Senior Mental Health Counselor

Senior Mental Health Counselor

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Senior Mental Health Counselor

Salary

$114,067.44 - $125,760.24 Annually

Location

Sacramento, CA

Job Type

Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

28147-F

Department

DHHS - Health & Human Services

Opening Date

07/07/2015

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

The Position

This is a continuous filing exam. The next filing cut-off is at 5:00 pm on:

Note: Permanent full-time and temporary intermittent positions may be available.

Please click on the below link to learn more about the position and to review the full recruitment brochure:

Senior Mental Health Counselor (

The following table illustrates the salary range for this position should you be assigned to one of the programs that receives a differential:

Program

Differential AmountCombined Salary

Community Support Team5%$116,306.82 - $128,211.55

Homeless Engagement and Response Team (In the Field/Encampments)5%$116,306.82 - $128,211.55

Mental Health Treatment Center7.5%$119,076.03 - $131,264.21

Mobile Crisis Support Team10%$121,845.24 - $134,316.86

Community Wellness Response Team10%$121,845.24 - $134,316.86

YDF – Valley Oak Youth Academy15%$127,383.66 - $140,422.18

Under direction, to provide professional mental health treatment services for severe mental disorders in in-patient or out patient settings, including assessment, diagnosis, crisis intervention, individual and group counseling, non-medical psychotherapy, and initiation of involuntary holds; to prepare reports and maintain records related to patient or client services; and to perform related duties as assigned.

Senior Mental Health Counselor is assigned the more complex and difficult cases, and the majority of positions in this class require a license. This level typically has responsibility as a lead worker, providing guidance, consultation and direction to lower level professionals and paraprofessionals as a team leader within a given shift or function, and in crisis situations.

Examples of Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of

• principles and techniques of clinical interviewing, diagnosis, and assessment

• the most current version of DSM

• theories, principles and techniques of individual and group psychotherapy

• psychological, physical and social aspects of mental disorders, chemical dependency, and recovery

• theories of human behavior and personality and techniques of evaluating, and modifying human behavior

• planning, development and implementation of comprehensive treatment plans

• Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations governing mental health treatment

• basic techniques of training

• referral sources and community resources

Ability to

• conduct accurate and thorough assessments of client status, history, danger to self and others, progress, chemical dependency, and related mental health information

• prepare diagnoses and evaluations of mental disorders

• conduct effective professional clinical interviews

• formulate, implement, and monitor treatment plans

• conduct group and individual psychotherapy

• respond appropriately in crisis situations

• understand, interpret and apply complex mental-health technical materials and applicable laws, codes and regulations

• establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, families, staff, and other agencies

• prepare effective written reports

• maintain accurate records

• communicate effectively in oral and written form

• provide effective training, guidance and consultation to other staff

• assist in physically controlling and/or restraining violent and/or combative patients

Employment Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

A Master's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in a mental health related field such as psychology, counseling, social work, or psychiatric nursing.

AND

Either: 1. Two years of post-Master's degree supervised experience in a mental health related setting providing direct services to mentally or emotionally disabled persons., including dual diagnosis and addiction issues for those assigned to substance abuse settings.

Or: 2. Two years of experience in the class of Mental Health Counselor in Sacramento County service.

Note: Persons who were employed by the Sacramento County Health Department and who held permanent status in Sacramento County civil service, in the class of Rehabilitation Counselor as of October 22, 1981 shall be deemed to meet the minimum qualifications of Senior Mental Health Counselor.

Note: The word "experience" referenced in the minimum qualifications means full-time paid experience unless the job announcement states that volunteer experience is acceptable. Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements.

Note: If the minimum qualifications include an educational or certificate/license requirement, applicants must submit proof of requirements with the application. Failure to submit proof of requirements may result in disqualification from the examination. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. For guidelines on submitting acceptable proof of educational requirements, please click here ( or speak to someone in our office before the final filing or cut-off date listed in this notice.

Special Requirements

License Requirements:

Note: Failure to obtain and/or maintain such required license(s) may be cause for disciplinary action in accordance with Civil Service Commission rules.

• Selected positions require possession of a valid Class C California Driver License, or the ability to arrange for field travel, at the time of appointment.

• Current certification of training in CPR is required within 6 months of employment for positions assigned to the Sacramento County Mental Health Treatment Center.

In addition to the above,

• Many positions require current licensure by the State of California to practice as a marriage, family and child counselor (MFT), clinical social worker (LCSW), clinical psychologist, registered nurse, or psychiatrist.

Working Conditions:

• Duties require exposure to patients who may be hostile, violent, mentally ill, and/or who may have infectious diseases.

• Positions assigned to the Mental Health Treatment Center work shifts and holidays.

Other Special Requirements

Some positions in these classes may require the ability to communicate fluently in a language other than English. Incumbents in such special skills positions utilize the language skill in performing the duties of the class and may serve as a consultant to others in planning and delivering effective mental health services to individuals of different language and cultural backgrounds.

The Civil Service Commission approved the use of selection certification for a special skill for the class May 8, 1980, revised the types of special skills applicable to this class March 12, 1987, and approved the use of selective certification for special language skills on April 9, 1987.

Probationary Period

The probationary period for this classification is six (6) months.

Application and Testing Information

APPLICATION

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. All applicants must complete and submit an online County of Sacramento employment application by 5:00 PM on the posted cut-off date. Click here ( to apply.

County of Sacramento

Department of Personnel Services

Employment Services Division

700 H Street, Room 4667

Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone View phone number on click.appcast.io; 7-1-1 California Relay Service

Email View email address on click.appcast.io

Inter-Office Mail Code: 09-4667

• Employment applications and all documentation requested in this announcement must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.

• Employment Services is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by an applicant's computer or web browser. Applicants will be automatically logged out if they have not submitted their applications and all documentation prior to 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.

• Your application should highlight all relevant education, training, and experience, and clearly indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position as of the cut-off date.

• Application information must be current, concise and related to the requirements in this job announcement. You may only apply for this recruitment once. Duplicate and incomplete applications will be disqualified.

• A resume may be included with your application, however it will not substitute for the information requested on the application.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE

Applicants are required to provide a full and complete response to each supplemental question. The Supplemental Questionnaire is located in the tab marked "Supplemental Questions". Please be descriptive in your response.

Note:Responses of "See Resume" or "See Application", or copy and paste of work experience are not qualifying responses and will not be considered.

• Supplemental Questionnaires must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date. Employment Services is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by an applicant's computer or web browser. Applicants will be automatically logged out if they have not submitted their applications and all documentation prior to 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.

• The supplemental questions are designed to elicit specific information regarding a candidate's experience, education, and training. Responses should be consistent with the information on your application and are subject to verification.

• Please provide place of employment, pertinent dates, and concise, descriptive and detailed information for each question.

• If a job included responsibilities applicable to several questions, separate the different functions of the job to answer all the questions completely.

• Resumes or referral to the application or other questionnaire responses will not be accepted in lieu of completing each question.

• If you have no experience, write "no experience" for the appropriate question.

• For many individuals, it is more efficient to develop responses to the supplemental questions in a word processing document and then paste them into the final document to be submitted. Changes or corrections to your Supplemental Questionnaire cannot be made once your application packet has been submitted.

• If the Supplemental Questionnaire is used in the Formula Rate exam, failure to complete all of the questions or incomplete responses will result in a lower score. While scoring the Supplemental Questionnaire, the candidate's application and/or attachments will not be reviewed, therefore, a candidate's responses to the questions should be accurate, thorough, detailed, and complete.

FORMULA RATE EXAMINATION (Weighted 100%)

All candidates meeting the minimum qualifications by the cut-off date will have their Supplemental Questionnaire scored in the Formula Rate Examination.

This examination will evaluate the relevance, level, recency, progression and quality of candidate's education, training and experience. The candidate's application or other materials will not be included in this examination. Therefore, the candidate's responses to the supplemental questionnaire should be thorough, detailed and complete. The score from the Formula Rate Examination will determine the ranking on the eligible/employment list for this job.

All candidates competing in the testing process will receive written notice of their examination results by email. Notices can also be accessed in their governmentjobs.com inbox. Applicants achieving a passing score will be placed on the eligible list in rank order. The rank is determined by the test score attained from the examination.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click here ( for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

For information regarding County jobs:

Sacramento County is about enriching communities to thrive. We strive to create inclusive workplaces that reflect the communities we serve. We value and celebrate the unique perspectives, backgrounds, abilities, and diverse dimensions of our employees and residents. Through transparency, courage, innovation, and trust we are committed to advance equity and transformational change.

We are a proud equal opportunity employer. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability for any phase of the hiring process, please contact our Disability Compliance Office at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io, CA Relay 711. For more information, visit: Reasonable Accommodation Requests - Job Applicant Instructions (

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

At Sacramento County, we strive to provide benefit programs designed to meet our employees’ current and future needs and help them as they balance their careers and personal life. County of Sacramento employees have a variety of benefits available. These benefits include:

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• Health Insurance

• Health Savings Account (HSA)

• Life Insurance

• Critical Illness

• Retiree Health Savings Plan (RHSP)

• Deferred Compensation

More information can be found on the Benefits website (

TEMPORARY POSITIONS:

Most benefits do not apply to temporary positions.

VACATION:

Generally, vacation with pay begins at 10 days annually. With increase over a period of years, the maximum annual vacation with pay is 25 days.

HOLIDAYS:

14.5 holidays per year as recognized by the Board of Supervisors.

SICK LEAVE:

Equivalent to 15 days annually, unlimited accumulation.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT:

Regular County employees may be eligible to receive Tuition Reimbursement. The costs for course tuition/registration fees and required books/supplies may be eligible for reimbursement. Tuition reimbursement amounts may vary depending upon union agreement.

RETIREMENT:

The County’s defined-benefit pension plan is provided by the County Employees’ Retirement Law of 1937 and is managed by the Sacramento County Employees' Retirement System (SCERS) Board of Retirement. For more information, visit the SCERS website,

DENTAL INSURANCE:

For more information, visit the Benefits website (

LIFE INSURANCE:

The County of Sacramento provides a basic life insurance benefit to all eligible employees at no cost. Additional coverage may be purchased through payroll deduction.

For more information, visit the Benefits website (

DEFERRED COMPENSATION:

A deferred compensation program is available through the County 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan. For more information, visit the Benefits website (

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:

The County of Sacramento provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their eligible dependents. The EAP offers confidential, professional counseling services in areas such as:

• Legal Advice/Difficult Decisions

• Marriage or Family Relationships

• Financial or Credit Worries/Elder Care

• Alcohol and Drug Abuse

More information can be found on the Benefits website (

WELLNESS INCENTIVE PROGRAM:

The County will recognize and award time off to eligible employees who maintain an excellent attendance record.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT:

The County offers regular employees two separate Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA's). These accounts allow employees to set money aside, on a pre-tax basis via payroll deduction, to pay for medical, dental or dependent care expenses.

DEPENDENT CARE REIMBURSEMENT ACCOUNT:

Employees may set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified childcare or dependent care expenses that are necessary for the employee and/or spouse to continue working.

MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT ACCOUNT:

The Medical Reimbursement Account allows pre-tax dollars to be set aside to pay for out-of-pocket expenses that are not paid by insurance or reimbursed by any other benefit plan.

WORKERS' COMPENSATION:

In case of injury while on the job, each employee is protected under the Workers' Compensation laws of California.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT OUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: FAQs (

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE:

Military veterans who have served during wartime shall be given preference in initial appointment to County service. Such preference shall apply, provided the veteran has first achieved a minimum passing score in the examination. The passing score of a veteran shall be annotated to indicate the veteran's score shall be regarded as 5 points or higher, OR 10 points higher for disabled veterans, only for the purpose of determining the three ranks along with which the veteran's name shall be certified. No score shall actually be changed and no new rank shall be created as a result of application of veteran's preference for certification purposes.

"Disabled Veteran" means any veteran who has served during wartime and, who, as of the final filing date for an examination is declared by the United States Veterans Administration or military service department to be 10% or more disabled as a result of his/her military service. Persons claiming eligibility for disabled veteran's preference must submit to the employment office, on or before the application deadline date, a certification from the United States Veterans Administration or a military service department, dated within 1 year, which certifies the present existence of a service related disability of 10% or more, or other acceptable proof of such disability as a result of his/her military service.

Persons claiming eligibility for veterans preference must submit a copy of Form DD 214 or other acceptable proof of veteran's status on or before the final filing date for the examination. For purpose of this rule "reserve" status does not constitute active duty.

SPECIAL SKILL QUALIFICATIONS (WHEN SPECIFIED ON THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT):

Persons who have special skills required by some (but not all) positions in a class may be certified ahead of others provided that:

Such special skills are based on the duties and requirements of the positions and are in conformance with merit system and equal opportunity principles, and

The certification of eligibles who possess special skills have been approved by the Civil Service Commission.

01

The following Supplemental Questionnaire is the Civil Service Exam for this position and will be used to determine your exam score.

All experience, education, and/or training used to answer the supplemental questions must be included on your application.

In order to receive every consideration in the selection process, you must complete all questions with concise but detailed answers and provide all requested information. Each answer will be scored separately. References such as 'See Resume' as a response will not be scored.

By continuing in the exam process, you are certifying that all information provided in the Supplemental Questionnaire is true to the best of your knowledge.

• I have read and understood the above instructions.

02

License Requirements: Note: Failure to obtain and/or maintain such required license(s) may be cause for disciplinary action in accordance with Civil Service Commission rules. 1. Selected positions require possession of a valid Class C California Driver License, or the ability to arrange for field travel, at the time of appointment. 2. Current certification of training in CPR is required within 6 months of employment for positions assigned to the Sacramento County Mental Health Treatment Center. In addition to the above, 1. Many positions require current licensure by the State of California to practice as a marriage, family and child counselor, clinical social worker, clinical psychologist, registered nurse, or psychiatrist. Working Conditions: 1. Duties require exposure to patients who may be hostile, violent, mentally ill, and/or who may have infectious diseases. 2. Positions assigned to the Mental Health Treatment Center work shifts and holidays. Other Special Requirements: Some positions in these classes may require the ability to communicate fluently in a language other than English. Incumbents in such special skills positions utilize the language skill in performing the duties of the class and may serve as a consultant to others in planning and delivering effective mental health services to individuals of different language and cultural backgrounds.

• I have read and understood the License Requirements, Working Conditions, and Other Special Requirements as stated on the job announcement and this supplemental questionnaire.

03

Do you possess a current valid license as a Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Clinical Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or other license issued and sanctioned by the State of California governing this field of practice?

• Yes

• No

04

If you selected "Yes" in question number 3; state your current, valid, clear or unencumbered license type, number, and expiration date. You must provide a copy of your license with your application.

05

Mark the one box that best describes your supervised full time, or equivalent, paid post Master's degree experience in a mental health related setting providing direct services to mentally or emotionally disabled persons including co-occurring disorders and addiction issues.

• I have less than 1 year or no experience.

• I have 1 but less than 2 years of experience.

• I have 2 but less than 3 years of experience.

• I have 3 or more years of experience.

06

Mark the one box that best describes your full time, or equivalent, paid experience conducting clinical interviews in order to ascertain current mental health condition as well as medical, substance abuse and social history.

• I have no paid experience in this area.

• I rarely conduct clinical interviews for this purpose. It has not been a regular function of my normal job duties.

• I occasionally conduct clinical interviews for this purpose. It has not been a regular function of my normal job duties.

• I conduct clinical interviews for this purpose as a regular function of my normal job duties.

07

Mark the one box that best describes your full time, or equivalent, paid experience providing crisis intervention and individual counseling for clients and/or families on clinical issues.

• I have no paid experience in this area.

• I rarely provide crisis intervention and individual counseling for clients and/or families on clinical issues. It has not been a regular function of my normal job duties.

• I occasionally provide crisis intervention and individual counseling for clients and/or families on clinical issues but it has not been a regular function of my normal job duties.

• I provide crisis intervention and individual counseling for clients and/or families on clinical issues as a regular function of my normal job duties.

08

Mark the one box that best describes your full time, or equivalent, paid experience developing treatment plans for clients.

• I have no paid experience in this area.

• I rarely develop treatment plans for clients. It has not been a regular function of my normal job duties.

• I occasionally develop treatment plans for clients but it has not been a regular function of my normal job duties.

• I develop treatment plans for clients as a regular function of my normal job duties.

09

Mark the one box that best describes your full time, or equivalent, paid experience working with clients with co-occurring disorders and addiction issues.

• I have no paid experience in this area.

• I rarely work with clients with co-occurring disorders and addiction issues. It has not been a regular function of my normal job duties.

• I occasionally work with clients with co-occurring disorders and addiction issues but it has not been a regular function of my normal job duties.

• I work with clients with co-occurring disorders and addiction issues as a regular function of my normal job duties.

10

Mark the one box that best describes your full time, or equivalent, paid experience working as part of a multi-disciplinary treatment team.

• I have no paid experience in this area.

• I rarely work as part of a multi-disciplinary treatment team. It has not been a regular function of my normal job duties.

• I occasionally work as part of a multi-disciplinary treatment team but it has not been a regular function of my normal job duties.

• I work as part of a multi-disciplinary treatment team as a regular function of my normal job duties.

11

Mark all boxes that describe the types of settings in which you gained full time, or equivalent, paid experience working as part of a multi-disciplinary treatment team.

• I have no paid experience in this area.

• I have paid experience working as part of a multi-disciplinary treatment team in inpatient clinics, hospitals, and/or locked facilities.

• I have paid experience working as part of a multi-disciplinary treatment team in outpatient clinics and/or school sites.

• I have paid experience working as part of a multi-disciplinary treatment team with Adult Day Reporting Centers.

• I have paid experience working as part of a multi-disciplinary treatment team in the residences of clients.

• I have paid experience working as part of a multi-disciplinary treatment team with community and support services agencies.

12

Mark the one box that best describes your full time, or equivalent, paid experience working with agitated and potentially assaultive clients.

• I have no paid experience working with agitated and potentially assaultive clients.

• I rarely work with agitated and potentially assaultive clients. It has not been a regular function of my normal job duties.

• I occasionally work with agitated and potentially assaultive clients but it has not been a regular function of my normal job duties.

• I work with agitated and potentially assaultive clients as a regular function of my normal job duties.

13

Mark the one box that best describes your full time, or equivalent, paid experience assessing and working with suicidal clients.

• I have no paid experience in this area.

• I rarely assess and work with suicidal clients. It has not been a regular function of my normal job duties.

• I occasionally assess and work with suicidal clients but it has not been a regular function of my normal job duties.

• I assess and work with suicidal clients as a regular function of my normal job duties.

14

Mark the one box that best describes your full time, or equivalent, paid experience providing work direction and reviewing the work of staff assigned to you.

• I have no paid experience in this area.

• I rarely provide work direction and review the work of staff. It has not been a regular function of my normal job duties.

• I occasionally provide work direction and review the work of staff but it has not been a regular function of my normal job duties.

• I provide work direction and review the work of staff as a regular function of my normal job duties.

15

Some positions in this class are on-call. Accepting an on-call position does not negatively affect one's opportunity for a permanent position when available. Are you willing to work as an on-call employee?

• Yes

• No

16

Hours of Work: Mark all boxes that show options you would be available for and willing to work.

• Part-time

• Full-time

• Days

• Evenings/Swings

• Nights

• Weekends

• Holidays

17

The County of Sacramento is committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol free workplace. All persons selected for appointment must pass a drug test administered by the County and at no cost to the applicant.

I understand, if offered conditional employment, I will be subject to a drug test administered by the County as described in Sacramento County Personnel Ordinance Section 2.78.030.

• Yes

• No

18

Select the one box that best describes whether you have attended a career fair and/or job event where you have interacted with representatives from Sacramento County.

• Attended in the last one (1) – three (3) months.

• Attended in the last four (4) – six (6) months.

• Attended in the last seven (7) months – one (1) year.

• Attended an event more than one (1) year ago.

• Have attended a career fair and/or job event but did not interact with Sacramento County representatives.

• Have not attended a career fair and/or job event.

19

List the following for the career fair and/or job event you attended: • Name of event • Location of event • Month and year of event If you have not attended an event where you interacted with representatives from Sacramento County, please type "None".

Required Question

Employer

County of Sacramento

Address

700 H Street, Room 4667 Sacramento, California, 95814

Phone

View phone number on click.appcast.io

Website

Apply

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