State of Connecticut Executive Branch

In the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, community based behavioral health program, this class is accountable for providing clinical assessment and evaluation of treatment programs for an on-going primary caseload of clients for a behavioral health treatment team.

Incumbents in this class will manage client progress towards the goals outlined in the treatment plan for that client which was developed as a result of the psychosocial assessment completed by a social worker.

Works under the general supervision of a Supervising Clinician, Clinical Manager or licensed independent practitioner of a higher grade.

May lead paraprofessional or professional staff of a lower level.

Functions primarily to implement treatment plans for clients on caseload; provides case management services to clients; assists clients in linking with community support systems and agencies; monitors clients progress within mental health and community support systems; performs intake, evaluation and assessment of treatment programs under supervision of a licensed independent practitioner; participates in counseling sessions; provides education and training to clients in community living and activities of daily living skills; monitors clients medication compliance and coordinates meetings with team psychiatrists or nurses as necessary; provides appropriate interventions to clients in crisis including outreach, counseling and/or referral to other service providers; completes all required documentation related to client treatment in accordance with established procedures; may transport clients to and from appointments; may assist in development of treatment plans for new clients; may administer medication; may provide nursing consultation and/or input; performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of behavioral health counseling techniques; knowledge of social work methodology, casework, group work and community mobilization; knowledge of family dynamics and dynamics of interpersonal relationships; knowledge of social, cultural, economic, medical, psychological and legal issues which influence attitudes and behaviors of clients and families; knowledge of community resources available to individuals and families; knowledge of approaches to treatment; knowledge of psychotropic and addiction medications; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; considerable ability to prepare clear and concise reports and case histories.

A Bachelor’s degree in a health care field and two (2) years of experience working independently using clinical case management techniques in a Behavioral Health setting.

Note: Case management is defined as primary responsibility for the implementation, monitoring, evaluation and assessment of client progress towards meeting treatment objectives as outlined in an approved treatment plan.

1. A Master’s degree in counseling, psychology or other clinical discipline may be substituted for one (1) year of the General Experience.

2. A current Connecticut license as a registered professional nurse and two (2) years of experience working in a psychiatric setting may be substituted for the Bachelor’s degree.

3. A Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) and two (2) years at or above the level of a Mental Health Assistant 2 independently performing the full range of paraprofessional case management in a Behavioral Health setting may be substituted for the General Experience.

1. Incumbents in this class must possess and retain licensure or certification in designated positions.

2. Incumbents in this class may be required to be a certified substance abuse counselor.

3. Incumbents in this class may be required to have knowledge of sign language and communication ability with the deaf and hearing impaired in designated positions.

4. Incumbents in this class may be required to have ability in Spanish oral and written communication in designated positions.

5. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

This replaces the existing specification for the class of Community Clinician in Salary Group HC 22 approved effective December 5, 2001. (Revised Substitutions Allowed) Action No. 19-028