2932- Pretrial Senior Behavioral Health Clinician

City and County of San Francisco•San Francisco, CA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general direction, the Senior Behavioral Health Clinician provides advanced clinical services and may supervise a team of behavioral health clinicians and related staff. The role includes conducting complex assessments, leading treatment planning, overseeing the work of staff performing interviews and evaluations, reviewing casework for quality and accuracy, and performing related duties as assigned. This position requires responsibility for interpreting and applying relevant laws, policies, and procedures related to behavioral health and welfare services; ensuring appropriate and judicious use of resources; and maintaining regular contact with staff, applicants, clients, families, partner agencies, and community organizations. The work involves gathering and verifying detailed clinical, personal, and confidential information. Duties may involve moderate physical effort and exposure to challenging or crisis situations, particularly when working with individuals experiencing serious mental or emotional distress. In addition to the core duties performed in the Restorative and Prevention Services Division, incumbents will assist the Reentry and Violence Response service units. The Pretrial, Reentry, and Violence Response divisions are responsible for coordinated service delivery, consistent program quality, and alignment with the department’s mission of promoting safety, accountability, and equitable justice outcomes. Collaboration across these divisions strengthens continuity of care, reduces system involvement, and enhances long-term client outcomes. The Senior Behavioral Health Clinician is distinguished by its supervisory responsibilities and its role in handling the most challenging clinical cases within the Pretrial Services Division.

Requirements

Two (2) years of verifiable experience as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).
Possession of a valid license as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), issued by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS); OR
Possession of a valid license as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) , issued by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS); OR
Possession of a valid license as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) , issued by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS).

Nice To Haves

Clinical assessment and diagnosis; therapeutic treatment methods; crisis intervention strategies; psychosocial evaluation; legal and policy frameworks governing behavioral health and pretrial service systems.
Develop thoughtful clinical plans based on analysis of client information; communicate effectively and establish cooperative working relationships with staff, clients, families, and partner agencies; work effectively with individuals experiencing significant behavioral health challenges; and provide supportive guidance in complex problem‑solving situations.

Responsibilities

Supervises behavioral health clinicians and auxiliary staff; conducts interviews, assessments, and diagnostic evaluations for complex and high‑needs cases.
Oversees eligibility determinations for behavioral health services; evaluates referral information, client motivation, and psychosocial factors; gathers developmental, family, and behavioral histories to understand clinical needs and presenting concerns.
Analyzes interview findings and assessment data; determines case disposition, including referral for further clinical evaluation or connection to appropriate community services; completes required intake documentation and case records.
Provides ongoing individual clinical treatment using intensive casework and therapeutic techniques to reduce mental and emotional distress; monitors client safety and risk, especially in cases involving suicidal or homicidal concerns; assesses danger to the client and others.
Offers crisis counseling and intervention for clients experiencing severe emotional, economic, or personal stressors; helps clients regain stability and personal responsibility; facilitates referrals or hospitalizations based on assessed needs.
Conducts group psychotherapy and leads therapeutic group sessions; observes and evaluates emotional and behavioral changes; sets and adjusts treatment goals throughout the intervention process.
Maintains accurate and thorough clinical records, including assessments, progress notes, case summaries, and documentation needed to coordinate care across medical, mental health, and social service providers.