Mental Health Counselor I (#SL3 )

$38.28-$48.39 hourly / $6,635.07-$8,387.44 monthly / $79,622.40-$100,651.20 yearly

Mental Health Counselor II (#SL5 )

$42.95-$54.34 hourly / $7,444.52-$9,418.75 monthly / $89,336.00-$113,027.20 yearly

• Tasks are performed by both levels (I as trainee and II as journey): Plan, organize, and lead in a structured program of counseling, work, study, rehabilitation, recreation and social activities for a group of emotionally disturbed clients, including activities such as individual, group and family counseling and discussions;
• Oversees daily living routines and development of life skills, including meals, arts and crafts, sports, personal hygiene, housekeeping chores, and clothing issue;
• Assist youth to gain insight into themselves and their relationships to family, peers and adults;
• Observe and document in clinical records on youth treatment goals, behavior, attitude, appearance, interests and skills;
• Maintain necessary log and reports, including progress notes, including possible effects of medication on behavior;
• Assists clients in taking prescribed medication;
• Assist clinicians with development of treatment plan;
• May assist in clinical assessment;
• Leads off-site therapeutic activities;
• Assists with intake;
• Explain the purposes and procedures of the program and facility;
• Participates in four-month treatment plan review meetings;
• Participate in multi-disciplinary clinical meetings with residents and families;
• Maintain good discipline and instruct clients in acceptable behavior;
• Take proper action for non-cooperating youth;
• Remain alert for potential problems and take measures to reduce tensions and avoid possible violence;
• Contact parents, probation officers, police and others as required;
• Observe and facilitate family and significant other visiting;
• Attend and participates in staff, program and planning meetings;
• Participate and assist in group and individual in-service training programs;
• Transports groups on therapeutic outing activities;
• Transports individuals to hospitals, clinics and community facilities;
• May provide back-up for other classifications as required;
• May supervise volunteers and student interns.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

Mental Health Counselor I

Some knowledge of:

• Basic factors that influence human behavior.
• Basic interviewing principles and techniques.
• Health, hygiene and mental health.
• Basic care and supervision required in a treatment program.
• Basic first aid.
• Mental Health Counselor II

Working knowledge of the above, plus working knowledge of:

• Principles and methods of behavior management.
• Basic counseling techniques for individuals, groups and families.
• Safety requirements necessitated by program environment and location.

Ability to:

Abilities required of I as trainee and II as journey

• Learn and apply the practices and procedures used in structured treatment milieu, including supervision and rehabilitation of clients.
• Plan, organize and direct a group of youths in psycho-educational and therapeutic groups.
• Comprehend and follow oral and written instructions.
• Understand and respond constructively to youth behavior problems and gain their cooperation in meeting clinical goals.
• Communicate effectively orally.
• Work without close supervision.
• Plan, organize and direct a group of clients in therapeutic work, meal, recreation and social activities.
• Learn and apply crisis intervention and other skills, which include the ability to anticipate, prevent and de-escalate acts of violence to per sons and property.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other, including clients, families, staff, and representatives of other agencies.
• Write clear and concise log entries and reports, including progress notes.
• Conduct individual, group and family counseling with adolescents with behavioral or emotional problems.
• Recognize and respond effectively to emergency situations.
• Obtain a First Aid and CPR Certificate issued by the American Red Cross.
• Stand and walk for extended periods of time up to 12 hours.
• Lift items weighing up to 35 pounds from floor level and 50 pounds from 12 inches above floor level, such as assisting in lifting a minor detainee, and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience which would provide the required knowledges and abilities is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain these knowledges and abilities would be:

Mental Health Counselor I: Fifteen (15) semester units of college coursework in psychology, sociology, or other behavioral science, or experience involving the supervision, care or leadership of adolescents, or one year of non-professional treatment experience in a mental health program or facility.

Mental Health Counselor II: One year of experience performing duties comparable to a Mental Health Counselor I in Santa Cruz County.

Special Requirements/Conditions:

Selective certification, based on male or female gender to meet staffing needs and maintain a gender balance on each shift, may be requested for permanent regular (non-extra help hires) appointments in these classifications.

License/Certificate Requirements: For both levels: Possession of a valid California class C driver license.

Special Working Conditions: Exposure to the possibility of bodily injury; infections which may cause chronic disease or death; combative minor detainees; offensive odors; high noise levels; insect bites; dust and pollens.

Background Investigation: Fingerprinting is required.

EST: 2/97 REV: 6/02 Analyst: CE, PT

PREVIOUS TITLES: None
Bargaining Unit: 41
EEOC Job Category: 04
Occupational Grouping: 69
Worker's Comp Code: 0285
Analyst: PT/CE