County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general direction, provide psychiatric clinical and case management services conduct evaluations and assessments; provide ongoing counseling, treatment and intervention; conduct individual, group and family psychotherapy; provide consultation to other programs and agencies on treatment needs and behavioral plans; and perform other duties as assigned.


DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Behavioral Health Clinician I/II is a flexibly-staffed class series located in Behavioral Health Care Services (BHCS). Incumbents in this series report to a Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor or Behavioral Health Clinical Manager.

Behavioral Health Clinician II is the journey-level class in this series. Incumbents in this class are licensed clinicians and perform duties involving considerable latitude and independence of judgment under minimal supervision. Behavioral Health Clinicians II may provide direction and assistance to Behavioral Health Clinicians I and graduate interns. This class is distinguished from the next higher class of Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor in that the latter class has supervisory responsibilities.

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. Provides clinical and case management services to BHCS clients; interviews clients and family members; conducts initial and ongoing psychosocial strength-based assessments.

2. Develops initial and ongoing treatment plans on assigned clients; identifies and pursues necessary resources to implement treatment plans.

3. Conducts individual, group, and family psychotherapy sessions; provides education on behavioral health care symptoms and the role of medication in alleviating such symptoms; diagnoses illnesses and dual recovery/co-occurring disorders.

4. Prepares and maintains psychosocial case histories for use in diagnostic evaluations and monitoring client progress.

5. Provides crisis intervention as needed; stabilizes clients in crisis including brief intervention in clinic; arranges for hospitalization and coordinates treatment elements.

6. Maintains all records in accordance with the Quality Assurance standards of Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services.

7. Participates in clinical case presentations and peer reviews.

8. Prepares reports, case summaries, correspondence and other written materials.

9. Testifies in court when required for determination of client's legal status regarding outpatient court-ordered treatment.

10. Conducts mental status examinations and formulates Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)-IV related diagnoses.

11. Collaborates with other departments and agencies related to client treatment planning.

12. Provides education and consultation services to Alameda County departments and the community as assigned.

13. May provide direction and assistance to Behavioral Health Clinicians I and graduate interns.

14. May serve as a liaison to other community agencies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

Experience:

The equivalent of six-months full-time satisfactory experience in the Behavioral Health Clinician I classification in the Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney's Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.)

Or II

Experience:

The equivalent of six-months of full-time post license experience as a behavioral health/mental health clinician providing clinical and/or case management services.

AND
Education:

Possession of a Master's degree from an accredited school in social work, marriage and family therapy, psychology, counseling, nursing or related field.

License/Certification:

All incumbents at the Behavioral Health Clinician II level must possess a valid clinical license from the applicable licensing authority: California Board of Behavioral Sciences, California Board of Psychology, or California Board of Registered Nursing.

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.

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 (NPI) number prior to their first day on the job.

In compliance with Medicare regulations, eligible licensed clinicians in this classification are required to complete the "Medicare Enrollment Process for Physicians and Non-Physician Practitioners" through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, prior to their first day on the job. Active enrollment in Medicare is a condition of employment. Failure to attain or maintain active enrollment will result in termination.

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:

• Current theories, principles, and practices for services to clients with serious behavioral health care symptoms and diagnosis.
• Psychological diagnostic methods and terminology.
• Cultural and social factors affecting behavior patterns.
• Wellness, recovery and resiliency oriented strategies and supports.
• Dual recovery/co-occurring disorder treatment, screening and assessment tools.
• Community needs, resources and organizations related to behavioral health care.
• Clinical standards of practice and licensure requirements.
• Principles and practices of direct client service delivery.
• Principles of social needs, problems, attitudes and behavioral patterns.
• Applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations.
• Office administrative practices and procedures, including records management and the operation of standard office equipment.
• Computer applications related to the work.

Ability to:

• Work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams, community resources and organizations.
• Organize and prioritize work and meet critical deadlines.
• Interpret, explain, and apply regulations, policies and procedures.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Analyze, evaluate and make sound decisions.
• Prepare clear, accurate and effective reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Work with a diverse population.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

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.