shared governance committees and task forces that are established to accomplish specific projects. Strategic planning has become an essential tool for guiding our direction and assuring compliance with accreditation standards.
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