County of Alameda

CORE Associate Clinical Therapist (#6507)

Bargaining Unit: SEIU 1021 - Social Workers (005)
$46.33-$53.15 Hourly / $3,474.75-$3,986.25 BiWeekly /
$7,528.63-$8,636.88 Monthly / $90,343.50-$103,642.50 Yearly

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DESCRIPTION

This classification specification describes the entry-level classification in the Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE), Behavioral Health Unit (BHU) Therapist flexibly staffed series. Under close clinical supervision, in a law enforcement environment, CORE Associate Clinical Therapist provides crisis intervention; provides referrals based on risks and needs; provides psychotherapy for youth, families, inmates, and individuals experiencing conflicts, mental health symptoms, crisis and trauma; gathers and presents case history data; provides clinical and case management services, mental health, risk, needs, and environmental assessments in the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) CORE BHU; and performs related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This classification is part of a two-level flexibly staffed series. The CORE Associate Clinical Therapist classification is located in the CORE BHU in the ACSO and reports to a CORE Clinical Supervisor. Work assignments, professional guidance, and mentoring directed toward developing professional abilities are received from the CORE Lead Clinical Therapist and/or from the CORE Clinical Supervisor.

Employees in this classification are expected to promote to the next higher level of CORE Clinical Therapist after gaining experience, demonstrating proficiency, and obtaining the required State licensure from the applicable licensing authority within three (3) years from the date of appointment. Appointments at the CORE Associate Clinical Therapist level will not extend beyond three (3) years.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

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

Under the close supervision and guidance of licensed staff, provides crisis intervention, assessments, and referrals to resources based on client’s risk and needs, conducts individual, couple, family, and group therapy for at-risk children, adolescents, and adults and their families who are victims of crime, trauma, abuse, who may be involved in the criminal justice system, and/or who are suffering from mental health disorders.
Provides forensically focused clinical case management for clients re-entering into the community from Santa Rita Jail.
Provides psychotherapy for juveniles who have been arrested or cited for a minor offense in support of diverting them from the juvenile justice system.
Interviews clients and families to gather social and psychiatric data. Prepares mental health and environmental case histories for use in diagnosis. Participates in the development of psychological treatment programs and case planning for clients.
Conducts suicide and crisis risk assessments, psychosocial assessments, and mental status examinations to formulate Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)-V diagnosis.
Refers clients for psychiatric medication assessment and prescription, if deemed appropriate.
Guides clients in understanding their respective problems and the contributing personal, social, and economic factors. Assists clients in developing realistic treatment plans to resolve problems and address their mental health symptoms. Advises clients on community resources and makes referrals or other arrangements for them as necessary based on the client’s risks and needs.
Works with families of clients to elicit their cooperation in treatment programs or commitment proceedings; collaborates with community agencies as required to assist clients with their treatment plans and in coping with environmental needs such as housing, medical care, and employment.
Serves as formal or informal liaison with other mental health professionals and service providers, including courts, schools, private therapists, hospitals, probation, and other agencies to advocate for and support clients.
Prepares reports, case summaries, and correspondence. Documents hours providing clinical care. Maintains clinical files for clients which includes case notes, intake assessments, treatment plans, and other clinical documentation. Prepares monthly statistics and Time Surveys for tracking time spent related to Medi-Cal Administrative Activities.
Attends staff conferences and individual/group training sessions. Presents case history for review and discussion with other staff members for the purposes of developing case plans.
Participates with full-time professional staff in ongoing clinical case conferences.
Participate in weekly individual clinical supervision, group supervision, evaluation, and mentoring from a qualified licensed clinician.
Receives referrals from sworn Patrol, Detectives, and/or Command Staff for individuals and/or families requesting therapy services and/or support during a crisis and/or loss.
At the request of sworn staff and at the direction of the CORE Lead Clinical Therapist or CORE Clinical Supervisor, responds to family dispute calls and other in-field emergencies.
Provides support and counseling to department staff in crises (e.g., death of an officer or death notifications.)
Provides support and consultation for sworn personnel regarding child physical and sexual abuse intake, investigations and follow-up, crisis intervention, and juvenile and adult custody proceedings.
Participates in meetings and consultations with sworn personnel regarding referrals and/or other mental health-related matters.
Completes and submits all required California Board of Behavioral Sciences documents to qualify for the exam for clinical licensure.
Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Possession of a master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited college or university in social work, marriage and family therapy, clinical psychology, counseling psychology, counseling, or a closely related field.

AND

License/Registration:

Possession of a valid registration as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Associate Clinical Social Worker, or Psychological Assistant from the applicable licensing authority: California Board of Behavioral Sciences or California Board of Psychology.

Some positions in this classification may require possession of a valid California motor vehicle driver’s license.

Special Requirements:

In compliance with the Administrative Simplification provision of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), employees in this classification are required to possess a National Provider Identifier Number (NPI) number prior to their first day of employment.

Prior to appointment to this classification, prospective appointees must pass a comprehensive background investigation conducted by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office.

Employees in this classification must be able to work effectively in an environment in which they may encounter sensitive/confidential information and data that may contain explicit or disturbing content.

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:

Theory, principles and techniques of psychotherapy, clinical case management and crisis intervention.
Child, adolescent and family development; normal and abnormal psychology.
Local community mental health and social service resources.

Ability to:

Develop and maintain effective therapeutic client relationships.
Work effectively with ethnically and culturally diverse, at-risk and low-income populations.
Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
Understand and follow oral and written directions.
Adapt to and function effectively within a highly structured law enforcement environment.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Newspecs: 6507

AM:jf 4/20/18

CSC Date: 5/23/18

SA:saa Revised/Retitled 08/07/2024

Old Title: Associate Youth and Family Services Therapist

CSC Date:10/30/2024

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)
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
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.