County of Alameda

Behavioral Health Crisis Intervention Specialist II (#6513)

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Bargaining Unit: SEIU 1021 - Social Workers (005)
$54.14-$63.83 Hourly / $4,060.50-$4,787.25 BiWeekly /
$8,797.75-$10,372.38 Monthly / $105,573.00-$124,468.50 Yearly


DESCRIPTION
Under direction, to provide community-based crisis intervention services for children and adult populations with mental health and/or substance abuse diagnoses on mobile crisis and mobile evaluation teams which includes direct client contact in the community, partnering with law enforcement, crisis intervention, field clinical assessments, outreach services, and other related duties as assigned.  Work is performed seven days a week and assignment locations may vary in order to best serve the community.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Behavioral Health Crisis Intervention Specialist I/II is a flexibly-staffed class series with the work normally performed at the II level, but with initial selection possible at the I level.  Behavioral Health Crisis Intervention Specialist Is are expected to gain experience and demonstrate proficiency which qualifies them to promote to the Behavioral Health Crisis Intervention Specialist II.  Upon successful completion of 12 months as a Behavioral Health Crisis Intervention Specialist I, the incumbent may be considered for potential flexing up to a Behavioral Health Crisis Intervention Specialist II based on the incumbent's demonstrated ability to perform at the journey level position on Mobile Crisis Teams (MCT) and Mobile Evaluation Teams (MET).  Appointment at the I level will not be extended beyond 18 months. 

Positions in this class series are located in the Behavioral Health Care Services' Crisis Response Services, which provides community based crisis prevention and early intervention services to clients and the community.  Incumbents will report to a Behavioral Health Intervention Specialist supervisor.  Behavioral Health Crisis Intervention Specialist IIs may provide direction to Behavioral Health Crisis Intervention Specialist Is and oversight and training to clinical interns.  

This series is distinguished from the Behavioral Health Clinician series in that the Behavioral Health Clinician provides clinical and case management services to clients in a clinic setting, whereas, the Behavioral Health Crisis Intervention Specialist work is solely field based responding to crisis calls to de-escalate situations involving the most vulnerable populations in the community.  

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
NOTE: The following are duties performed by employees in this classification.  However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level.  Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1.  Responds to crisis calls in the community to conduct clinical assessment, risk of harm, and determine appropriate level of care service and referrals.  Initiates 5150's per County policies and procedures.  

2.  Provide field assessment, evaluation, and intervention for adults, adolescents, and children at risk of psychiatric hospitalization.  

3.  Provide emergency assessment and referral for individuals with mental illness who come to the attention of law enforcement through phone calls from community members or in-field law enforcement request for emergency assistance.  

4.  Visit homeless encampments to distribute information on available resources and to distribute hygiene kits.  Provide secondary support to clients in board and care homes to redirect or de-escalate a situation or provide education to board and care staff on how to appropriately manage residents.  

5.  Prepares and maintains psychological case histories for use in diagnostic evaluations and monitoring client progress.  Prepares reports, case summaries, correspondence and other written materials.  

6.  Maintains all records in accordance with the Quality Assurance standards of Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services.

7.  Conducts mental status examinations and formulates Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) - V related diagnoses.  

8.  Collaborates with other departments and agencies related to crisis treatment planning; provides education and consultation services to Alameda County departments and the community as assigned.  

9.  Works with families of clients to elicit their cooperation in treatment programs or commitment and admission proceedings; works with community agencies as required to assist clients in their treatment plans and in coping with environmental needs such as housing and medical care.  

10.  Attends staff conferences and training sessions; presents case history material for review and discussion with other staff members; consults with persons of other disciplines as required; seeks advice and guidance from senior personnel assigned to the program whenever especially difficult or an atypical situation develops.  

11.  May serve as a liaison to other community agencies.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Either I

The equivalent of 12 months full-time experience in the class of Behavioral Health Crisis Intervention Specialist I in the Alameda County classified service. 

Or II

Experience:

The equivalent to three years full-time post licensure experience as a behavioral health/mental health clinician providing community based clinical and/or crisis management services.  

Education:

Possession of a Master's degree from an accredited school in social work, marriage and family therapy, psychology, counseling, nursing, or related field.  

License/Certification:

Possession of a valid clinical license from the applicable licensing authority: California Board of Behavioral Sciences, California Board of Psychology, or California Board of Registered Nursing.  

Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license.  Applicants must possess such license prior to appointment to such positions.  

Special Requirements:

In compliance with the Administrative Simplification of provision of the Health Insurance Potability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), employees in this classification are required to posses a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number prior to their first day on the job.  

In compliance with Medicare regulations, eligible licensed clinicians in this classification are required to complete in the "Medicare Enrollment Process for Physicians and Non-Physician Practitioners" through the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, prior to their first day on the job.  Active enrollment in Medicare is a condition of employment.  Failure to attain or maintain active enrollment will result in termination.  

In compliance with the California Code of Regulations and the Board of Behavioral Science, clinicians in this classification will be required to complete "supervision training" to be eligible to provide supervision of trainees or inters.  

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications ink the announcement of an examination.  

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the "Example of Duties" Section of this specification.

Knowledge of:
  • Welfare and Institution Code 5150 and 5585.
  • Crisis intervention techniques and theories.
  • Current theories, principles, and practices for services to clients with serious behavioral health care symptoms and diagnosis.  
  • Psychological diagnostic methods and terminology.  
  • Cultural and social factors affecting behavior patterns. 
  • Wellness, recovery and resiliency oriented strategies and supports.
  • Dual recovery/co-occuring disorder treatment, screening and assessment tools.  
  • Community needs, resources and organizations related to behavioral health care. 
  • Clinical standards of practice and licensure requirements. 
  • Principles and practices of direct client service delivery.
  • Principles of social needs, problems, attitudes and behavioral patterns.
  • Applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations.
  • Office administrative practices and procedures, including records management and the operation of standard office equipment. 
  • Computer applications related to the work. 

Ability to:
  • Work primarily in the field.
  • Perform crisis intervention and individual counseling. 
  • Work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams, community resources and organizations. 
  • Organize and prioritize work and meet critical deadlines.
  • Interpret, explain, and apply regulations, policies and procedures. 
  • Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Analyze, evaluate and make sound decisions.
  • Prepare clear, accurate and effective reports, correspondence and other written materials.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
  • Work with a diverse population.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY
New Spec
NLB:ah 08/30/18
CSC Date: 09/12/18

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

  • Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
  • Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
  • Vision or Vision Reimbursement
  • Share the Savings
  • Basic Life Insurance 
  • Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
  • County Allowance Credit
  • Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
  • Short-Term Disability Insurance
  • Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
  • Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

  • Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
  • Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

  • 11 paid holidays
  • Floating Holidays
  • Vacation and sick leave accrual
  • Vacation purchase program
  • Catastrophic Sick Leave
  • Group Auto/Home Insurance
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits Program
  • Guaranteed Ride Home
  • Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
  • Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
  • Child Care Resources
  • 1st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.