Crisis Specialist (Extra-Hire) Associate or Licensed, Crisis Stabilization Unit & Jail Mental Health

Crisis Specialist

At the County of Marin, our employees overwhelmingly report feeling their work is meaningful, they like the work they do, and they are proud to tell people "I work for the County of Marin." Discover more about us, our values and our organizational culture on the Department of Human Resources website. Read on to find out more about this opportunity.

Department of Health & Human Services

At Health & Human Services, we serve our community through the values of support, unity, trust and excellence with one common goal: to promote and protect the health, well-being, safety and self-sufficiency of all in Marin. Join our team of bright, committed, and energetic people who also want to make an impact through public service.

About The Position

We have an on-going need for extra-hire employees in our Crisis Stabilization Unit, and Mobile Crisis Continuum and for Crisis Specialists (Associates or Licensed). Depending on the position, you may receive one of the differentials below:

• PM/evening shift = 7.5%
• NOC/overnight shift = 15%
• Weekend shift = 10%
• Weekend PM/evening shift = 17.5%
• Weekend NOC/Overnight shift = 25%
• 10% differential paid for all shifts worked in the jail

You must work a minimum of four (4) hours within the defined shift to qualify for the shift differential. Schedule/hours availability vary depending on the department needs. Shift differentials are paid for evening, weekend, overnight and holiday shifts.

We are currently starting all new Crisis Specialists (Associates) hires at the top step: $55.86hourly.

We are currently starting all new Licensed Crisis Specialist hires at the top step: $59.44hourly.

Below is a description of the work done in the service areas:

• Crisis Stabilization Unit: The crisis specialists provide psychiatric assessment to clients in an outpatient Crisis Stabilization Unit, most of whom are held under W&I code 5150. The crisis specialist is responsible for assessing the mental status of clients, determining whether they meet criteria for involuntary observation and treatment (as a danger to self or others, or as gravely disabled). With information derived from a clinical interview, nursing report, case history, and collateral information the crisis specialist writes a semi-structured report, develops and then implements a treatment plan for clients under their care.
• Jail Mental Health Services: The crisis specialists provide psychiatric assessment to clients in a correctional institution. They are responsible for conducting crisis and mental health assessments of inmate patients, either at time of booking or at any point during their incarceration. Evaluations and treatment can include brief psychotherapeutic interventions, medication management, crisis intervention, and 5150 evaluations. With information derived from a clinical interview, nursing and deputy reports, case history, and collateral information, including the reason for their arrest and incarceration, the Crisis Specialist/Licensed Crisis Specialist writes a semi-structured report, develops and then implements a treatment plan for clients under their care including making referrals to appropriate disciplines and agencies (at discharge) based on the indicated need.

About You

Our Highly Qualified Candidate

Our highly qualified candidate will have experience working with mentally ill clients across all ages in crisis or emergent situations. They will be able to work well with a small team. The candidate will be able to organize their work effectively, as well as being able to document complex clinical information quickly, accurately, and concisely, and utilize this information to rapidly develop a treatment plan. The ideal candidate can provide a welcoming environment to even the most distraught client. The ideal candidate will have strong diagnostic and assessment skills in addition to having the ability to work with and relay information to a wide-range of clients, families, and other professionals. In addition, the ideal candidate will have experience in de-escalating persons in high-stress and/or high anxiety situations in order to maintain the safety of Patients and Staff on unit.

HIGHLY DESIRABLE: Bilingual skills in Spanish and English are highly desirable. Bilingual Testing/Certification: The successful candidate must possess bilingual skills and must demonstrate proficiency in both Spanish and English prior to appointment. A bilingual proficiency exam will be administered to ensure the candidates possess the appropriate skill level to meet the requirements.

Qualifications:

• Considerable knowledge of the principles, trends and literature of psychiatric and psychosocial work as appropriate to one's scope of practice.
• Procedures, techniques and terminology of psychiatric and psychosocial assessment and treatment determinations.
• Pharmacology of medications and psychotropic drugs.
• Dynamics of human behavior.
• General knowledge of developing psychiatric and psychosocial treatment and discharge plans, including linking and referring clients to resources.
• Principles of clinical supervision and training as appropriate to one's license status.
• Planning and developing specialized mental health and mental health-related assignments.
• Local, state and federal laws pertaining to mental health and client's rights.
• Mental health services provided by MediCal providers.

Ability to:

• Establish and maintain confidence, trust and cooperation of persons contacted in the course of their work.
• Communicate effectively; write concise reports and evaluations.
• Assess client's psychiatric and psychosocial needs; develop treatment and discharge plans, including linking and referring clients to needed resources.
• Evaluate and problem-solve difficult interpersonal situations.
• Physically restrain and seclude clients in a psychiatric unit.
• Record observations correctly and maintain client's electronic chart with proper clinical and legal documentation.
• Guide, orient, and train less experienced workers and interns.
• Work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to include staff, private psychiatrists, law enforcement personnel, community groups, family members/support persons, and other treatment providers.
• Work with system resources, other helping agencies and private therapists to provide optimum client care.
• Assist in developing and planning mental health programs.
• Provide psychotherapy for clients.

Minimum Qualifications:

EITHER possession of a Master's degree from an accredited institution in social work, psychology, counseling or a closely related field by first date of employment OR possession of a Doctoral degree in clinical psychology or a closely related field by first date of employment AND equivalent to one year of clinical behavioral health experience under qualified supervision in a behavioral health setting appropriate to the assignment.

Certifications and Licenses:

Crisis Specialist: From the first day of employment, an employee must be registered with the State of California, Board of Behavioral Sciences as an Associate Clinical Social Worker, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist OR Associate Professional Clinical Counselor employees must successfully pass the licensing exam within six years from the date of employment.

From the first date of employment, an employee who is an unlicensed Psychologist is required to be waiver-eligible AND must successfully pass the licensing exam within the five-year waiver period.

Failure to obtain licensure within specified timelines will result in termination of employment. Incumbents must acquire the appropriate licensure before advancing to the Licensed Crisis Specialist.

Licensed Crisis Specialist: Must be professionally licensed by the State of California, Board of Behavioral Sciences as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, or a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor OR must be professionally licensed as a Clinical Psychologist issued by the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs, Board of Psychology.

Qualified non-California residents must submit proof of license eligibility in California that meets the requirement of their prospective licensing board and be waiver eligible from the California Department of Health Care Services.

Failure to obtain licensure within the specified timelines, and/or loss of State registration at any time, will result in termination of employment.

Employees who drive on County business to carry out job-related duties must possess a valid California driver's license for the class of vehicle driven and meet automobile insurability requirements of the County including review of a recent DMV history. At the time of the selection interview by the appointing authority, applicants will have to furnish a recent DMV driving record.