Mental Health Clinician II

County of Mendocino•Ukiah, CA

About The Position

The Mental Health Clinician II is a journey-level position providing complex professional counseling and psychotherapy services. Duties include managing cases, initiating crisis management, conducting therapy sessions, and developing programs. Depending on the assignment, the clinician may serve in BHRS Clinical Services, provide assessment, intervention, stabilization, and care coordination through the multidisciplinary C.O.R.E. Program, or provide clinical services for juvenile hall and juvenile probation. Bilingual English/Spanish applicants are encouraged to apply. This recruitment list may be used for a limited period to fill regular full-time and part-time open or promotional positions. Employees regularly assigned to the coastal region or Covelo are eligible for a 5% assignment premium. The role requires the applicable professional license or certification to be maintained as a condition of continued employment.

Requirements

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field; or a bachelor's degree with Psychiatric Registered Nurse certification.
Two to three years of progressively responsible experience, or—when possessing required licensure—a combination of related education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Possess and maintain, or obtain and maintain within specified timeframes, one of the following as applicable: Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Psychologist, or Psychiatric Registered Nurse.
Knowledge of modern methods, techniques, and procedures used in marriage, family, and child counseling; psychological theory; interviewing; child and adolescent development; the juvenile justice system; crisis intervention; community resources; mental illness; relevant special education laws and school procedures; ethical and legal management practices; patients' legal rights; and psychotropic medication uses and effects.
Skill in advanced counseling and therapeutic processes, case management, observing and recording psychiatric behavior, crisis assessment and disposition, and exercising tact, discretion, initiative, and independent judgment within established guidelines.
Ability to organize work, set priorities, meet deadlines, and follow up with minimal direction; communicate effectively orally and in writing; use a computer to enter and retrieve information accurately; and prepare clear reports and correspondence.
Ability to analyze, evaluate, and diagnose situations and adopt effective courses of action; conduct 3632 eligibility evaluations; and assess and intervene in high-risk situations involving suicide or aggression.
Ability to write clear and concise reports and chart notes in accordance with professional standards, state regulations, and department protocol; and read and interpret professional publications, technical procedures, and government regulations.
Physical ability to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and speak and hear; 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 skills are encouraged.

Responsibilities

Perform counseling and psychotherapy, including answering crisis calls, individual and group therapy, evaluations, assessments, supportive therapy, court-ordered psychosocial assessments, presenting findings, and intervening during crises.
Interview and evaluate clients for admittance, assess potential harm to self or others, identify housing and board-and-care placements, and assist clients in obtaining financial resources.
Participate in treatment-team, staff, and professional meetings to discuss client progress.
Prepare progress notes, charts, and client 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 liaison and consultant to schools, organizations, agencies, parents, children, probation officers, and others on client-related issues.
Assist families, teachers, and counselors in identifying children with mental health problems; participate on the Mental Health Critical Incident Stress De-Briefing Team.
Provide consultation and related services to school districts, including participation on special teams, development of intervention strategies, and support for early identification of at-risk children.
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 and reports using a computer terminal.
Disseminate information to agencies, divisions, or departments by telephone, meetings, mail, or fax.
May provide backup for other departmental positions.
Perform other related duties as assigned.