Mental Health Clinician I

County of Mendocino•Ukiah, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This is an entry-level position in the Mental Health Clinician series. Under the supervision of licensed personnel, the clinician performs professional counseling and psychotherapy functions, including case management, crisis management, and therapy sessions. The recruitment list may be used for regular full-time and part-time open or promotional positions that arise during a limited period. A 5% assignment premium applies to employees regularly assigned to the coastal region or Covelo under current bargaining unit agreements. Depending on assignment, the position may provide licensed mental health clinician services for BHRS Clinical Services; behavioral health assessment, intervention, stabilization, and care coordination within the multidisciplinary BHRS C.O.R.E. Program; or services for juvenile hall and juvenile probation. Bilingual English/Spanish applicants are encouraged to apply. The work may be performed in a mental health facility, on school campuses, in various buildings, and in patient homes. The employee may encounter people with the potential to be violent or verbally abusive, as well as contagious diseases.

Requirements

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field.
One to two years of progressively responsible experience; alternatively, with the required master's degree and licensure or certification, a combination of related education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Possess one of the following: Marriage and Family Therapist Intern status; Associate Clinical Social Worker status; current registration with the Board of Behavioral Sciences; full eligibility for registration with the Board of Behavioral Sciences; or internship in an APA- or WASC-accredited PhD or PsyD program that, upon successful completion, leads to licensure by the California Board of Psychology.
Possess and maintain, or obtain and maintain, applicable licenses, certifications, registrations, and other requirements within specified timeframes.
Knowledge of modern methods, techniques, and procedures used in marriage, family, and child counseling; psychological theory; interviewing and crisis intervention techniques; community resources; mental illness history, theory, and emerging trends; special education laws concerning emotionally disturbed children; school policies and procedures; ethical and legal management practices; patients' legal rights; and uses and effects of psychotropic medications.
Skills in case management; observing and recording psychiatric behavior; using tact, discretion, initiative, and independent judgment within established guidelines; organizing and prioritizing work, meeting deadlines, and following up with minimal direction; clear oral and written communication; computer data entry and retrieval; and preparing clear, concise reports and correspondence.
Ability to analyze, evaluate, and diagnose situations and adopt effective courses of action; conduct 3632 eligibility evaluations; write clear and concise reports and chart notes in accordance with professional standards, state regulations, and department protocol; and read and interpret professional literature, technical procedures, and government regulations.
Regularly sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, speak, hear, and use sound perception and discrimination; frequently lift or move up to 10 pounds; and occasionally exert physical effort to restrain overactive or hostile clients or move up to 30 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish ability is encouraged.

Responsibilities

Provide counseling and psychotherapy, including answering crisis calls, conducting individual and group therapy, identifying problems, and helping patients reach goals.
Conduct evaluations and assessments, interview clients for admittance, and determine whether clients may harm themselves or others.
Provide ongoing supportive therapy, present findings, and intervene during patient crises.
Participate in treatment team, staff, and professional meetings to discuss client progress.
Prepare progress notes, charts, and closing or transfer summaries in accordance with professional standards, state regulations, and department protocol.
Maintain and provide a safe environment for clients and staff.
Initiate, coordinate, and manage special programs.
Serve as a liaison and consultant to schools, organizations, parents, children, and others on client-related issues; participate in relevant committees, boards, and community activities or organizations.
Monitor productivity and workflow, resolve problems, and ensure deadlines are met.
Maintain and upgrade professional knowledge and skills through seminars, meetings, training, and professional publications.
Research and correct errors.
Enter and retrieve information using a computer terminal and retrieve daily, monthly, and yearly reports.
Disseminate information to agencies, divisions, and departments by telephone, meetings, mail, or fax.
May provide backup for other department positions.
Perform other related duties as assigned.