Behavioral Health Clinician ll - Correctional Health Services

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINICIAN II Applicants must possess a current, valid license to practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) , Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) , or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) issued by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS). If you have applied for your license but do not have it by the date of application, you must provide proof of your BBS license application at the time of application submission. Candidates without a valid LCSW, LMFT, LPCC, or proof of application will be disqualified from the recruitment. Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate’s qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization. Premium Pay In addition to hourly salary, eligible applicants may receive premium pay for the following items. Bilingual Pay: Qualified employees who meet the criteria will receive an additional $0.90 per hour for all hours paid. Night Shift Differential: Employees assigned to a night shift shall be paid a differential for each hour actually worked on the night shift. Jail Supplement: Employees permanently assigned to the Central Jail/Intake/Release Center, Theo Lacy Branch Jail, or James Musick Facility will receive an additional $1.50 per hour for all paid hours. Call-Back Pay: Employees who return to work because of an agency/department request may be eligible for Call-Back pay as detailed in the agency’s policy. Responsibilities Perform psychosocial MH evaluation, drug screening, and conduct needs assessments to determine facility mental health needs and referrals. Provide individual and group interventions utilizing evidence‑based practices, conduct case management activities, facilitate referrals and linkages to community services, and document services rendered. Use evidence‑based practices for individuals and groups with psychological and substance use disorders to address barriers to re‑entry and prevent relapse to criminal behaviors. Plan and coordinate the re‑entry plan with the client on an ongoing basis while in custody and ensure increased follow‑through. Avoid gaps in care with community‑based services and post‑custody supervision. Develop individualized service plans by determining appropriate level of interventions based on client’s current level of functioning, symptoms, behaviors, and identifying target inmates’ multiple criminogenic needs to enhance re‑entry and reduce recidivism. Link the target population to a continuum of treatment and supportive services upon release, including counseling, medication support, housing, and transportation. Facilitate connections with family and other support systems such as forensic peer support mentors; conduct re‑entry groups with the target population prior to release to troubleshoot barriers to successful re‑entry. Collaborate frequently with BHS agencies, Adult Correctional Health Services (ACHS), Sheriff’s Department staff, and external contacts such as police agencies, families, court personnel, community hospital staff, and other county agencies to match clients’ criminogenic risks and behavioral health/substance use needs with appropriate community supervision and treatment. Other work as assigned. Desired Qualifications The ideal candidate should demonstrate sound judgment, good decision making and problem‑solving skills. The candidate should have experience working with the severely mentally ill population, have case‑management experience, be able to work independently, demonstrate reliability, proactive involvement in work, confidence, and optimism in performing daily tasks. Technical Knowledge Understanding and applying Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Knowledge of relapse prevention and best practices for treating and engaging mentally ill clients. Performing clinical risk assessment related to danger to self, danger to others, or grave disability. Discharge planning and linking clients to community resources. Understanding of relapse prevention. Using Subjective‑Objective‑Assessment‑Plan (SOAP) format for progress notes and reports. Proficiency with Electronic Health Records (EHR), Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification by date of appointment. Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Analyze factors contributing to overall health problems and/or recidivism. Assess and evaluate client’s presenting symptoms and behaviors rapidly and accurately, establishing appropriate clinical boundaries. Recognize factors outside mental health that could impact overall functioning and refer appropriately. Make quick and effective decisions to prevent injury or loss of life, financial loss, or public relations issues. Maintain personal safety and security while providing care to vulnerable clients. Communication Prepare written materials and present information professionally. De‑escalate hostile or confrontational clients/customers. Communicate effectively in person and in writing. Collaboration Engage clients in discharge planning and develop viable self‑care plans. Participate as a member of a multidisciplinary clinical team. Collaborate with stakeholders including the Sheriff's Department, Probation, Public Defender, Social Services Agency, Regional Center, Housing Authority, and other agencies to ensure smooth transition from jail to community. Interpersonal Skills Eliminate personal biases when working with diverse clients. Be flexible in various clinical areas, including handling complex mental health cases. Show compassion without judgment toward clients charged with criminal conduct. Maintain a positive attitude and manage stress when dealing with clients, families, and law enforcement personnel. Special Qualifications / Requirements Must not have felony convictions or be on any form of probation. Must be able to pass and maintain a background investigation to the satisfaction of the Orange County Sheriff‑Coroner. Must be able to work weekends, evenings, night shifts, and holidays in a 24‑hour, 7‑day‑a‑week correctional environment. Minimum Qualifications Applicants must have completed six (6) semester or nine (9) quarter units focused on marital/couple/family therapy, possess 500 hours of documented supervised experience working with couples/families/children, and have six (6) hours of continuing education during each license renewal cycle. Applicants applying with an out‑of‑state license should refer to the county’s minimum qualifications guidelines. Equal Employment Opportunity Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr