Under direct supervision, performs paraprofessional work in providing care, counseling and other services to Mental Health clients and patients; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry-level class in the Mental Health Specialist series. An employee in this class may be assigned to one or more of the following: provide patient care and counseling on the Inpatient Unit; provide case management for a non-complex client caseload; provide group and individual counseling for emotional, drug, alcohol or other mental health problems; assist in managing a mental health or related program.
TYPICAL DUTIES
Provides direct patient care to clients in a 24-hour psychiatric facility or day treatment program; observes patients physical and psychological status; helps evaluate progress; records clinical notes on patient.
Assists professional staff in developing and modifying treatment plans; implements treatment plans.
Provides case management to mentally ill or elderly clients under the supervision of a team leader or experienced case manager; may provide counseling, money management or other related services.
Arranges for and provides transportation for clients.
Provides basic client counseling in groups as well as on an individual basis.
Performs administrative duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Completion of 45 semester units from an approved college or university of which a minimum of 30 must be in Psychology, Social Work, Nursing or related Social Science.
License: Possession of a valid California Driver License is required.
KNOWLEDGE
Basic concepts of mental illness, mental health and substance abuse; techniques of dealing with the physical, emotional and social needs of emotionally disturbed individuals or substance abusers; clinical terminology.
ABILITY
Learn to develop and maintain the confidence and cooperation of clients and patients; learn to recognize symptoms of mental or emotional disorders and substance abuse; analyze situations accurately and take appropriate action; understand and follow oral and written instructions; express ideas clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Mobility – frequent operation of a keyboard, sitting for extended periods, walking and stair climbing; frequent driving may be required; occasional standing for long periods of time; frequent lifting of 5 pounds or less; rarely to infrequently lifting up to 50 pounds; infrequently pushing/pulling in excess of 20 to 30 pounds; infrequently balancing, stooping/bending, and/or crouching/squatting as required in a behavior management situation; Visual – constant use of overall vision, hand/eye coordination, depth perception and reading/close-up work; frequent need for color perception and field of vision/peripheral; Dexterity – frequent holding, reaching, grasping, repetitive motion and writing; Hearing/Talking – constant hearing of normal speech, talking in person and talking on the telephone; frequent hearing on a telephone/radio; occasional hearing of faint sounds and talking over a public address system; Emotional/Psychological Factors – constant public contact, decision-making and concentration; frequent exposure to emergency situations; occasional exposure to trauma, grief or death; Environmental and Other Conditions – occasional to frequent need to adapt to changing work environments; frequent work with persons who may exhibit aggressive behaviors and who may be infected with communicable diseases; occasional exposure to noise, varied outdoor weather conditions; occasional working alone, working shifts to include weekends/nights/holidays, and/or work-related travel.
San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
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