Mental Health Client Specialist I (#NP5 )

$39.95-$50.50 hourly / $6,924.53-$8,753.16 monthly / $83,096.00-$105,040.00 yearly

Mental Health Client Specialist II (#NP6 )

We are currently accepting applications for this position. To apply, please close this pop-up window and then click on the link for Employment Opportunities. $41.93-$53.01 hourly / $7,267.73-$9,188.22 monthly / $87,214.40-$110,260.80 yearly

Under general supervision, to provide a variety of professional mental health and/or substance use disorder services and related administrative functions in support of clients and their families, including case management/care coordination, short term crisis intervention, evaluation, counseling, and/or assisting in the implementation of appropriate treatment or service plans; and to do other work as required.

Mental Health Client Specialist I This is the entry level in the professional Mental Health/Substance Use series and performs duties under the supervision of a mental health licensed or certified substance use disorder clinical supervisor. Incumbents perform case management/care coordination and/or crisis intervention, short term support, counseling to implement assigned client treatment plans. Clients include children or adults experiencing serious mental illness, a substance use disorder or severe emotional disturbance. Clients may also be in crisis or experiencing chronic illness or may have involvement with the criminal justice system. The Mental Health Client Specialist I class is distinguished from the lower-level classification of Community Mental Health Aide in that the latter assists professional Mental Health staff in providing client services. This classification is distinguished from the higher-level classification of Mental Health Client Specialist II in that the latter has a higher level of experience and/or educational requirements and is assigned to crisis intervention teams. Mental Health Client Specialist II This is the journey level in the professional Mental Health/Substance Use series. Incumbents are mental health license eligible and actively pursuing a full license from the California Board of Behavioral Science Examiners (BBS) or have a higher level of experience in providing crisis intervention services. The Mental Health Client Specialist II is distinguished from the lower-level classification of Mental Health Client Specialist I by either a higher level of educational requirements and/or specific experience requirements in providing crisis intervention services in the community or in an inpatient setting. The incumbent’s assignment is to provide crisis intervention services with mobile emergency response or law enforcement/emergency medical co-response, walk-in crisis and/or street medicine or outreach. This includes programs such as Access Program which provides assessment and crisis intervention to individuals presenting as a walk-in for crisis services and requests for treatment. This classification is distinguished from the higher-level classification of Senior Mental Health Client Specialist I in that the latter requires licensing and provides intensive therapy and treatment in more complex cases.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS Knowledge of: Mental Health Client Specialist I Working knowledge of: Symptoms and behaviors of major mental illnesses and/or substance use disorders. Basic social rehabilitation, socialization, and practical life management skills. Psychosocial aspects and characteristics of emotional disturbances, substance use disorders and mental illness. Principles and methods of interviewing, counseling, crisis intervention and assessing psychosocial behaviors. Human behavior and development. Problems, attitudes, and needs of the emotionally or socially disturbed. Some knowledge of: Community resources. Pharmacology of medications and psychotropic drugs. Laws and regulations as they pertain to clients' rights. Mental Health Client Specialist II Thorough knowledge of: All of the above. Crisis intervention and crisis de-escalation models. Working knowledge of: Welfare and Institution Codes 5150 and 5585. Ability to: Mental Health Client Specialist I & II Assess clients' behavioral, substance use and emotional problems/conditions, making knowledgeable recommendations and/or designing appropriate service plans. Interview clients and record pertinent information in an effective manner, obtaining accurate social, personal, and psychosocial information. Conduct effective individual and group mental health/substance use disorder services with assigned clients including adults with serious mental and/or substance use disorders, individuals in crisis, and/or children with emotional disturbance and/or substance use disorders under supervision. Participate effectively with assigned treatment or case management team. Prepare a variety of administrative and professional reports. Learn the appropriate laws, regulations, Agency policies and procedures of health and social service programs. Communicate effectively and persuasively in both oral and written form. Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties. Learn to input and access data utilizing a computer. Distinguish speech and non-speech sounds in noisy environments. Intervene and diffuse situations involving combative clients which may include active restraint if needed. Stand and walk for extended periods of time may be required for some positions. Training and Experience: Any combination of training and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be: Mental Health Client Specialist I A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in counseling, psychology, or other mental health related field. AND Two years full-time experience in a recognized public or private agency providing mental health counseling, substance abuse counseling, psycho-social assessment, or case management services to individuals with mental illness, substance use disorders, or emotional disturbance. OR An associate’s degree from an accredited college in counseling, psychology, social work, or closely related field. AND Four years full-time experience in a recognized public or private agency providing mental health counseling, substance abuse counseling, psychosocial rehabilitation, or case management services to individuals with mental illness, substance use disorders, or emotional disturbance. Mental Health Client Specialist II A master’s degree from an accredited college or university in psychology, social work, counseling, or closely related behavioral science field. AND One year as a Mental Health Client Specialist I or equivalent experience. OR A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in psychology, counseling, or closely related behavioral science field. AND Three years full-time experience in a recognized public or private agency providing mental health counseling, substance abuse counseling, psycho-social assessment, or case management services to individuals with mental illness, substance use disorders, or emotional disturbance, which includes a minimum of two years’ experience in providing crisis intervention services in the community or in an inpatient psychiatric program. Special Requirements/Conditions: Mental Health Client Specialist I License Requirement: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License, or the ability to provide suitable transportation which is approved by the appointing authority. Alcohol and Drug Assignment: All persons providing alcohol and drug counseling services within the Alcohol and Drug Program must be certified as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor OR be licensed as a mental health professional, OR within six (6) months of the date of hire, all non-licensed individuals, pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 9, Division 4, Chapter 8, Subchapter 2, or non-certified individuals providing counseling services in an AOD program, must be registered to obtain certification as an AOD counselor by one of the approved certifying organization (CCR, Section 13035(f). Mental Health Client Specialist II All of the above. Incumbents pursuing full licensure must provide proof of registration as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW), or Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APPC) within 90 days of hire AND comply with California licensure requirements as outlined by the California Board of Behavioral Science. Background Investigation: Fingerprinting is required. Special Working Conditions: All assignments: Exposure to offensive odors such as unwashed people and clothes, human and animal feces; the possibility of infections which may cause chronic disease or death; hostile or violent individuals; and may be exposed to cigarette smoke. Juvenile Hall and Acute/Emergency Services assignments: Exposure to noise, such as people yelling. Children's Service assignment: Exposure to disturbing material, such as photos of abused children; allergens such as poison oak, insect stings or bites, and pollens. Some positions may require lifting objects such as boxes of belongings weighing up to fifty pounds. Note: Persons in this classification may be assigned to positions with any of the above working conditions on an emergency, as needed basis. Other Special Requirements: Positions may be assigned to carry an agency-issued cell phone and laptop and respond to crisis situations and perform "on-call" or call/back duties. Work situations may include evenings, weekends, and holidays. EST: 10/90 REV:9/21, 9/11 Analyst: JES, MM, JS, LR

Bargaining Unit: 41

EEOC Job Category: 02

Occupational Grouping: 50

Worker's Comp Code: 0290 - MHCS I  

                                    0285 - MHCS II