County of Alameda

Behavioral Health Crisis Intervention Specialist I (#6512)

Bargaining Unit: SEIU 1021 - Social Workers (005)
$52.29-$63.27 Hourly / $3,921.75-$4,745.25 BiWeekly /
$8,497.13-$10,281.38 Monthly / $101,965.50-$123,376.50 Yearly

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DESCRIPTION

This classification specification describes the entry-level classification in the Behavioral Health Crisis Intervention Specialist flexibly staffed series. Incumbents of this classification under close supervision, provide community-based crisis intervention services for children and adult populations with mental health and/or substance abuse diagnoses on mobile crisis and mobile evaluation teams, which includes direct client contact in the community, partnering with law enforcement, crisis intervention, field clinical assessments, outreach services, and other related duties as assigned. Work is performed seven (7) days a week, and assignment locations may vary in order to best serve the community.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This classification is part of a two-level flexibly staffed class series located in the Behavioral Health Care Services’ Crisis Services Systems of Care., Behavioral Health Crisis Intervention Specialist I reports to a Behavioral Health Crisis Intervention Specialist Supervisor. Incumbents provide community-based crisis prevention and early intervention services to clients and the community. Crisis Intervention Specialist I’s are expected to gain experience and demonstrate proficiency, which qualifies them to flexibly promote to the higher-level class after possession of the required State licensure from the applicable licensing authority.

This series is distinguished from the Behavioral Health Clinician series in that the Behavioral Health Clinician provides clinical and case management services to clients in a clinic setting, whereas, the Behavioral Health Crisis Intervention Specialist work is solely field based, responding to crisis calls to de-escalate situations involving the most vulnerable populations in the community.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are 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.

Responds to crisis calls in the community to conduct crisis clinical assessment, determine appropriate level of care, make appropriate referrals, and initiate 5150’s per County policies and procedures.
Provides emergency assessment and referral in the field to individuals experiencing mental health crisis who come to the attention of Crisis Services through referrals from community members or law enforcement.
Responds to needs at homeless encampments by providing assessments and distributing information on available resources.
Provides secondary support to clients experiencing a mental health crisis in board and care homes.
Prepares and maintains psychosocial case histories for use in diagnostic evaluations and monitoring client progress. Prepares reports, case summaries, correspondence, and other written materials.
Maintains all records in accordance with the Quality Assurance standards of Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services.
Conducts mental status examinations and formulates Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM – V) related diagnoses.
Collaborates with client’s support system and other departments and agencies related to crisis treatment planning; provides education and consultation services to Alameda County departments and the community as assigned.
Works with families of clients to elicit their cooperation in treatment programs or commitment and admission proceedings; works with community agencies as required to assist clients in their treatment plans and in coping with environmental needs such as housing and medical care.
Attends conferences and training; presents case history material for review and discussion; consults with colleagues and/or other disciplines as needed.
May serve as a liaison to other community agencies.
May perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

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

License/Certification:

Possession of a valid clinical registration as an Associate Social Worker, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Psychological Assistant/Associate, or Associate Professional Counselor from the applicable licensing authority: California Board of Behavioral Sciences or California Board of Psychology with confirmation verification within six (6) months of the hire date.

Possession of 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.

In compliance with the California Code of Regulations and the Board of Behavioral Sciences, clinicians in this classification will be required to complete “supervision training” to be eligible to provide supervision of trainees or interns.

In compliance with the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and the Federal Cures Act, Employees in this classification who are required to render direct specialty mental health services in the course of their assignment must successfully be enrolled in Provider Application and Validation for Enrollment (PAVE) web portal prior to commencing employment.

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:

Welfare and Institutions Code 5150 and 5585.
Crisis intervention techniques and theories.
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 primarily in the field.
Perform crisis intervention and individual counseling.
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

New Spec

NLB:ah 8/30/18

CSC Date: 09/12/18

IL: saa Revised 03/08/2023

CSC Date:09/06/2023

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.