County of Alameda

Forensic Behavioral Health Clinician II (#6529)

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Bargaining Unit: SEIU 1021 - Social Workers (005)
$62.25-$71.74 Hourly / $4,668.75-$5,380.50 BiWeekly /
$10,115.63-$11,657.75 Monthly / $121,387.50-$139,893.00 Yearly

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DESCRIPTION

This classification describes the journey level of the Forensic Behavioral Health Clinician classification flexibly-staffed series. Incumbents of this classification, under general direction, provide mental health clinical services and forensically focused case management services to clients in a jail setting. Conducts mental health evaluations and assessments, including risk of harm to self and others; documents an individual’s history and tendency for violence; provides crisis intervention and crisis stabilization, engages in consultation and implementation of pre-planned use of force with Sheriff’s Deputies; conducts mental status examinations and formulate Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)-V related diagnoses; provides consultation to other programs and agencies on treatment needs and behavioral plans for forensic clients; provides discharge planning and perform other duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This position is the journey-level classification within the Forensic Behavioral Health Clinician flexibly staffed class series. This classification is located in the Healthcare Services Agency, within the Adult Forensic Behavioral Health Program, in the County jail. Incumbents in this series report to a Forensic Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor or Forensic Behavioral Health Clinical Manager.

Forensic Behavioral Health Clinician II is distinguished from the lower-level classification of Forensic Behavioral Health Clinician I in that latter performs entry-level clinician duties while the former is performing journey-level clinician duties in this series. Incumbents in this class are licensed clinicians and perform duties involving considerable latitude and independence of judgment under minimal supervision. Forensic Behavioral Health Clinician II may provide direction and assistance to Forensic Behavioral Health Clinician I and graduate interns. This class is distinguished from the next higher class of Forensic Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor in that the latter class has supervisory responsibilities.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the 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.

Provide clinical services, including individual therapy and group counseling, and forensically focused case management services to Alameda County Behavioral Health (ACBH) clients in the County jail; conduct initial and ongoing mental health assessments and psychosocial strength-based assessments.
Conduct mental status examinations and formulate Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)-V related diagnoses. Regularly provide suicide and crisis risk assessment and intervention; assess statements and behaviors of clients for evidence of suicidal or anti-social behaviors.
Assess clients and complete documentation within established deadlines in a fast-paced and fluid environment; Develop initial and ongoing treatment plans on assigned clients; identify and pursue necessary resources to implement treatment plans.
Determine client potential need for psychiatric medication support; refer clients to staff psychiatrists for medication need evaluations and prescriptions; provide counseling support as needed while client is in custody.
Provide direct services to clients who may present as unstable, hostile, agitated, or intoxicated in an appropriate, effective manner; assess and de-escalate aggressive behaviors. When needed, participate in pre-planned use of force with Sheriff Deputies.
Triage and provide crisis intervention as needed; stabilize clients in crisis, including brief intervention in Intake Transfer and Release (ITR), Housing Units, or clinic.
Participate in and support a therapeutic milieu setting in the County Jail, including working directly in Housing Units for the majority of the work shift.
Participate in clinical team meetings, daily huddles, and other committees to coordinate care for incarcerated individuals.
Arrange for client emergency hospitalization and when required, coordinate treatment elements. Prepare emergency hospitalization orders (W&I Code 5150) as needed. Coordinate with the Sheriff’s Office and the jail medical provider to ensure client safety during the transition process to the receiving medical facility.
Work and relate effectively with law enforcement, courts, state hospitals, community providers, and community members.
Prepare and maintain psychosocial case histories for use in diagnostic evaluations and monitoring client progress. Provide discharge planning and coordinate client discharge. Ensure access to appropriate community support and services for clients to utilize upon release.
Provide education and consultation to criminal justice partners such as the courts, Sheriff’s Department, and medical providers in the jail; work collaboratively with the Sheriff’s Department staff to manage clients’ daily needs and activities.
Participate in clinical case presentations and peer reviews.
Complete all required annual trainings related to working in a forensic environment.
May provide guidance and assistance to Forensic Behavioral Health team members.
Maintain all records in accordance with the Quality Assurance standards of Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EITHER I

Experience:

The equivalent of six (6) months of full-time satisfactory experience in the Forensic Behavioral Health Clinician I or Behavioral Health Clinician I classification in the Alameda County classified service.

OR II

Education:

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

AND

Experience:

The equivalent of six (6) months of full-time post license experience as a behavioral health/mental health clinician providing clinical and/or case management services.

License/Certification:

All incumbents at the Forensic Behavioral Health Clinician II level must possess a valid clinical license from the applicable licensing authority: California Board of Behavioral Sciences, California Board of Psychology, or California Board of Registered Nursing.

Some positions in this class require 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 provision of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), employees in this classification are required to possess a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number prior to their first day on the job.

A thorough background investigation will be conducted of all prospective Forensic Behavioral Health Clinician II’s to ensure they are suitable to work in a jail setting and must be able to obtain and maintain security clearance conducted by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office.

Incumbents may be assigned to work day, evening, night, and rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in 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 "Examples of Duties" section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

Current theories, principles, and best practices for services to forensic clients with serious behavioral health care symptoms and diagnosis.
Familiarity of best practices for a forensic population, such as criminogenic.
Psychological diagnostic methods and terminology.
Cultural and social factors affecting behavior patterns.
Wellness, recovery, and resiliency-oriented strategies and supports.
Dual recovery/co-occurring 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 in a jail setting.
Principles of social needs, problems, attitudes, and behavioral patterns specific to criminal justice populations.
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 collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams, community organizations, state hospitals, and criminal justice partners.
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 6529.dox

RE:saa 11/16/2022

CSC Date:02/22/2023

IL:saa Revised 05/19/2023

CSC Date:06/14/2023

IL:saa Revised 06/16/2023

CSC Date:07/12/2023

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

12 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
1^st 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.