Mental Health Clinician I/II

Mental Health Clinician

This posting will remain open until filled and may close at any time.

Under general direction, to provide assessments, diagnoses, prognoses, counseling and psychotherapeutic treatment for Mental Health Department clients; to provide education, consultation services, and training for other staff, community agencies, and the public; and to do related work as required.

This is an entry level professional Mental Health Clinician classification and typically the individual that meets the qualifications for this position is an unlicensed clinician that meets the requirements to be and is 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 of the classification series typically have not completed the BBS required number of clinical service delivery hours working under the supervision of an assigned Licensed Clinician as required by the BBS.

This is the advanced-level professional Mental Health Clinician classification. Individuals that occupy the level-2 have completed the BBS requirements to possess the BBS licensed clinician credentials designation (LCSW, or LMFT).

Reports to Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor or designee. Assistant Director of Behavioral Health, Director of Behavioral Health, Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor or designee.

This is not a supervisory classification. May serve as lead clinician.

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. Work is performed in an office, clinic, home, school, or community environments; work is performed with people who may exhibit unstable and potentially violent behavior; continuous contact with other staff and the public.

Meets with individuals, families, and groups in clinic, home, schools, and community settings to develop client centered service plans; Provides direction for client mental health and community activities; Assists clients with understanding their problems and developing plans to resolve them; Provides a variety of Mental Health counseling and therapy for clients and their families; Works with clients' families to secure their cooperation in treatment programs; Advises clients on available community resources and serves as a liaison with organizations and service agencies; Makes referrals and other arrangements for client treatment and service, as necessary; Serves as a consultant for other Mental Health staff; prepares and present progress reports on assigned cases; Cooperates with professionals from other disciplines in the development of team and collaborative diagnoses and treatment programs; Develops recommendations for discharge and follow-up treatment planning for clients and their families; may be assigned administrative responsibilities, including scheduling and case assignments; Performs crisis intervention; Performs involuntary hospitalization assessments and arranges for hospitalization, if necessary, may serve as an expert witness in court cases; Other duties as assigned.

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: 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. AND 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. Experience: 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 Licenced Clinical Social Worker or as a Marriage and Family Counselor 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