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Mental Health Specialist II (#RS2002)
$27.77-$33.75 Hourly / $4,813.48-$5,850.82 Monthly / $57,761.86-$70,209.90 Yearly




DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs paraprofessional work assisting in the development and implementation of Mental Services; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the journey level class in the Mental Health Specialist series.  An employee in this class may be assigned to one or more of the following:  provide case management for a routine client caseload, provide group and individual counseling for emotional, drug, alcohol or other mental health problems, provide in-service training to speakers, educators and counselors, assist in managing a large mental health program or manage a small program.

TYPICAL DUTIES

  • Participates as a member of a treatment team in developing and modifying treatment plans; implements treatment plans.
  • Provides case management to mentally ill or elderly clients; may provide counseling, money management or other related services.
  • Provides basic client counseling in groups as well as on an individual basis.
  • Manages a small mental health or related program; assists in managing a large program.
  • Maintains records, prepares reports and performs other administrative duties as required.
  • May serve as a lead person over other mental health paraprofessionals.
  • Provides skilled direct patient care to clients in a 24-hour psychiatric facility or day treatment program; evaluates patient progress and status, records clinical notes, advises physicians on treatment plans and medications, counsels clients and family.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

PATTERN I
Experience:  Two years as a Mental Health Specialist I in San Joaquin County service.

OR PATTERN II
Education:  Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in Psychology, Social Work, Nursing or a related social science.

OR PATTERN III
Education:  Completion of 45 semester units from an approved college or university of which a minimum of 30 must be in Psychology, Social Work, Nursing or a related Social Science.

Experience:  Two years providing client services in a mental health hospital or social service area.

AND FOR ALL PATTERNS
License:   Possession of a valid California Driver License is required.

KNOWLEDGE

Mental health and related programs, policies and procedures; community resources; basic concepts of mental illness, mental health and substance abuse; techniques of dealing with the physical, emotional and social needs of emotionally disturbed individuals and substance abusers; clinical terminology.

ABILITY

Develop and maintain confidence and cooperation of clients and patients; recognize and respond to symptoms of mental disorders and substance abuse; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; understand and follow oral and written directions; express ideas clearly both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships; counsel clients and patients.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Mobility – frequent operation of a keyboard, sitting for extended periods, walking and stair climbing; frequent driving may be required; occasional standing for long periods of time; frequent lifting of 5 pounds or less; rarely to infrequently lifting up to 50 pounds; infrequently pushing/pulling in excess of 20 to 30 pounds; infrequently balancing, stooping/bending, and/or crouching/squatting as required in a behavior management situation;   Visual – constant use of overall vision, hand/eye coordination, depth perception and reading/close-up work; frequent need for color perception and field of vision/peripheral;  Dexterity – frequent holding, reaching, grasping, repetitive motion and writing;  Hearing/Talking – constant hearing of normal speech, talking in person and talking on the telephone; frequent hearing on a telephone/radio; occasional hearing of faint sounds and talking over a public address system;  Emotional/Psychological Factors – constant public contact, decision-making and concentration; frequent exposure to emergency situations; occasional exposure to trauma, grief or death; Environmental and Other Conditions – occasional to frequent need to adapt to changing work environments; frequent work with persons who may exhibit aggressive behaviors and who may be infected with communicable diseases; occasional exposure to noise, varied outdoor weather conditions; occasional working alone, working shifts to include weekends/nights/holidays, and/or work-related travel.  

San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

CLASS: RS2002; EST: 10/9/1985; REV: 4/14/2021;