Behavioral Health Clinician I/II - Eureka, United States - Humboldt County, CA

Description

Salary: $ $43.29 Hourly

Location : Eureka, CA

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number:

Department: Department of Health and Human Services

Division: 424 - Mental Health

Opening Date: 01/19/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

DEFINITION

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINICIAN I/II - CHILDREN'S

Department of Health & Human Services
Are you interested in making a difference? If so, please consider joining our dedicated team at the Department of Health & Human Services Children's Behavioral Health has a variety of programs that serve youth and families throughout Humboldt County. Programs include work with foster youth, incarcerated youth, youth 0-5 years old and Transition Age Youth (TAY). Clinicians may work in a variety of settings and programs and have opportunities to travel throughout the county providing services.

What You'll Do:
Thid position is responsible for a variety of duties, including;

• Providing behavioral health services to a caseload of youth and families.
• Coordinating with local community organizations/tribes/schools as needed as part of providing behavioral health services.
• Completing timely and accurate notes and billing to claim for services.

Where You'll Do It:
This position is located in Eureka, California.
A typical work schedule for this position is M-F 8-5.
Alternate Work Schedules may be approved on a case by case basis.

Special Requirements:This position requires* that you possess one of the following current & valid California licenses or registration numbers:

• Intern Registration Number from the State Board of Behavioral Examiners
• Registered Psychologist Number from the State Board of Psychology
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
• Licensed Clinical Psychologist
• Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
• *If you are not currently licensed but are near licensure, please indicate so in the supplemental questions below. Be sure to upload your supporting documentation

This is a continuous recruitment and Human Resources reserves the right to close this recruitment at any time.

DEFINITION

Under direction or general direction, provides behavioral health clinical intervention and recovery services to assigned clients; manages a psychiatric caseload for adults, juveniles, and children; evaluates patients in multiple facilities, including in-house, out-patient, clinics, and correctional/jail facilities; performs psychotherapeutic counseling, including individual, group, family, and other approved techniques; provides outreach, and emergency services and counseling in crisis situations; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direction (Behavioral Health Clinician I) or general direction (Behavioral Health Clinician II) from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICSBehavioral Health Clinician I: This unlicensed classification is the first working level in the Behavioral Health Clinician series responsible for providing professional behavioral health casework and psychotherapeutic support to clients. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Initially, under clinical supervision, incumbents are assigned the more routine client casework and support duties. Incumbents may advance to the Behavioral Health Clinician II after gaining the necessary experience, qualifications and licensure to demonstrate proficiency for the Behavioral Health Clinician II classification.

Behavioral Health Clinician II: This licensed classification is the fully qualified journey-level in the Behavioral Health Clinician series responsible for providing professional behavioral health casework and psychotherapeutic support to clients. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Behavioral Health Clinician I level by the acquisition of licensure, which is required for performance of the full range of professional clinical duties assigned to the series. Positions in the classification rely on experience and judgment to perform assigned duties and to ensure efficient and effective client care services. Assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines and methods to deliver services. Work is typically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignment of different positions. Some duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed in a learning capacity for entry-level (I Level) positions

• Evaluates patients in a variety of in- and out-patient settings, including Juvenile Hall, County Jail, County behavioral health offices, hospital emergency, the Crisis Stabilization Unit, and other settings; obtains a patient history and conducts behavioral status exam.
• Receives and responds to crisis hotline and emergency calls, walk-ins, and field contacts; provides evaluation and diagnosis of patients and makes appropriate referrals for support services; works with hospital medical staff and County behavioral health management to evaluate the client's risk or danger to self and others; assists in establishing an aftercare plan, or psychiatric hospitalization, depending on the client's best interests.
• Makes presentations of physical and behavioral condition findings to on-call psychiatrist, who determines if medication should be prescribed; reports and consults around any suspected adverse medication effects
• Consults with, and serves as a liaison for, community agencies and other behavioral health programs and services to evaluate community health needs and services.
• Provides individual or group therapy using a variety of counseling techniques and modalities; provides psychotherapy to chronically behaviorally ill persons who need periodic maintenance appointments, and brief therapy for clients experiencing situational-type problems.
• Provides case management services to severely behaviorally ill clients, including out of home placements; determines suitability of treatment facilities or prospective foster parents based upon an analysis of individual psycho-social needs.
• Collaborates with the Office of the Public Guardian-Conservator for behavioral health clients who have been conserved; clinically evaluates clients to represent their interests in treatment and placement; researches treatment resources available on a local and regional basis to ensure optimal client placement.
• Participates as a member of a multi-disciplinary treatment team providing critical clinical input related to patient diagnosis and recommended treatment plans; presents findings and clinical observations; receives clinical feedback and assistance in managing transference/counter-transference; participates in case conferences and consults with psychiatric staff to review patient cases and resolve difficult therapeutic problems.
• Evaluates clients for voluntary and involuntary commitment; signs commitments for clients requiring hospitalization after completion of county training and designation.
• Participates as a member of a multi-disciplinary treatment team providing consultation to school and adult programs; performs program planning to develop and implement services appropriate to assisting both child and adult psychiatric patients.
• Conducts discharge planning with clients; gathers resources; provides therapy; completes safety plan; and facilitates referrals and interagency services.
• Performs detailed patient record documentation and maintains caseload records; prepares intake and discharge summaries, progress notes, and treatment reviews.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
• The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge and ability required.
  
  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive behavioral health program which encompasses adult, juvenile, and children services.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures including confidentiality laws.
• Principles and practices of clinical casework.
• Social, psychological, and physical causes of behavioral disorders and chemical dependency.
• Application of general psychiatric emergency intervention and diagnostic principles.
• Principles and practices of crisis intervention and conflict resolution, including management of assaultive behavior, seclusion, and restraint philosophies.
• Short- and long-term therapeutic methods.
• Concepts and principles related to adult and child psychology, including theories of human behavior and personality development.
• Case management principles, practices, and processes related to the assessment, care, treatment, and documentation of individuals with behavioral disorders.
• Methods and techniques of conducting assessments, interviewing clients, and preparing reports and treatment plans.
• Theories, and principles and practices of group and individual counseling and therapies.
• Latest trends and research in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
• Mandated reporting requirements, ethics, and laws.
• Normal and abnormal development, including impact of environmental, trauma, and personality development.
• Theory and principles of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.
• Community resources available to clients.
• Community socioeconomic and cultural demographics.
• Laws and regulations governing patient rights as it relates to treatment options including commitment.
• Principles and practices of complex documentation preparation and recordkeeping.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Provide professional behavioral health clinical intervention and recovery services and manage a psychiatric caseload in multiple settings.
• Conduct psychiatric assessments; and plan, develop, and implement comprehensive treatment plans, programs, and services either internally or with external service providers.
• Evaluate patients for medication needs and consult around any suspected medication reactions.
• Analyze crisis situations and determine appropriate courses of action.
• Collaborate and present progress reports and related findings to team members.
• Coordinate emergency psychiatric support services with appropriate hospitals and other providers.
• Conduct group and individual client clinically assess, diagnose, and treat clients.
• Understand and apply criteria for various diagnoses.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed, including those related to patient privacy.
• Effectively represent the department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to a master's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, psychiatric nursing, or a related field
and

Level I: one (1) year of professional-level counseling/therapy experience in a behavioral health inpatient or outpatient setting. See licensure requirements under "Licenses and Certifications".

Level II: two (2) years of professional-level counseling/therapy experience in a behavioral health inpatient or outpatient setting. See licensure requirements under "Licenses and Certifications".

Licenses and Certifications:

• Specified positions may require the possession of a valid US driver's license upon date of application. Specified positions must obtain California driver's license following hire date per California DMV regulations.
• Level I: Must be a registered intern or eligible to register as an intern in the State of California at time of appointment. Must either be eligible to obtain an appropriate license and/or waiver under the provisions of Welfare and Institutions Code Section to practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist, Professional Clinical Counselor, Clinical Psychologist, Registered Nurse, or Psychiatrist in the State of California.
• Level II: Must possess appropriate licensure to practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist, Professional Clinical Counselor, Clinical Psychologist, Registered Nurse, or Psychiatrist in the State of California.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in a standard office, hospital, and in-patient/out-patient, clinic, jail or juvenile facility and use standard office equipment, including a computer, to operate a motor vehicle to visit various County and meeting sites. Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds with the use of proper equipment.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Employees work in an office, out-patient, clinic, jail, juvenile facility or locked psychiatric facility environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• Employees may work outdoors and are occasionally exposed to loud noise levels and cold and/or hot temperatures.
• Employees interact with clients with behavioral disorders/erratic and assaultive behavior, including those which require emergency crisis intervention.
• Incumbents may be exposed to blood and body fluids in performing their assigned duties.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be willing to work after hours, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Some departments may require pre-employment screening measures before an offer of employment can be made (i.e. background screening, physical examination, etc.).

WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EMPLOYEE PERKS
For information about County benefits, visit our benefits webpage:

For details about employee perks, see our Employee Perks flyer:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to fill out the application?

• You should allow minutes to fill out your application.

Can I change my application after submitting it?

• You may only submit one application per day.
• You may submit an edited application after waiting at least one day from your initial submission.
• Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will be archived.

How long until I hear back from you?

• You can expect to hear back from Human Resources about 3 - 4 weeks after the closing date listed on the job posting.

How can I check for updates on my application?

• You can log into your Government Jobs account and review current information regarding any application you have submitted.

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview?

• Yes, you will be informed if you are not selected for an interview.

The County of Humboldt's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways - oftentimes, outside of formal institutions - and strives to take a holistic approach to in assessing an applicant's qualifications for a position.

If you're excited about this role but your past work experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

HOW TO APPLY

A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applications must be submitted online through the County's automated application system at no later than the final filing date listed on the job flyer. All applications are screened by both Human Resources staff and may be screened by additional subject matter experts. The most qualified candidates may then be invited for further testing.

It is important that your application shows all the relevant experience and education you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments.

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process. Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. All candidates who pass will be ranked according to their scores. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.

CalPERS RETIREMENT PROGRAM

Employees fall into one of the following tiers based on the date you first start working for the County or any other employer that uses CalPERS for retirement.

• Tier I - Prior to 7/5/2012: 2.7% @ 55
• Tier II - Post 7/6/2012: 2% @ 55
• Tier III - Post 1/1/2013: 2% @ 62

If this is your first job with a CalPERS employer, you'd be in Tier III.

• 2.0 means that for every year you work for the County, you will receive 2% of your maximum annual pay rate for every year that you work for us (or other CalPERS employers) if you work the required minimum number of years (that's called vesting) and retire after the age following the @.
• If you work 20 years and retire at 62 years of age, you will receive 20 x 2% or 40% of your maximum annual pay rate every year in retirement payments.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The County runs its hiring on a set of rules to ensure that it is fair. Hiring and promotion are based on performance and having the best qualifications for the job. "Examination" doesn't always mean taking a test, sometimes it just means how we compare your application to others who have applied, and an "oral examination" means a scored and structured interview.

POLICY OF NONDISCRIMINATION

The County of Humboldt does not discriminate based on mental or physical disability in the admission or access to, treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. Contact the Human Resources Department at well in advance of the examination to request an accommodation.

The County is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver's license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County's intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.

01

This position requires driving on behalf of the County of Humboldt. Do you possess a current and valid U.S. driver's license?

• Yes
• No

02

Please indicate your status to work as a Behavioral Health Clinician:

• I possess a valid California intern registration number to practice as an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ACSW) or Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AFMT) from the State Board of Behavioral Examiners
• I possess a valid California registration number to work as a Registered Psychologist from the State Board of Psychology
• I possess a valid California license to practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• I possess a valid California license to practice as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
• I possess a valid California license to practice as a Clinical Psychologist
• I possess a valid California license to practice as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
• I do not possess one of the valid California registration numbers or licenses listed above.

03

Please identify your specific license and your license number.

04

If not currently licensed, do you possess documentation from the State Board of Behavioral Examiners or the State Board of Psychology indicating you have applied for and are near completing licensure? If yes, please explain.

05

If answered yes above, you must provide your documentation. Have you uploaded this with your application?

• Yes
• No

06

Please describe any experience you have providing mental health treatment to children, youth, and families.

07

Please list your experience with Evidence Based Practices, certifications, or any special training that you have received.

Required Question