Mental Health Case Manager I/II

Mental Health Case Manager

Under general direction, to learn and perform initial client interviewing and service intakes; to learn procedures and develop and facilitate client services and case management plans; to recommend assignment of cases to professional staff; to provide paraprofessional and treatment support services for County Mental Health and/or Substance Abuse Clients; and to do related work as required.

This is the entry and basic in the Mental Health Case Manager class series. Incumbents learn methods, procedures, and policies and perform basic assignments in providing direct and support services working with individuals, couples, families, or groups, as appropriate. This classification is distinguished from Mental Health Case Manager II in that Mental Health Case Manager I's perform many assignments in a training and learning capacity and work under closer supervision.

Reports to Deputy Director, Mental Health, Mental Health Director, or Substance Abuse Program Administrator.

Classifications supervised: This is not a supervisory classification.

Typical physical requirements: Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing 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 is performed in office, clinic, or community environments; work is performed with people who may exhibit unstable and potentially violent behavior; continuous contact with other staff and the public.

Any combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be: Completion of college courses in a behavioral or social science area, including, but not limited to Addiction, Psychology, Sociology, Recreation, Child Care, Social Work, Counseling, and related fields. Some previous work experience in providing case management services is highly desirable. One year of responsible experience in providing case management services comparable to a Mental Health Case Manager I with San Benito County. Special requirements: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License.

Knowledge of: Principles, procedures, techniques and trends related to counseling, therapy, and guidance of individuals, groups, and families in mental health programs and/or alcohol and drug treatment and prevention programs. Interviewing and client assessment techniques. Crisis intervention methods and techniques. Ability to: Interview clients for Mental Health and/or Substance Abuse Services, developing initial assessments regarding program eligibility and client needs. Perform mental health and/or alcohol and drug abuse recovery support services with individual clients and groups, as assigned. Learn, apply and explain Federal and State laws, rules, and regulations governing mental health and/or alcohol and drug programs and services. Develop and maintain cooperative, constructive relationships with families of clients, members of professional disciplines, social agencies and other staff. Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive case work records and make sound recommendations. Develop and implement client case management services. Effectively counsel clients, groups, and families. Maintain the confidentiality of case information. Recognize a potential crisis and deliver crisis intervention services. Handle stress and unusual client behavior. Effectively represent the County Mental Health Department or Substance Abuse with the public, community organizations, other County staff, and other government agencies.