Behavioral Health Clinical Manager

The Health Care Services Agency of Alameda County, Department of Behavioral Health Care Services, is offering an exciting career opportunity for experienced clinical managers or qualified clinical practitioners well prepared for professional advancement to a Behavioral Health Clinical Manager position.  Behavioral Health Clinical Managers provide management and oversight in the administration of behavioral health care clinic/program operations and services through county staff, private providers and community-based organizations.   This opportunity is most suited to individuals who enjoy the challenges of keeping up with a fast paced, ever changing environment and value the opportunity to work with and lead highly diverse teams of multidisciplinary staff towards achieving its mission to maximize the recovery, resilience and wellness of all eligible Alameda County residents who are developing or experiencing serious behavioral health, alcohol, or drug concerns.  We envision communities where people realize their potential, and where stigma and discrimination against those with behavioral health, alcohol and/or drug issues are a thing of the past.

Only through exemplifying the following Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services values will we be successful:

ACBHCS

Access -  where every door is the right door for welcoming people with complex needs;

Consumer and Family Empowerment - through shared decision‐making best practices, that clinically produce effective outcomes;

Best Practices - business excellence that uses public resources cost‐effectively;

Health and Wellness - by integrating emotional, spiritual and physical health care;

Culturally Responsive - appropriate services built on the strengths and life experiences of culturallydiverse consumers and their families;

Social Inclusion - utilizing advocacy and education to eliminate stigma, discrimination, isolation, and misunderstanding of persons with mental illness and substanceabuse.

For more information about the department of Behavioral Health Care Services, please visit the departmental website and/or Annual Budget Document found on acgov.org. 

THE POSITION

Under general direction, Behavioral Health Clinical Managers plan, develop, manage and oversee the administration of behavioral health care clinic/program operations and services which include 8 or more paraprofessional and professional level staff; through subordinate professional-level and/or supervisory staff, they develop operational and administrative policies, procedures, standards and objectives; serve in a consultative role to management, community-based organizations and providers; participate in strategic planning and task force activities; develop and monitor clinic/program budgets and work plans; and perform related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Behavioral Health Clinical Managers are distinguished from the lower level class of Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor in that the latter does not have overall responsibility for program planning, development and evaluation, program reporting and statistics, and program outcome monitoring.  It is further distinguished from the higher level class of the Community Support Center Director in that the latter oversees all outpatient community support centers/clinics.

EXISTING VACANCIES

The immediate vacancies for this position are described in more detail below; however, please note that the eligible list resulting from this recruitment and selection process may be utilized for other future vacancies which may arise within the next year for this and other County Departments. 

Oakland Adult Community Support Center - The Oakland Adult Community Support Center (ACSC) is a behavioral health clinic that serves approximately 450 adults with serious behavioral health issues that interfere with their ability to live successfully in the community without the support of intensive case management and psychiatric care.  The ACSC Clinical Manager oversees three multi-disciplinary teams and a primary care integration clinic which consists of case managers, a psychiatrist and a nurse shared amongst the three teams.  The primary care integration clinic is a newly developed Substance Abuse Behavioral health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Grant that is in the process of being implemented.  This opportunity is ideal for a strong clinical manager who is well versed in psychiatric evaluation, diagnostic and clinical practices; who has experience working with large intensive behavioral health case loads; and who welcomes the challenge of directing and managing a large, multidisciplinary team of behavioral health providers.

Guidance Clinic - The Guidance Clinic is a forensic behavioral health clinic that provides services to Wards of the Juvenile Court of Alameda County.  The clinic is located in the Juvenile Justice Center in San Leandro and provides the following behavioral health services: crisis intervention, individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy (treatment and psycho-educational), Court ordered psycho diagnostic evaluations, adolescent sex offender treatment (STRIVE Program), day treatment services, Collaborative Court and Outreach Program case management services, and psychotropic medication evaluations and monitoring. The clinic’s mission is to provide quality, compassionate, culturally competent behavioral health services using professional and community standards of care to adolescents and their families involved in the Alameda County Juvenile Justice System.  This opportunity is ideal for a collaborative clinical manager with experience providing juvenile behavioral health consultation, diagnosis, and treatment; who is capable of leading a multidisciplinary team of behavioral health providers; and who is able to maintain a calm and controlled demeanor while working in a setting where the outcome of a situation may be determined by the Court.

IDEAL CANDIDATES

In addition to the minimum qualifications and knowledge and skills listed below, ideal candidates for this position will also exemplify the following critical attributes for success:

• A highly knowledgeable behavioral health clinician who keeps up with terminology and current developments and trends in the behavioral health system of care and who has achieved sufficient clinical knowledge and skill in the operations and services of a behavioral health care clinic/program which provides alcohol and other drugs and behavioral health services through county staff, private providers and community-based organizations.
• Someone experienced in the design, implementation and management of large, complex behavioral health care programs and/or clinics, and who is able to oversee and direct resources, personnel and activities including multi-disciplinary teams.
• A supportive supervisor capable of instructing, focusing and guiding others in accomplishing performance and work goals and objectives of behavioral health clinic/program operations and services. 
• Someone capable of identifying and understanding how external issues (e.g., economic, political, social and health care trends) impact the work of behavioral health care services and who is able to motivate and inspire others by providing leadership and setting a sense of purpose for the Clinic/Program. 
• A competent decision maker capable of solving problems and taking appropriate action which is consistent with all available facts, constraints, and probable consequences in a fast paced, multidisciplinary environment by identifying and understanding issues, problems, and opportunities, and comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions.  
• A collaborative spirit eager to actively participate as a member of a team contributing successfully to the completion of goals and objectives aligned with the mission, vision and values of the Behavioral Health Care Services system of care. 
• An effective communicator who conveys information and in a manner that meets audience needs; someone able to develop and maintain effective relationships with others and who relates well to people from varied backgrounds and in different situations. 
• Someone who possesses an air of confidence and creates a good first impression by professionally commanding attention and earning the trust and respect of others.

For a detailed listing of Behavioral Health Clinical Manager duties and essential competency requirements, please see the complete job description.

These are minimum professional requirements for the position of Behavioral Health Clinical Manager:

Either I

Experience:  The equivalent of one year of experience in the class of Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor in the Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney's Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.)

Or II

Experience: The equivalent of four years of post license experience as a behavioral health/mental health clinician providing clinical and/or case management services, of which one year must have been in a supervisory capacity equivalent to that of a Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor in Alameda County.

AND

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 valid clinical license from the one of the applicable licensing authority: California Board of Behavioral Sciences, California Board of Psychology, or California Board of 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 (HIPPA), employees in this classification are required to possess a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number prior to their first day of employment.

In compliance with Medicare regulations, employees in this classification are required to complete the "Medicare Enrollment Process for Physicians and Non-Physician Practitioners" through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, prior to their first day of employment. Approval for Medicare processing must be received from the CMS within 180 days of the date of hire. Active enrollment in Medicare is a condition of employment. Failure to attain or maintain active enrollment will result in termination.

Please note that licensed Marriage and Family Therapists are presently unable to meet the Special Requirement to complete the "Medicare Enrollment Process for Physicians and Non-Physician Practitioners"  as required through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and therefore will be considered not qualified for this position. 

The most suitably qualified candidates will possess the following competencies:

Knowledge of:

• Current theories, principles, and practices for services to clients with serious behavioral health care symptoms and diagnosis.
• Management principles and practices, including work planning, employee supervision and resource allocation.
• Principles, practices, funding sources and administrative requirements.
• Principles and practices of program planning and evaluation.
• Practices and techniques of programmatic analysis and report preparation.
• 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.
• 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 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.
• Demonstrate interpersonal sensitivity and work with a diverse population.

Alameda County utilizes a Civil Service Selection System founded on merit.  Such a system is competitive and based on broad recruitment efforts and equal opportunity for qualified applicants to test in an examination process designed to determine the qualifications, fitness and ability of competitors to perform duties of the vacant position.  Many of our recruitments are targeted and specific to the needs of a current vacant position, in which case, the eligible list may be exclusively used for that current vacant position.  Other recruitments many be more broadly used for both current and future vacancies, or for other alternate jobs with comparable scopes of work.

To learn more about our recruitment and selection process, please visit the "What You Need To Know" section of our website:  www.acgov.org/hrs.

WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE ANNOUNCED EXAMINATION STEPS

Applicants will be informed with reasonable notice in advance of any examination process which will require their attendance.  The following dates are tentative and subject to change based on the needs of the Agency:

TENTATIVE SELECTION PLAN

Deadline for Filing: 5 pm on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 (applications will be accepted on-line only)

Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Review for “Ideal Candidates”: Tuesday, February 14, 2012     Your supplemental questionnaire must be fully completed in order to be considered for the next phase of the selection process.

Panel Interviews: tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, February 29, 2012 and Thursday, March 1, 2012.

*Please note that the panel interview will be weighted as 100% of the candidates' final examination score and may contain situational exercises.

THIS IS A NEW CONTINUOUS EXAMINATION:  The eligible list resulting from this examination will cancel any existing list and may last approximately one year but can be extended.  This examination may be reopened as necessary and the names of additional candidates merged onto the existing list according to examination score. 

The Human Resource Services Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate qualified individuals with mental and physical disabilities, and/or medical conditions in accordance/compliance with the State Fair Employment Housing Act (FEHA), Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, and Alameda County Resolution No. R-83-773.  To request an accommodation due to a disability during this or other phases of the selection process, please contact the Human Resource Services Department at (510) 272-6472 before the final filing deadline. Alameda County Human Resources Services will require documentation to substantiate a request for reasonable accommodation. In order to qualify for a reasonable accommodation, applicants must have a permanent disability pursuant to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's statute of the Americans with Disability Act of 1990, as amended, and/or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) Act. 

For more information regarding our Reasonable Accommodation procedures, please visit our website, www.acgov.org/hrs

ABOUT THE COUNTY

Alameda County, located on the east side of San Francisco Bay, is California's seventh-largest county.  The County employs 9,080 full-time employees and operates on an annual budget of $2.39 billion.  Oakland, the County seat, is California's eighth largest city.  One and a half million people call Alameda County home and live in a variety of incorporated cities, unincorporated communities and rural areas.  As a major urban county, Alameda provides a full range of services to its citizens.  The County is a blend of culturally and ethnically diverse communities, and its mixture of cosmopolitan and suburban areas provides the perfect environment for families and their active lifestyles.  The County offers extensive cultural resources, countless recreational opportunities and an array of fine public and private colleges and universities.

MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

MEDICAL PLANS

The County offers HMO and PPO medical plans.  The County has two contributions structures, 1) County contributes 100% of the lowest cost HMO; or 2) County contributes 90% of the HMO plans and 90% of the lowest cost HMO towards the PPO. The County contribution can be prorated based on the number of work hours up to 50% of the standard hours in a pay period.  Employees pay any additional premium costs if they chose an alternate HMO or PPO Plan. If an eligible employee waives all medical coverage through the County, a monthly stipend may be provided.

DENTAL PLANS

The County offers two Dental Plans: PPO and Dental Maintenance Option (DMO). The County contributes up to 100% of the family coverage for both plans as long as the employee works at least 50% of the standard hours in a pay period. The PPO option plan design is 100% Preventative, 80% Basic Care, 80% Major Care with a $45 per individual deductible and annual maximum up to $1,450 per. The DMO option has an orthodontic benefit for children as well as adults.

VISION BENEFIT

The County offers two Voluntary Vision Plans through Vision Service Plan (VSP) for eligible employees.  The two plans consist of a low option and a high option that offer annual eye exams and coverage for various frames and lenses.  The Voluntary Vision Plan is 100% employee paid and available to employees and their dependents.  In addition, an annual eye exam is covered for participants in the HMO Medical Plans with corresponding co-pay. 

LIFE INSURANCE

The County pays for a Basic Life Insurance policy of $25,000.  Supplemental Life Insurance for an employee can be purchased in $10,000 increments up $1,000,000.  Supplemental Life Insurance can also be purchased for spouse/domestic partner and/or eligible dependent children.

ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT (AD&D) INSURANCE

An employee can purchase either a policy for themselves or a family policy in $25,000 increments up to $500,000.

COUNTY ALLOWANCE DOLLARS

The County provides up to $2900 of flex dollars annually, dependent upon the management employee's represented or unrepresented classification.  These flex dollars can be used to pay for medical, Supplemental Life and/or AD&D premiums.  The unused portion of these flex dollars are deposited into a Health Flexible Spending Account for the management employee, which can be used for unreimbursed medical expenses.

HEALTH FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT

Employees may opt to salary contribute on a pre-tax basis up to $10,000 for eligible out of pocket medical, dental and vision expenses such as: prescription co-pays, office visit co-pays, prescription eye glasses or contact lenses.

DEPENDENT CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

For employees who have either children under age 13 or dependents (parent, sibling or in-law incapable of self-care) that are dependent upon the employee for care can contribute salary on a pre-tax basis up to $5,000 annually.  These pre-tax dollars can be used to pay for day care expenses provided by a licensed facility.

 

COMMUTER BENEFITS

For the 2011 Plan Year, an employee can set aside up to $230 a month in pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified work-related parking and commuting to and from work transit fees.

HOLIDAYS

Eleven paid holidays plus two or four floating holidays depending on the union bargaining unit.  Represented management employees are entitled up to three additional days of management paid leave. Unrepresented management employees are entitled up to seven days of management paid leave.

VACATION AND SICK LEAVE WITH PAY

Vacation accrual ranges from two weeks to five weeks depending upon years of service and the union bargaining unit to which the position is assigned.  Sick leave accrues at the approximate rate of one-half day per bi-weekly pay period.  Exact rate is based on the union bargaining unit and is defined in the corresponding Memorandum of Understanding.

VACATION PURCHASE PROGRAM

The County allows you to purchase one or two additional weeks of vacation through payroll deduction.  Exact benefit is based on the union bargaining unit and is defined in the corresponding Memorandum of Understanding.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

The County has an EAP available for employees, spouses/domestic partners and eligible dependents.  This program provides services such as: counseling, financial consulting, child and elder care consulting and some legal counseling.

DISABILITY or INCOME REPLACEMENT

Two voluntary plans are offered: Short-term Disability and Long-term Disability can be purchased through a payroll deduction or with accrued vacation hours depending upon the union bargaining unit.

LONG TERM CARE

This voluntary benefit extends care for yourself and/or your spouse and/or your parents who experience a serious accident, chronic illness or frailties of old age.  Places where care can be provided are: in one's home, at a nursing home, at an assisted living facility or adult day care center.

RETIREMENT

The County retirement program is a Defined Benefit plan and is governed under the provisions of the 1937 Act.  The County's retirement is based on one's age upon entrance, compensation, years of service and specific percentage of employee/employer contributions with the County's portion vesting after five years of employment. (With regard to Project positions - Regularly appointed incumbents in full-time, non-project positions in the Alameda County classified service who are current members of the retirement system and who are appointed, without a break in service or status to a project position can elect to remain in the retirement system.  Individuals hired into a project position and subsequently appointed to full-time, non-project positions become members of the retirement system at the time of the regular appointment.  Computations and determinations of eligibility for retirement shall be based on the date of the regular appointment, with entitlements being prospective from that date.)

DEFERRED COMPENSATION

The County offers a Deferred Compensation program where an eligible employee can voluntarily contribute on a pre-tax basis, a minimum of $20 per pay period up to the total annual contribution limit.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE
Those claiming additional preference points as a VETERAN must submit a copy of the DD214 form on the day of the oral examination. Those claiming additional preference points as a DISABLED VETERAN must submit a copy of the DD214 form and a letter from the Department of Veteran Affairs confirming eligibility for additional points on the day of the oral examination.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
The Human Resource Services Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate qualified individuals with mental and physical disabilities, and/or medical conditions in accordance/compliance with the State Fair Employment Housing Act (FEHA), Federal Americans with Disability Act (ADA) of 1990, and Alameda County Resolution No. R-83-773.  To request reasonable accommodation, you must notify the Human Resource Representative listed on this bulletin as soon as possible and before the last day to file, in order to make the necessary arrangements during each step of the examination process.                                                               (510) 272-3703 (TDD)

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
All government employees are disaster service workers as defined by California Government Code Section 3100.  In addition to everyday duties, employees have the added responsibility of helping throughout any disaster. 

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
An applicant's previous employment may be investigated.  Results of this investigation may be cause for disqualification.  Also, all convictions will be reviewed and may result in a request for additional information or termination of employment.  A conviction record will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from employment.  Each case will be given individual consideration, based on job-relatedness.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION
All prospective county employees must pass a medical examination before beginning employment.  For positions which require a commercial driver's license and the performance of functions defined as "safety sensitive," Federal law and County policy requires that the examination include a drug screening process.  Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of this examination.

Alameda County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  Women, ethnic and racial minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Applicants will be considered without regard to their race, color, religion, sex national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other non-job-related factor.

All notices related to County recruitments for which you have applied will be sent/delivered via email.  Please add @acgov.org and alamedacountyHR@acgov.org as accepted addresses to any email blocking or spam filtering program you may use.  If you do not do this, your email blocking or spam filtering program may block receipt of the notices regarding your application for recruitments. You are also strongly advised to regularly log into your County of Alameda online application account to check for notices that may have been sent to you.  All email notices that will be sent to you will also be kept in your personal online application account.  You  will be able to view all of your notices in your online application account by clicking on the “My applications” button on the Current Job Openings page.

Please take the steps recommended above to insure you do not miss any notices about a recruitment for which you have applied.  The County of Alameda is not responsible for notices that are not read, received or accessed by any applicant for a County recruitment.  

 NOTE: All notices are generated through an automated email notification system.  Replies to the email box alamedacountyHR@acgov.org are routed to an unmonitored mailbox.  If you have questions please go to our website at www.acgov.org/hrs.  You may also contact the Human Resources Analyst listed on the bulletin for the recruitment for which you have applied.

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Robin Young, Human Resources Analyst

Human Resource Services, County of Alameda

510-272-6393