Mental Health Associate

ABOUT US

Apex for Youth empowers underserved Asian and immigrant youth from low-income families in NYC to unlock their potential and a world of possibility. Through programming focusing on health and well-being, education, and community engagement, Apex for Youth creates transformative social connections and celebrates cultural identity to build the confidence and self-efficacy of future generations.

Apex serves approximately 2,500 students annually from Kindergarten through their post-secondary years. We provide children and young adults with opportunities to develop strong relationships with adults who volunteer as consistent and caring mentors and role models.

JOB OVERVIEW

The primary mission of Mental Health Services at Apex is to promote the mental well-being of Asian American and immigrant youth through therapeutic counseling and education. Our approach centers on consistent relationships and embraces the immigration and cultural experience unique to Asian American and immigrant communities. The Mental Health Associate is responsible for providing administrative and program logistic support to the Mental Health team while carrying a small caseload. Reporting to the Associate Director of Mental Health, the ideal Mental Health Associate candidate will possess excellent attention to detail, project management, interpersonal and communication skills, and proficiency in Mandarin Chinese.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Administrative Tasks (60%)

• Organize team meetings, case conferences, family nights, and other mental health events on the team calendar
• Enter and manage MHS-related data, such as roster, attendance, and evaluation data, to ensure complete and accurate information across data systems
• Document and monitor budget expenditures, support with reimbursement and payment request process
• Monitor program supplies and snack inventory, and restock as necessary
• Lead logistic planning and logistical planning for mental health event, including recruitment, registration, food and space planning, material preparation, evaluation, and coordination with external facilitators
• Provide translation and interpretation support for written materials and verbal communication
• Attend and contribute to departmental and organizational meetings

Clinical Tasks (40%)

• Monitor incoming referrals, schedule and conduct intake interviews with referred clients and family, and present intake information for clinician assignment
• Support with case management services, including research, coordination, and follow-up services when appropriate
• Responsible for co-facilitating a small therapy group and serving a small caseload of 5 to 6 youth

QUALIFICATIONS

• Spoken fluency in Mandarin is a must; written competency in Chinese is required;
• MSW or equivalent required;
• A minimum of one year of experience in a mental health or social service setting is required
• Excellent attention to detail with good organizational skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to create genuine relationships;
• Willingness to learn, think outside the box, and demonstrate a growth mindset;
• Ability to work in person on Saturdays and some evenings (work schedule will compensate for weekend and evening hours)

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your resume and cover letter to Ivy Li, ivy.li@apexforyouth.org, and include “Mental Health Associate” in the subject line.

Benefits include:

Paid time off: In the first year of employment, you will be eligible for roughly a combined 40 days of vacation, holiday, personal, and sick leave (10 vacation days, 12 paid federal holidays, org-wide closures for one week over the winter holidays and one week during the Fourth of July, 5 sick days per year, 3 personal days a year). Additional vacation days accrue according to years worked in the organization.

Medical and other benefits: Medical, dental and vision insurance with Apex covering the majority of the cost for employees; 401K plan with employer matching; flexible work from home plan; flexible spending account and commuter benefits; paid parental leave; professional development stipend.

Organizational Culture: Apex is a highly collaborative, flexible, and employee-centered workplace. We are committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity both within our organization and in how we collaborate with others. If you love to work with a team and have exciting ideas you would like to explore and grow, we encourage you to join Apex for Youth!

Spoken fluency in Mandarin is a must; written competency in Chinese is required.