Mental Health Clinician I/II

THIS POSTING WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL FILLED AND MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME Definition Under general direction, provide assessments, diagnoses, prognoses, counseling and psychotherapeutic treatment for Mental Health Department clients; provide education, consultation services, and training for other staff, community agencies, and the public; and do related work as required. Distinguishing Characteristics I This is an entry level professional Mental Health Clinician classification; the individual typically is unlicensed but registered with the State Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) as an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ACSW) or Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT). Individuals occupying the Mental Health Clinician-I have not completed the BBS required number of clinical service delivery hours working under the supervision of an assigned Licensed Clinician. They complete clinical service delivery responsibilities under such supervision. Individuals in this series provide a variety of mental health services for individuals and groups, develop case service plans, identify appropriate treatment methods, and use applied psychotherapeutic techniques. Upon successful completion of State Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) licensing exams and the awarding of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist designation, incumbents may be promoted to the Mental Health Clinician Level II. II This is the advanced-level professional Mental Health Clinician classification. Individuals at Level II have completed BBS requirements to possess licensed credentials (LCSW, LMFT). Incumbents independently provide a variety of mental health services for individuals and groups, develop case service plans, and use applied psychotherapeutic techniques. Reports To I Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor or designee. II Assistant Director of Behavioral Health, Director of Behavioral Health, Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor or designee. Typical Physical Requirements Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects up to 25 lbs.; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and fax. Typical Working Conditions Work performed in an office, clinic, home, school, or community environments; interactions with people who may exhibit unstable and potentially violent behavior; continuous contact with other staff and the public. Examples of Important and Essential Duties Meet with individuals, families, and groups in clinic, home, schools, and community settings to develop client-centered service plans. Provide direction for client mental health and community activities. Assist clients with understanding their problems and developing plans to resolve them. Provide a variety of mental health counseling and therapy for clients and their families. Work with clients' families to secure their cooperation in treatment programs. Advise clients on available community resources and serve as a liaison with organizations and service agencies. Make referrals and other arrangements for client treatment and service as necessary. Serve as a consultant for other mental health staff; prepare and present progress reports on assigned cases. Cooperate with professionals from other disciplines in the development of team and collaborative diagnoses and treatment programs. Develop recommendations for discharge and follow-up treatment planning for clients and their families; may be assigned administrative responsibilities, including scheduling and case assignments. Perform crisis intervention. Perform involuntary hospitalization assessments and arrange for hospitalization when necessary; may serve as an expert witness in court cases. Other duties as assigned. Education Equivalent to a Master's degree in psychology, social work, marriage and family counseling, or a related field from an accredited college or university. Experience I Two years of professional experience working in mental health counseling, psychotherapy, and related social services in a public or certified private welfare or health agency. II One year as a Mental Health Clinician I with the County of San Benito. OR Three years of professional experience working in mental health counseling, psychotherapy, and related social services in a public or certified private welfare or health agency. Special Requirements Possession of a license as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker or as a Marriage and Family Therapist issued by the State of California. Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License. Knowledge of Principles, techniques and trends in counseling, psychotherapy, and various treatment modalities. Biological, behavioral and environmental aspects of emotional disturbances, mental disability, retardation, and substance abuse. The scope and activities of public and private health and welfare agencies and other available community resources. Identification of individual, social, and environmental problems and their analysis and resolution in existing social contexts. Legislative and administrative rules and regulations pertaining to Lanterman-Petris-Short and Short-Doyle services. Ability to Perform a variety of complex psychiatric social work and psychotherapy for Mental Health Department clients. Develop clear and comprehensive case records and documentation. Develop and maintain cooperative, constructive relationships with families of clients, members of other professional disciplines, social agencies, and other staff. Prepare treatment plans, client treatment recommendations, and a variety of reports. Organize and manage a caseload. Define a therapist's role and deal with clients in a variety of circumstances and settings in accordance with professional standards and ethics. Conceptualize and prioritize the problems of mentally disordered persons, determining their needs, services, and appropriate treatment methods. Integrate a number of clinical approaches into a treatment plan. Recognize a potential crisis and deliver crisis intervention services. Handle stress and unstable client behavior. Work with people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Effectively represent the Mental Health Department in contacts with clients, the public, community organizations, other County staff, and other government agencies. The contents of this class specification shall not be construed to constitute any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee, nor shall it constitute a contract of employment. The County of San Benito assumes no responsibility beyond the general accuracy of the document, nor does it assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained herein. The contents of this specification may be modified or revoked without notice. Terms and conditions of employment are determined through a "meet and confer" process and are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding currently in effect. Selection Process All completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed. Depending upon the number of applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, the examination process may include a screening committee (pass/fail) and/or an oral examination (100%) which may include a written practical component to determine placement on the eligible list. Additional Information In accordance with California Government Code section 3100, employees are considered disaster service workers who may be required to report for duty, or remain on duty to address disaster service activities in the event of an emergency or disaster and are required to undertake an applicable loyalty oath. #J-18808-Ljbffr