Supervising BH Clinical Specialist / Clinician / Clinician Sr.

Job Description:

Supervising BH Clinical Specialist / Clinician / Clinician Sr.

Description

Job Details

Under general supervision, provides licensed clinical supervision and assists with the direct supervision of professional and administrative support staff of the Behavioral Health Department; delivers mental health services, including assessments, diagnoses, prognosis, counseling, and psychotherapeutic treatment for department clients; contributes to education and training for staff, community agencies, and the public; and performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

SUPERVISING BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINICAL SPECIALIST

Licensing and Certifications:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver’s License.

Education and Experience:

Four (4) years of full-time professional experience working in mental health counseling, psychotherapy, and related social services in a public or certified private welfare or health agency at the level equivalent to a Behavioral Health Clinical Specialist with the County of Lake.

A four (4) year degree from an accredited college or university in psychology, social work, marriage and family counseling, or a related field is highly desirable.

Lead or Supervisory experience is preferred.

Additional directly related experience and/or education may be substituted.

SUPERVISING BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINICIAN

Licensing and Certifications:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver’s License.

Possession of current California registration as Associate Clinical Social Worker; Marriage, Family and Child Counselor Intern or Clinical Counselor.

OR

Possession of a PhD in Psychology and eligibility for Mental Health professional licensing waiver under Welfare and Institution Code Section 5751.2 (d).

OR

Possession of out-of-state licensure as a Psychologist, Clinical Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist, or Professional Clinical Counselor and eligibility for Mental Health professional licensing waiver under Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5751.2 (e).

OR

Other person eligible for licensing waiver under Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5751.2

Applicants are advised that licensing bodies do impose time limits for granting waivers. Incumbents in this classification will be demoted to Supervising Behavioral Health Clinical Specialist in the event that they are no longer waiverable.

Education and Experience:

Four (4) years of full-time professional experience working in mental health counseling, psychotherapy, and related social services in a public or certified private welfare or health agency at the level equivalent to a Behavioral Health Clinical Specialist with the County of Lake.

Equivalent to a Master’s degree in psychology, social work, marriage and family counseling, or a related field from an accredited college or university which provides the educational basis for licensing to provide psychotherapy in the State of California.

Supervisory experience is preferred.

Additional directly related experience and/or education may be substituted.

SUPERVISING BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINICIAN SENIOR

Licensing and Certifications:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver’s License.

Possession of a valid California license as a Clinical Social Worker, Marriage, Family and Child Counselor, or Clinical Psychologist.

Education and Experience:

Four (4) years of full-time professional experience working in mental health counseling, psychotherapy, and related social services in a public or certified private welfare or health agency at the level equivalent to a Behavioral Health Clinician Senior with the County of Lake.

Equivalent to a Master’s degree in psychology, social work, marriage and family counseling, or a related field from an accredited college or university which provides the educational basis for licensing to provide psychotherapy in the State of California.

Supervisory experience is preferred.

Additional directly related experience and/or education may be substituted.

General Recruitment Information

The information presented in job postings, job descriptions, or recruitment materials does not form a legally binding contract, either explicit or implicit. Benefits may differ among different employee groups. The details provided in these materials are subject to change or cancellation without prior notification. Prospective employees of the County of Lake must undergo the County's pre-employment medical review program upon receiving a conditional job offer before assuming their position with the County.

Applicants may substitute relevant experience and/or education at a 2 to 1 ratio to fulfill minimum qualifications. For further details, individuals should reach out to the Human Resources department.

ADA Accommodations

Individuals in need of accommodation during the application and/or selection process under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should reach out to County of Lake Human Resources at (707) 263-2213.

The County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer

Veteran's Preference

SUPERVISING BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINICAL SPECIALIST
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, provides clinical supervision and assists with the direct supervision of professional and administrative support staff of the Behavioral Health Department; provides mental health services for individuals and groups including assessments, diagnoses, prognosis, counseling, and psychotherapeutic treatment for department clients; assists with education and training for other staff, community agencies, and the public; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the first working level (non-licensed) classification in the Behavioral Health Clinical series. Incumbents have responsibility for independently providing behavioral health services for individuals and groups. Incumbents are required to develop case service plans, identify appropriate treatment methods, and use a variety of applied psychotherapeutic techniques. Incumbents in this classification may be expected to serve in “crisis intervention “situations and respond to emergencies and hospitalizations and may manage a countywide crisis team, performing 5150 evaluations and advising staff on how to deal with potential “at risk” clients.

Positions in the Behavioral Health Clinical series are flexibly staffed. Incumbents may advance to the higher classifications after gaining the knowledge, skill, experience, licenses, and certifications which meet the qualifications for and demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from assigned management staff, depending on areas of work assignments. Exercises direct supervision over professional, technical, and administrative support staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the scope of duties performed by employees in this class and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

• Provides supervision, training, coordination, scheduling, and work evaluations for assigned staff.
• Schedules the work of team members to ensure appropriate coverage for department services.
• Participates in the development, monitoring, and coordination of program goals.
• Meets with clients, families, or groups in a variety of settings or conducts telephone interviews to develop client centered service plans.
• Interviews persons requesting outpatient mental health services.
• Prioritizes requests according to standard triage criteria.
• Provides initial assessments, including provisional diagnoses and treatment plans for assigned clients.
• Assists clients with understanding problems and developing solutions.
• Provides individual and group therapy for children and/or adults.
• Advises clients on available community resources and serves as a liaison with organizations and service agencies.
• Develops recommendations for discharge and follow-up treatment planning for clients and their families, making appropriate referrals and other arrangements, as necessary.
• Works with clients’ families to secure cooperation in treatment programs.
• Evaluates data and consults with other agencies to ensure that treatment services are adequate.
• Provides background information to physicians involved in client treatment, as needed.
• Evaluates persons presented as psychiatric emergencies at department clinics, hospital emergency rooms, law enforcement incidents, jails, and other locations.
• Performs involuntary hospitalization assessments and arranges for hospitalization, if necessary.
• Participates in coordination of services with the office of County Counsel and the Public Guardian, relative to LPS conservatorship administration.
• Prepares and maintains clinical and administrative records.
• Serves as a liaison with community organizations regarding continuing care services.
• Serves as a consultant for other mental health personnel.
• Cooperates with professionals from other disciplines in the development of team diagnoses and treatment plans.
• May develop, conduct, and participate in training programs for other departments and community agency staff.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Principles of supervision, training, and work evaluation.
• Principles, techniques, and trends in counseling, psychotherapy, and various treatment modalities.
• Biological, behavioral, and environmental aspects of emotional disturbances, mental disabilities, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse.
• Methods, practices, and procedures of mental health programs, counseling, crisis intervention, psychotherapy, and case management practices.
• The scope and activities of public and private health and welfare agencies.
• Methods used in the identification of clients’ individual, social, and behavioral problems.
• Legislative and administrative rules and regulations pertaining to Lanterman-Petris-Short and Short-Doyle services.
• Customer service principles and techniques.

• Written and oral communications skills.
• Proper English spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software applications) to conduct research, assess information, and/or prepare documentation.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction.

Ability to:

• Provide supervision, training, and timely work evaluations for assigned staff.
• Perform psychiatric social work and psychotherapy for Behavioral Health Department clients.
• Develop clear and comprehensive case records and documentation.
• Prepare treatment plans, client treatment recommendations, and a variety of reports.
• Organize and manage a caseload.
• Understand a therapist’s role and deal with clients in a variety of circumstances and settings in accordance with professional standards and ethics.
• Conceptualize and prioritize the problems of mentally disordered persons, determining their needs, services, and appropriate treatment methods.
• Integrate a variety of clinical approaches into a unified treatment plan.
• Recognize potential crises and deliver crisis intervention services.
• Handle stress and unstable client behavior.
• Effectively represent the Behavioral Health Department in contacts with clients, the public, community organizations, other County staff, and other government agencies.
• Regularly work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Utilize a computer, relevant software applications, and/or other equipment as assigned to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Licensing and Certifications:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver’s License.

Education and Experience:

Four (4) years of full-time professional experience working in mental health counseling, psychotherapy, and related social services in a public or certified private welfare or health agency at the level equivalent to a Behavioral Health Clinical Specialist with the County of Lake.

A four (4) year degree from an accredited college or university in psychology, social work, marriage and family counseling, or a related field is highly desirable.

Lead or Supervisory experience is preferred.

Additional directly related experience and/or education may be substituted.

WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
The County of Lake is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with its obligations under the law to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Incumbents may be subject to stand by and/or call back outside of regularly scheduled work hours, including nights and weekends.
Incumbents generally work in a typical office environment with adequate light and temperature. There may be occasional exposure to extreme temperatures, loud noise, fumes, noxious odors, dust, mist, gases, and poor ventilation; underground, confined, or restricted workspaces; and heights more than five stories above ground level. Incumbents may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. Incumbents may also be subject to clients or members of the public afflicted with behavioral disorders or who are under emotionally stressful conditions.
Positions in this class typically require: sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.
Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.
Positions in this class may require local and statewide travel as necessary.
A successful candidate will be required to submit to and pass a background check prior to the appointment. Depending upon the position and/or assigned department, the background check may include but is not limited to civil and criminal history check, reference check, Live Scan, and/or credit check (as allowed under state law).
Disaster Service Workers: As members of the County of Lake Emergency Services Organization, all Lake County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to perform certain emergency services at the direction of the department and / or County.
The contents of this class specification shall not be construed to constitute any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee, nor shall it constitute a contract of employment. The County of Lake assumes no responsibility beyond the general accuracy of the document, nor does it assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained herein. The contents of this specification may be modified or revoked without notice. Terms and conditions of employment are determined through a “meet and confer” process and are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding currently in effect.

SUPERVISING BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINICIAN
DEFINITION
Under general direction, provides clinical supervision and assists with the direct supervision of professional and administrative support staff of the Behavioral Health Department; provides mental health services for individuals and groups including assessments, diagnoses, prognosis, counseling, and psychotherapeutic treatment for department clients; assists with education and training for other staff, community agencies, and the public; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the licensed, journey level classification in the Behavioral Health Clinical series. Incumbents must be eligible for waiver of licensure as provided by California Welfare and Institutions Code 5751.2 (d) and (e) and have sufficient clinical experience to enable them to work with a high degree of independence in a community mental health setting. Incumbents have responsibility for independently providing behavioral health services for individuals and groups. Incumbents are required to develop case service plans, identify appropriate treatment methods, and use a variety of applied psychotherapeutic techniques.

This classification is distinguished from Behavioral Health Clinician in that Behavioral Health Clinician is an experienced professional level, but is not routinely responsible for the supervision of other staff. This class is distinguished from Supervising Behavioral Health Clinical Specialist by the fact that Supervising Behavioral Health Clinical Specialist are not qualified for waiver of licensure. This class is distinguished from Supervising Behavioral Health Clinician Senior in that Supervising Behavioral Health Clinician Senior incumbents are fully licensed mental health professionals.

Incumbents in this classification may be expected to serve in “crisis intervention “situations and respond to emergencies and hospitalizations and may manage a countywide crisis team, performing 5150 evaluations and advising staff on how to deal with potential “at risk” clients.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from assigned management staff, depending on areas of work assignments. Exercises direct supervision over professional, technical, and administrative support staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the scope of duties performed by employees in this class and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

• Provides supervision, training, coordination, scheduling, and work evaluations for assigned staff.
• Schedules the work of team members to ensure appropriate coverage for department services.
• Participates in the development, monitoring, and coordination of program goals.
• Meets with clients, families, or groups in a variety of settings or conducts telephone interviews to develop client-centered service plans.
• Interviews persons requesting outpatient mental health services.
• Prioritizes requests according to standard triage criteria.
• Provides initial assessments, including provisional diagnoses and treatment plans for assigned clients.
• Assists clients with understanding problems and developing solutions.
• Provides individual and group therapy for children and/or adults.
• Advises clients on available community resources and serves as a liaison with organizations and service agencies.
• Develops recommendations for discharge and follow-up treatment planning for clients and their families, making appropriate referrals and other arrangements, as necessary.
• Works with clients’ families to secure cooperation in treatment programs.
• Evaluates data and consults with other agencies to ensure that treatment services are adequate.
• Provides background information to physicians involved in client treatment, as needed.
• Evaluates persons presented as psychiatric emergencies at department clinics, hospital emergency rooms, law enforcement incidents, jails, and other locations.
• Performs involuntary hospitalization assessments and arranges for hospitalization, if necessary.
• Participates in coordination of services with the office of County Counsel and the Public Guardian, relative to LPS conservatorship administration.
• Prepares and maintains clinical and administrative records.
• Serves as a liaison with community organizations regarding continuing care services.
• Serves as a consultant for other mental health personnel.
• Cooperates with professionals from other disciplines in the development of team diagnoses and treatment plans.
• May develop, conduct, and participate in training programs for other departments and community agency staff.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Principles of supervision, training, and work evaluation.
• Principles, techniques, and trends in counseling, psychotherapy, and various treatment modalities.
• Biological, behavioral, and environmental aspects of emotional disturbances, mental disabilities, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse.
• Methods, practices, and procedures of mental health programs, counseling, crisis intervention, psychotherapy, and case management practices.
• The scope and activities of public and private health and welfare agencies.
• Methods used in the identification of clients’ individual, social, and behavioral problems.
• Legislative and administrative rules and regulations pertaining to Lanterman-Petris-Short and Short-Doyle services.
• Customer service principles and techniques.

• Written and oral communications skills.
• Proper English spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software applications) to conduct research, assess information, and/or prepare documentation.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction.

Ability to:

• Provide supervision, training, and timely work evaluations for assigned staff.
• Perform psychiatric social work and psychotherapy for Behavioral Health Department clients.
• Develop clear and comprehensive case records and documentation.
• Prepare treatment plans, client treatment recommendations, and a variety of reports.
• Organize and manage a caseload.
• Understand a therapist’s role and deal with clients in a variety of circumstances and settings in accordance with professional standards and ethics.
• Conceptualize and prioritize the problems of mentally disordered persons, determining their needs, services, and appropriate treatment methods.
• Integrate a variety of clinical approaches into a unified treatment plan.
• Recognize potential crises and deliver crisis intervention services.
• Handle stress and unstable client behavior.
• Effectively represent the Behavioral Health Department in contacts with clients, the public, community organizations, other County staff, and other government agencies.
• Regularly work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Utilize a computer, relevant software applications, and/or other equipment as assigned to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Licensing and Certifications:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver’s License.

Possession of current California registration as Associate Clinical Social Worker; Marriage, Family and Child Counselor Intern or Clinical Counselor.

OR

Possession of a PhD in Psychology and eligibility for Mental Health professional licensing waiver under Welfare and Institution Code Section 5751.2 (d).

OR

Possession of out-of-state licensure as a Psychologist, Clinical Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist, or Professional Clinical Counselor and eligibility for Mental Health professional licensing waiver under Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5751.2 (e).

OR

Other person eligible for licensing waiver under Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5751.2

Applicants are advised that licensing bodies do impose time limits for granting waivers. Incumbents in this classification will be demoted to Supervising Behavioral Health Clinical Specialist in the event that they are no longer waiverable.

Education and Experience:

Four (4) years of full-time professional experience working in mental health counseling, psychotherapy, and related social services in a public or certified private welfare or health agency at the level equivalent to a Behavioral Health Clinical Specialist with the County of Lake.

Equivalent to a Master’s degree in psychology, social work, marriage and family counseling, or a related field from an accredited college or university which provides the educational basis for licensing to provide psychotherapy in the State of California.

Supervisory experience is preferred.

Additional directly related experience and/or education may be substituted.
WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
The County of Lake is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with its obligations under the law to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Incumbents may be subject to stand by and/or call back outside of regularly scheduled work hours, including nights and weekends.

Incumbents generally work in a typical office environment with adequate light and temperature. There may be occasional exposure to extreme temperatures, loud noise, fumes, noxious odors, dust, mist, gases, and poor ventilation; underground, confined, or restricted workspaces; and heights more than five stories above ground level. Incumbents may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. Incumbents may also be subject to clients or members of the public afflicted with behavioral disorders or who are under emotionally stressful conditions.

Positions in this class typically require: sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

Positions in this class may require local and statewide travel as necessary.

A successful candidate will be required to submit to and pass a background check prior to the appointment. Depending upon the position and/or assigned department, the background check may include but is not limited to civil and criminal history check, reference check, Live Scan, and/or credit check (as allowed under state law).

Disaster Service Workers: As members of the County of Lake Emergency Services Organization, all Lake County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to perform certain emergency services at the direction of the department and / or County.

The contents of this class specification shall not be construed to constitute any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee, nor shall it constitute a contract of employment. The County of Lake assumes no responsibility beyond the general accuracy of the document, nor does it assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained herein. The contents of this specification may be modified or revoked without notice. Terms and conditions of employment are determined through a “meet and confer” process and are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding currently in effect.

SUPERVISING BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINICIAN SENIOR
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, provides licensed clinical supervision and assists with the direct supervision of professional and administrative support staff of the Behavioral Health Department; provides mental health services for individuals and groups, including assessments, diagnoses, prognosis, counseling, and psychotherapeutic treatment for Behavioral Health Department clients; assists with education and training for other staff, community agencies, and the public; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the licensed, advanced journey level classification in the Supervising Behavioral Health Clinical series. Incumbents have responsibility for independently providing complex behavioral health services for individuals and groups. Incumbents are required to develop case service plans, identify appropriate treatment methods, and use a variety of applied psychotherapeutic techniques.

This classification is further distinguished from Behavioral Health Clinician Senior in that the former is a fully experienced professional level but is not routinely responsible for the work direction or supervision of other staff.

This class is distinguished from Supervising Behavioral Health Clinician in that incumbents in the former have successfully completed all requirements for licensure and are currently licensed in California as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Marriage, Family and Child Counselor or Clinical Psychologist.

Incumbents in this classification will be expected to serve in a “crisis intervention” situation and respond to emergencies and hospitalizations and may manage a county-wide crisis team, performing 5150 evaluations and advising staff on how to deal with potential “at risk” clients.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from assigned management staff, depending on areas of work assignments. Exercises direct supervision over professional, technical, and administrative support staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the scope of duties performed by employees in this class and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

• Provides supervision, training, coordination, scheduling, and work evaluations for assigned staff.
• Schedules the work of team members to assure appropriate coverage for department services.
• Participates in the development, monitoring, and coordination of program goals.
• Meets with clients, families, or groups in a variety of settings or conducts telephone interviews to develop client centered service plans.
• Interviews persons requesting outpatient mental health services.
• Prioritizes requests according to standard triage criteria.
• Provides initial assessments, including provisional diagnoses and treatment plans for clients.
• Assists clients with understanding problems and developing solutions.
• Provides individual and group therapy for children and/or adults.
• Advises clients on available community resources and serves as a liaison with organizations and service agencies.
• Monitors daily progress of persons being treated in psychiatric hospitals to determine that appropriate treatment is received.
• Develops recommendations for discharge and follow-up treatment for clients and their families, making of appropriate referrals and other arrangements, as necessary.
• Works with clients’ families to secure cooperation in treatment programs.
• Evaluates data and consults with other agencies to ensure that treatment services are adequate.
• Provides background information to physicians involved in client treatment, as needed.
• Evaluates persons presented as psychiatric emergencies at department clinics, hospital emergency rooms, law enforcement incidents, jails, and other locations.
• Performs involuntary hospitalization assessments and arranges for hospitalization, if necessary.
• Participates in coordination of services with the office of County Counsel and the Public Guardian, relative to LPS conservatorship administration.
• Prepares and maintains clinical and administrative records.
• Serves as a liaison with community organizations regarding continuing care services.
• May develop, conduct, and participate in training programs for other department and community agency staff.
• Serves as a consultant for other behavioral health personnel.
• Cooperates with professionals from other disciplines in the development of team diagnoses and treatment plans.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Principles of supervision, training, and work evaluation.
• Advanced principles, techniques, and trends in counseling, psychotherapy, and various treatment modalities.
• Advanced biological, behavioral, and environmental aspects of emotional disturbances, mental disabilities, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse.
• Methods, practices, and procedures of mental health programs, counseling, crisis intervention, psychotherapy, and case management practices.
• The scope and activities of public and private health and welfare agencies.
• Methods used in identification of clients’ individual, social, and behavioral problems.
• Legislative and administrative rules and regulations pertaining to Lanterman-Petris-Short and Short-Doyle services.
• Customer service principles and techniques.
• Written and oral communications skills.
• Proper English spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software applications) to conduct research, assess information, and/or prepare documentation.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction.

Ability to:

• Provide supervision, training, and timely work evaluations for assigned staff.
• Perform psychiatric social work and psychotherapy for Behavioral Health Department clients.
• Develop clear and comprehensive case records and documentation.
• Prepare treatment plans, client treatment recommendations, and a variety of reports.
• Organize and manage a caseload.
• Understand a therapist’s role and deal with clients in a variety of circumstances and settings in accordance with professional standards and ethics.
• Conceptualize and prioritize the problems of mentally disordered persons, determining their needs, services, and appropriate treatment methods.
• Integrate a variety of clinical approaches into a unified treatment plan.
• Recognize potential crises and deliver crisis intervention services.
• Handle stress and unstable client behavior.
• Effectively represent the Behavioral Health Department in contacts with clients, the public, community organizations, other County staff, and other government agencies.
• Regularly work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Utilize a computer, relevant software applications, and/or other equipment as assigned to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Licensing and Certifications:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver’s License.

Possession of a valid California license as a Clinical Social Worker, Marriage, Family and Child Counselor, or Clinical Psychologist.

Education and Experience:

Four (4) years of full-time professional experience working in mental health counseling, psychotherapy, and related social services in a public or certified private welfare or health agency at the level equivalent to a Behavioral Health Clinician Senior with the County of Lake.

Equivalent to a Master’s degree in psychology, social work, marriage and family counseling, or a related field from an accredited college or university which provides the educational basis for licensing to provide psychotherapy in the State of California.

Supervisory experience is preferred.

Additional directly related experience and/or education may be substituted.

WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
The County of Lake is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with its obligations under the law to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Incumbents may be subject to stand by and/or call back outside of regularly scheduled work hours, including nights and weekends.

Incumbents generally work in a typical office environment with adequate light and temperature. There may be occasional exposure to extreme temperatures, loud noise, fumes, noxious odors, dust, mist, gases, and poor ventilation; underground, confined, or restricted workspaces; and heights more than five stories above ground level. Incumbents may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. Incumbents may also be subject to clients or members of the public afflicted with behavioral disorders or who are under emotionally stressful conditions. Positions in this class typically require: sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met. Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

Positions in this class may require local and statewide travel as necessary. A successful candidate will be required to submit to and pass a background check prior to the appointment. Depending upon the position and/or assigned department, the background check may include but is not limited to civil and criminal history check, reference check, Live Scan, and/or credit check (as allowed under state law).

Disaster Service Workers: As members of the County of Lake Emergency Services Organization, all Lake County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to perform certain emergency services at the direction of the department and / or County.

The contents of this class specification shall not be construed to constitute any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee, nor shall it constitute a contract of employment. The County of Lake assumes no responsibility beyond the general accuracy of the document, nor does it assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained herein. The contents of this specification may be modified or revoked without notice. Terms and conditions of employment are determined through a “meet and confer” process and are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding currently in effect.

RETIREMENT - County employees are members of the California Public Employee Retirement system (CalPERS).CalPERS provides a defined benefit pension at retirement for County employees.The pension formulas and employee contribution amounts may vary by bargaining unit, date of hire, prior qualifying service, and classification. Please contact Human Resources for more information.

HEALTH AND INSURANCE BENEFITS - Medical, dental, hospital, vision, life and disability coverage is available to employees and their dependents. The County contributes $1,500 of the monthly premiums for the insurance plan options.

VACATION ACCRUAL may be adjusted for current city or county government employees.

VACATION - 80 hours per year during the first five years of service, 120 hours per year after five years, and additional accruals based on years of service beyond fifteen years. Pro-rated for part-time employees.

SICK LEAVE - Accrues at a rate of 96 hours per year. Pro-rated for part-time employees.

HOLIDAYS- An average of twelve paid 8-hour holidays per year. Pro-rated for part-time employees.

SALARY - Lake County has an adopted salary schedule. The salary range for most classifications is in five increments with a provision for longevity increases. Appointments are normally made at the first step of the salary range.

SOCIAL SECURITY - County employees participate in Social Security.

CALIFORNIA STATE DISABILITY INSURANCE - SDI is available to some County employees.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS and CREDIT UNION MEMBERSHIPS are available to County employees.

Closing Date/Time: 9/1/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$5,759.87 - $9,415.47 Monthly