County of Alameda

Forensic Behavioral Health Clinician I (#6528)

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Bargaining Unit: SEIU 1021 - Social Workers (005)
$59.93-$68.79 Hourly / $4,494.75-$5,159.25 BiWeekly /
$9,738.63-$11,178.38 Monthly / $116,863.50-$134,140.50 Yearly

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DESCRIPTION

This classification specification describes the entry-level of the Forensic Behavioral Health Clinician classification flexibly-staffed series. Incumbents of this classification under close supervision, provide mental health clinical services and forensically focused case management services to clients in a jail setting. Conducts mental health evaluations and assessments, including risk of harm to self and others; documents an individual’s history and tendency for violence; provides crisis intervention and crisis stabilization; engages in consultation and implementation of pre-planned use of force with Sheriff’s Deputies; conducts mental status examinations and formulate Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)-V related diagnoses; provides consultation to other programs and agencies on treatment needs and behavioral plans for forensic clients; provides discharge planning and perform other duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This classification is a part of a two-level flexibly staffed class series of the Forensic Behavioral Health Clinician classification. This classification is located in the Health Care Services Agency, within the Adult Forensic Behavioral Health Program, in the County jail. Incumbents in this series report to a Forensic Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor or Forensic Behavioral Health Clinical Manager.

Forensic Behavioral Health Clinician 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.

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.

Provide clinical services, including individual therapy and group counseling, and forensically-focused case management services to Alameda County Behavioral Health (ACBH) clients in the County jail; conduct initial and ongoing mental health assessments and psychosocial strength-based assessments.
Conduct mental status examinations and formulate Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)-V related diagnoses. Regularly provide suicide and crisis risk assessment and intervention; assess statements and behaviors of clients for evidence of suicidal or anti-social behaviors.
Assess clients and complete documentation within established deadlines in a fast paced and fluid environment; Develop initial and ongoing treatment plans on assigned clients; identify and pursue necessary resources to implement treatment plans.
Determine client potential need for psychiatric medication support; refer clients to staff psychiatrists for medication need evaluations and prescriptions; provide counseling support as needed while client is in custody.
Provide direct services to clients who may present as unstable, hostile, agitated, or intoxicated in an appropriate, effective manner; assess and de-escalate aggressive behaviors. When needed, participate in pre-planned use of force with Sheriff Deputies.
Triage and provide crisis intervention as needed; stabilize clients in crisis including brief intervention in Intake Transfer and Release (ITR), Housing Units, or clinic.
Participate in and support a therapeutic milieu setting in the County Jail including working directly in Housing Units for the majority of the work shift.
Participate in clinical team meetings, daily huddles, and other committees to coordinate care for incarcerated individuals.
Arrange for client emergency hospitalization and when required coordinate treatment elements. Prepare emergency hospitalization orders (W&I Code 5150) as needed. Coordinate with the Sheriff’s Office and the jail medical provider to ensure client safety during the transition process to the receiving medical facility.
Conduct court-ordered evaluations and prepare court reports. When required, testify in court for determination of a client’s legal status regarding outpatient, court-ordered treatment.
Work and relate effectively with law enforcement, courts, state hospitals, community providers, and community members.
Prepare and maintain psychosocial case histories for use in diagnostic evaluations and monitoring client progress. Provide discharge planning and coordinate client discharge. Ensure access to appropriate community support and services for clients to utilize upon release.
Provide education and consultation to criminal justice partners such as the courts, Sheriff’s Department, and medical providers in the jail; work collaboratively with the Sheriff’s Department staff to manage clients’ daily needs and activities.
Participate in clinical case presentations and peer reviews.
Complete all required annual trainings related to working in a forensic environment.
Maintain all records in accordance with the Quality Assurance standards of Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services.
May provide guidance and assistance to Forensic Behavioral Health team members.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

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

AND

License/Registration:

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

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.

A thorough background investigation will be conducted of all prospective Forensic Behavioral Health Clinician I’s to ensure they are suitable to work in a jail setting and must be able to obtain and maintain security clearance conducted by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office. Incumbents may be assigned to work day, evening, night, and rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays.

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.

Incumbents may be assigned to work day, evening, night, and rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays.

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:

Current theories, principles, and best practices for services to forensic clients with serious behavioral health care symptoms and diagnosis.
Familiarity of best practices for a forensic population, such as criminogenic.
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 in a jail setting.
Principles of social needs, problems, attitudes, and behavioral patterns specific to criminal justice populations.
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 organizations, state hospitals, and criminal justice partners.
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 6528.dox

RE:saa 11/16/2022

CSC Date:02/22/2023

IL:saa Revised 05/19/2023

CSC Date:06/14/2023

IL:saa Revised 06/16/2023

CSC Date:07/12/2023

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.