The San Diego Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center, Inc., (d.b.a., The Center) is the nation's second oldest and third largest LGBT community center. Functioning as the LGBT community's leadership organization, The Center is led by an 18-member board of directors, employs over 50 paid staff and utilizes more than 300 community volunteers. Incorporated in 1973 as a community-based, non-profit, 501(c) (3) agency, The Center has more than thirty years of experience as a health and human services agency.  The Center provides direct services to more than 13,000 community members each year and through its events, activities and advocacy, touches the lives of thousands more.  The Center is comprised of three locations and the Behavioral Behavioral Behavioral Health Services facility is the location for several services including HIV and Mental Behavioral Behavioral Health Services and HIV/STD Testing and Counseling which is provided by the County of San Diego.

 

The Center’s intern training program has existed since 1987.  It has been touted by several state and federal agencies as a national model for leveraging limited resources and providing both beginning and advanced levels of training to service providers.  The training environment provides direct benefits for both consumers and the larger Behavioral Health Services community. The utilization of advanced level interns maximizes cost-effectiveness and increases the amount of services we are able to provide. The continual exposure to recent theory and research, as well as the optimism and dedication of new staff, elevate service delivery standards beyond that which many other community-based agencies can reasonably expect.  Further, The Center provides important training in LGBT and HIV/AIDS service delivery to our trainees, expanding their professional awareness of the needs of these consumers and increasing the number of trained professionals available to meet those needs.

 

The part-time internship is a comprehensive, one year position which incorporates direct service delivery, extensive training on recent theory and research and opportunities for work with a culturally and diagnostically diverse population into a model of professional development which assists interns in their preparation to become independent practitioners of professional psychology.  The internship begins on August 1 and concludes on July 31 of the following year. 

 

The Behavioral Health Services department of the San Diego LGBT Community Center operates under the larger agency mission.  The mission of The San Diego LGBT Community Center shall be to enhance and sustain the health and well-being of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and HIV communities by providing activities, programs, and services that:

  • Create community,
  • Empower community members,
  • Provide essential resources,
  • Advocate for civil and human rights, and
  • Embrace, promote and support our cultural diversity.


The Center is committed to a policy of non-discrimination in employment and in the provision of all services.  The Center provides services without regard to race, ethnicity, color, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, ancestry, genetic characteristics, political belief or activity, status as a veteran, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state and local laws.

The purpose of The Center’s Behavioral Health Services Program is to provide quality psychological counseling to the LGBT and HIV communities.  Our internship program is designed to train interns to provide culturally and diagnostically competent psychological services to these communities while preparing them to become independent practitioners of professional psychology.  The internship program is largely focused on supervised clinical service delivery to meet this goal.  Interns also participate in comprehensive training on providing service delivery, outreach presentations to the larger San Diego community, conducting therapy groups with experienced supervisors, and conducting in psychological testing designed to promote deeper understanding of societal factors, issues of discrimination, and clinical and transference/counter transference issues in providing services to the LGBT and HIV communities.  

 

Training Experiences/Duties/Expected Schedule of the Fellowship

The Intern position is a part-time (24 hours/week) training position for interns in psychology.  Service provision includes group, individual and couples' therapy provided to LGBT and/or HIV community members, as well as their partners, children and families. Thorough and systematic psychosocial assessments of incoming clients, including DSM/ICD diagnoses is also required. Psychotherapy and assessment are provided under the supervision of a Clinical Supervisor. Successful applicants for this position must have completed at least two years of graduate level coursework and at least one year of supervised clinical experience.

 

The position is a comprehensive, one year training experience that meets the requirements of a CAPIC member internship.  The expected schedule of the internship begins mid July and concludes June 30th of the following year.  Concurrent with laws governing employment in the State of California, this represents a training contract, not an employment contract.  Consistent with CA law, all employment with the San Diego LGBT Community Center is ‘at will’ employment, meaning that the employee or the agency may terminate employment at any time. 

 

 

 

QUALIFICATIONS

1.      Basic computer skills, with proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook).

2.      Ability to manage multiple tasks with shifting priorities.

3.      Excellent oral and written communication skills.

4.      Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse community groups and volunteers.

 

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

 

Minimum requirements for this position include:

  • Successful completion of at least two years of graduate coursework in clinical or counseling psychology from a regionally accredited university or college by the start date of the internship and the completion of at least one year of supervised clinical experience. 
  • Sensitivity to LGBT related cultural concerns and the psychotherapeutic issues concomitant to HIV disease.

Goals and Components of the Training Program

 

     The primary goals of the internship program are training the interns in culturally competent and psychologically sound service delivery methods, preparing them for independent practice of psychology and introducing them to and helping them develop expertise in working in psychological service in a large, non-profit community organization. 

 

 

I.          Service Delivery

 

The Intern acts under the direction and supervision of a Clinical Supervisor. Job duties include:

1.      Conducting thorough and systematic psychosocial assessments of incoming clients, including DSM/ICD diagnoses.

2.      Providing group, individual and couples' therapy to LGBT and/or HIV community members, as well as their partners, children and families. This agency utilizes a time-limited, focused approach to psychotherapy and service must be delivered in a gender and culturally appropriate fashion. Case-load will vary with hours worked and will be determined by the Clinical Supervisor and the Director of Behavioral Health Services. Psychotherapy will be provided in a fashion consistent with State of California laws and regulations, professional standards of care, agency guidelines, and professional ethical guidelines. Psychotherapy is provided under the supervision of a Clinical Supervisor.

3.      Collection of, and appropriate recording and/or billing of, fees-for-service.

4.      Timely professional maintenance of clinical records and documentation, including progress notes, treatment plans and ongoing evaluation of client progress, consistent with agency expectations and ethical standards.

5.      Weekly shifts in “On-Duty” providing assessment, information and referral to prospective clients.

6.      Participate in rotation of Heidorn Lifeline, a crisis and suicide hotline phone specific to the San Diego LGBT/HIV communities.

7.      Attendance and participation in weekly individual (1:1) and group clinical supervision.

8.      Attendance and participation in training seminars on clinical issues.

9.      Attendance and participation in organizational seminars on cultural diversity.

10.  Timely and accurate completion of service statistics.

11.  Other professional duties as assigned by the Clinical Supervisor.

 

II.        Ensuring the Safety and Well-Being of All Visitors

A.       Ensure that all facility requirements are in good working order.

B.       Promptly report to the facilities director any repair issues.

 

PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY

 

I.          Dependability/Reliability

A.   Report to work on time and inform appropriate staff when involved in other duties away from the agency.

B.   Provide advance notice in a timely manner for all scheduled leave.

C.   Maintain proper attendance requirements in compliance with agency policies.

II.        Attitude and Flexibility

A.   Exercise good judgment under various work situations.

B.   Adapt to changes in agency routines and issues.

C.   Maintain flexibility in completing tasks as required by the position.

D.   Exhibit positive daily work attitudes on a consistent basis.

III.       Interpersonal Relations

A.   Create a positive environment for all people in the agency by addressing issues of harassment, discrimination or lack of respect immediately.

B.   Continue to pursue the development of cultural sensitivity and proficiency in service delivery.

C.   Provide documentation regarding difficult situations.

D.   Exhibit cooperation and courtesy while creating a positive public image for The Center and productive work environment.

 

IV.       Quality/Quantity of Work

A.   Perform all daily functions in accordance with institutional policies and procedures.

B.   Ensure that all work is completed to quality professional standards

V.   Additional Performance Indicators will include quarterly review of the deliverables listed on individual work plan and the following:

1.      Examination by Clinical Supervisor and/or Coordinator of Behavioral Health Services of assessments conducted for thoroughness and accuracy of diagnostic decisions.

2.      Evaluation of number of assessments conducted in proportion to work plan requirements.

3.      Evaluation by Clinical Supervisor and/or Coordinator of Behavioral Health Services of degree and speed of empathic alliance formation, ability to maintain alliance, progress toward treatment goals and case conceptualization.

4.      Evaluation of number of clients and number of service delivery units provided, relative to training plan.

5.      Evaluation of case charts by Clinical Administrator, Clinical Supervisor and Coordinator of Behavioral Health Services to determine thoroughness and timely completion of clinical records and documentation, including progress notes, treatment plans and ongoing evaluation of client progress, consistent with agency expectations and ethical standards.

6.      Evaluation by Clinical Supervisor to determine actual attendance at weekly individual (1:1) and group clinical supervision, as well as training seminars, and level of professional and appropriate participation.

7.      Consultation with Clinical Supervisor to determine attendance and level of participation in weekly assessment and case assignment meetings.

8.      Consultation with Clinical Administrator, Data Management, and Coordinator of Behavioral Health Services to determine whether timely and accurate completion of monthly service statistics has been accomplished.

9.      Evaluation by Clinical Supervisor and Coordinator of Behavioral Health Services of level of cooperation and professionalism displayed.

 

 

Training Resources/Staff/Facilities/Support

     The LGBT Community Center has three locations; the main building and community center, the Hillcrest Youth Center and the Behavioral Health Services location.  All psychological services are provided at the Behavioral Health Services location at 2313 El Cajon Blvd. San Diego, CA 92104.  The building is a two story office building that is handicapped accessible on the main floor.  Interns share private offices that are equipped with computer, printer, telephone and internet access.  Although Behavioral Health Services does not provide regular psychological testing batteries, such equipment is available to interns when there is a clinical need to conduct such an evaluation.  Testing supervision is also available as needed.  Interns are provided with standard office supplies and may request additional equipment or supplies as approved by their clinical supervisor. 

     Behavioral Health Services employs three full time psychologists, two part time psychologists, a part time M.F.T., a clinical administrator, an information and referral specialist and a front desk receptionist.  We also have a board certified psychiatrist who has office hours at our facility once per week for our HIV clients.   These are core staff positions.  All psychologists participate in the training program as primary or secondary supervisors and are available for clinical consultations.  Five intern positions are available per year.  Interns may engage the clerical support services of the receptionist and the clinical administrator as needed and approved by their clinical supervisor. 

     Clinical Staff

Amanda Quayle, Psy.D.; Clinical Coordinator

Carrie Morison, Psy.D.; Clinical Supervisor
Graduated in 1996 from United States International University with a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology and has been licensed since 1998. Areas of Specialty include living with life changing illness, mood disorders, anxiety, and work place trauma and injury. Dr. Morrison oversees the day-to-day functioning of Health Services and provides clinical supervision. She maintains a private practice in Hillcrest.

Kurt Buis, Psy.D.; Staff Psychologist
Graduated in 1991 from United States International University with a doctoral degree in Psychology and has been licensed since 1996. Areas of Specialty include HIV/AIDS, Chemical Dependency, LGB/Transgender issues, Mood Disorders, Greif, and Domestic Violence. He maintains a private practice here in San Diego, as well as participating on staff at Alpha Behavioral Health Services.

Marylupe Flores, LCSW, PPSC; Staff Therapist
Graduated in 1996 from San Jose State University earning a master’s degree in Social Work as well as a Pupil Personnel Services Credential, and has been licensed since 2000, Areas of Specialty include: School-Based Mental Health, Children, Youth and their Families, Human Sexuality, LGBT issues and HIV/AIDS. She also has extensive experience working with Latino Clients. She provides direct clinical services, and is bilingual in Spanish.

Michael Majeski, Psy.D.; Staff Psychologist
Graduated from Ryokan College in 1997 earning a doctoral degree in clinical psychology and has been licensed since 2005. Areas of Specialty include: HIV/AIDS, GLBT Coming out ad Life change issues, Substance Abuse, Mood Disorders, Co Occurring Disorders with Children, Adolescents, Adults, Couples and Groups. He maintains a private practice in Hillcrest.

Marilee L.M. Wasell, Ph.D.; Staff Psychologist
Graduated in 2004 from California School of Professional Psychology (San Diego) earning a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology, and has been licensed since 2006. Areas of Specialty include neuropsychology, psychophysiology, chronic illness, chronic pain, Trauma, Children, Family, and Couples therapy, Sexual Abuse, Human Sexuality, HIV/AIDS, and LGBT issues. She is adjunct faculty at National University, teaching courses for the Master's of Arts in Counseling Program. She maintains a private practice in La Jolla.

     The LGBT Community Center as a whole employs over 50 paid staff and is housed at 3909 Centre St. in San Diego .  This main facility serves as a community hub for information and programming and houses all of the Center’s senior level staff members.  It is also handicapped accessible throughout the main floor. 

 

Methods of Evaluation

 

Due process procedures attached. 

 

 

Philosophy of Training

 

     The Behavioral Health Services Department serves as an integral part of the services that are provided to the LGBT and HIV/AIDS community by the San Diego LGBT Community Center.  Behavioral Health Services provides individual, group, couples and family counseling services as well as  information and referral services on a drop-in basis to the community.  Our role is to attend to the psychological well being of our clientele and provide culturally competent, professional psychological services within a brief treatment model. 

 

     Behavioral Health Services follows the practitioner-scholar model of training.  Our training program emphasizes providing culturally competent services to the LGBT and HIV communities within a model of the scientific and research based practice of professional psychology.  Interns are provided with a year long training experience that encourages them to become ethical, responsible and independent practitioners of psychology.  Interns are initially provided with close supervision and training on the concomitant psychotherapeutic issues to HIV disease and LGBT culture in order to provide appropriate psychological service to these communities.  Interns will also meet with their individual supervisors and the Coordinator of Behavioral Health Servicesin the first weeks of to establish professional and clinical goals for the internship experience.  Health

Services is committed to helping interns develop appropriate clinical judgment, move toward

professional licensure as a psychologist and begin to practice and recognize themselves as

professionals.  The psychologists at Behavioral Health Services strive to model professional development, adherence to research and empirically based interventions and involvement in local and national organizations committed to the practice of psychology. 

   

 Commitment to Diversity and Cultural Sensitivity

 

The Center is committed to a policy of non-discrimination in employment and in the provision of all services.  It is an explicit goal of all Center programs to be inclusive and representative of the diversity found in the San Diego community. Honoring, promoting and celebrating our community’s diversity is a central organizing principle for The Center, as well as a part of our mission statement. Every staff member, board member, and volunteer is committed to helping to create an environment where each individual can feel respected, welcomed, and understood. The Center provides services without regard to race, ethnicity, color, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, ancestry, genetic characteristics, political belief or activity, status as a veteran, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state and local laws.

 

The Center encourages all staff to:

 

§          Be willing to engage in a continual self-education process, learning as much about different cultures, nationalities, political affiliations, age groups, religions, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, practices, and beliefs as we can,

§          Be willing to re-examine our own stereotypes, beliefs, and ideas about people who may be different from ourselves or have different life experiences,

§          Be willing to recognize the ways we may enjoy privileges that others don’t and be cautious about abusing those privileges,

§          Be committed to creating a safe space for all community members, and

Understand clearly that “none of us are free until we are all free.” The pursuit of full and equal rights for all is one of our core commitments.