Marriage and Family Therapist

Job Description and Duties

The Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) will be directed by the Senior Psychologist, Supervisor in Psychology Services at the Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero (ASH). The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties but not limited to:

• Treat mental and emotional disorders
• Counsel individuals
• Complete required documentation
• Collaborate with the Treatment Team
• Facilitate individual and group therapy
• Collaborate with Treatment Team to provide critical observations about patients; identify and assist with recommendations for appropriate services
• Assist with the development, implementation, and adherence to behavioral plans and treatment plans, including the competent use of electronic systems used for treatment planning and documentation
• Participate in meetings, committees, conferences

Eligibility: To be considered for this career opportunity, applicants must have eligibility by way of one of the following: reachable on a certification list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility.

Working Conditions

• This position requires you to work within the Secured Treatment Area (STA).

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-519361
Position #(s): 455-655-0472-925
Working Title: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Classification: Marriage and Family Therapist
# of Positions: Multiple
Work Location: San Luis Obispo County
Telework: In Office
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
Facility: DSH - Atascadero

Department Information

The Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero is a secure public sector hospital providing inpatient forensic services for mentally ill adult males who are court committed throughout the State of California. Located on the central coast of California, the Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero is in the vicinity of destination locations such as San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, and Morro Bay, with easy access to beautiful beaches, serene natural settings, and many historical landmarks. We invite you to join our professional and talented workforce.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a Drug Screening be passed prior to being hired.

• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.

• The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.

• The position(s) require(s) a(n) CA BBS - Marriage & Family Therapist License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.

• You MUST be licensed to be considered for this position.

• The Medical Staff of DSH-Atascadero requires Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist candidates meet the Medical Staff criteria for allied health professional privileging set forth in the facility bylaws. Candidates applying for both licensed and unlicensed positions must submit the required documents listed under the Required Application Documents Section.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 6/21/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

Benefits

There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California offers a generous benefits package, including but not limited to:

• Medical Benefits (health, dental, and vision)
• Paid Holidays and leave (family medical leave, military leave, etc)
• Defined benefit retirement program with CalPERS
• Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
• School loan forgiveness under federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Commute Program
• Employee Wellness Program (discounts to health clubs)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
• ScholarShare (college savings account)
• On-the-job training and professional development
• Most positions qualify for annual raises until you reach the maximum salary for that position, subject to meeting performance standards

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.