County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under direction, to plan, organize and direct the operation of mental health programs at one or more sites; to perform program development and administrative functions in connection therewith; to supervise multi-disciplinary clinical staff; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is a supervisory-administrative classification with positions located in the Behavioral Health Care Services Department in the Health Care Services Agency.

This class can be distinguished from the lower class of Senior Clinical Psychologist in that this class administratively manages without direct service duties, and has responsibility for multi-faceted mental health programs where the consequence of error is greatest as exemplified by those located in criminal justice or crisis and referral services. Chiefs may also be found in large outpatient centers where they are responsible for daily operations and act as assistants to the Director of Adult Community Support Centers. Chiefs perform a wide range of supervisory and administrative functions. Chiefs differ from the next higher class of Director of Adult Community Support Centers in that the latter is responsible for an entire system of programs and services and a far greater number of personnel.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Supervises, usually through subordinate supervisors, a multi-disciplinary staff of clinicians engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health patients; reviews case histories and progress notes; conducts staff meetings and conferences to discuss diagnosis and treatment plans; assures compliance with quality assurance policies.

2. Participates in meetings to integrate design and functioning of unit with other components of the Behavioral Health Care Service and with the design and needs of the larger system as a whole. Also participates in County mental health program and plan development in coordination with the Behavioral Health Care Service Administration.

3. Acts as liaison to administrative components of other departments and contract agencies; coordinates the activities of programs with other public and private agencies; meets with citizens' groups regarding planning of inter-agency policies and agreements.

4. Personally, or by delegation, has responsibility for recruitment, selection, and evaluation of staff; initiates formal disciplinary proceedings.

5. Has major responsibility for budget planning, preparation, and monitoring; has responsibility for facilities management and safety of facility and equipment.

6. Provides policy direction for staff; works with other staff to assist in the development of department-wide policies and procedures; provides for training of staff; assists in long-range program planning.

7. Prepares administrative reports and recommendations regarding program activities and objectives; may be assigned special research or other projects.

8. Coordinates the daily operations of a large Mental Health Center, assists the Administrator in planning long-range goals and allocating resources.

9. May have full administrative responsibility for operating a mental health program under the supervision of a Center Director.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Possession of a Ph.D. from an APA-approved school or university training program or regionally accredited school or university, following APA guidelines for Clinical Psychology.

Experience:

Either I

The equivalent of one year of full-time experience in the class of Senior Clinical Psychologist in the Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.)

Or II

The equivalent of four years of full-time experience, acquired after the award of the Doctor of Philosophy degree, as a Clinical Psychologist in an organized institutional or clinical setting, which must have included at least one year in a supervisory capacity equivalent to that of a Senior Clinical Psychologist in Alameda County.

License:

Incumbents of this class must comply with State licensure requirements for Clinical Psychologists.

Some positions in this class require a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license. Applicants must possess such license prior to appointment to such positions.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the "Examples of Duties" section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Principles of administration and personnel management; organization and operation of Mental Health Services.
• Principles and practices of modern clinical psychology, including abnormal psychology, diagnostic testing, personality theory, organic defects, psycho-therapy, statistics and casework.
• Principles and methods of social research, including aspects of research design, data analysis and interpretation.
• Community organizations and resources.
• Specific content of mental health laws and procedures governing confidentiality, involuntary treatment, conservatorship and resources.

Ability to:

• Communicate orally and in writing.
• Make decisions.
• Analyze and problem solve.
• Manage and lead.
• Demonstrate interpersonal sensitivity.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

DW:Lm-h Rev: 3/84
Retyped: 1/85
LB:pb Rev: 2/86
AM:pb - Rev: 3/90
Old doc: 0628h
New doc: 6321.doc
ys/8/01
CSC Date: 3/28/90
TE:pf Revised 12/16/03
CSC Date: 1/21/04

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave**
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.