Placer County

To perform a variety of professional case management and direct client services duties; to coordinate and act as liaison with other departmental and community services/resources; and to function as an integral and supportive member of assigned departmental and multi-disciplinary team(s).

Client Services Counselor I
This is the entry level class in the Client Services Counselor series.  This class is distinguished from the journey level by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series.  Employees at this level are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgment on matters allocated to the journey level.  Since this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.  Employees work under general supervision while learning job tasks.

Client Services Counselor II
This is the full journey level class within the Client Services Counselor series.  This class is distinguished from the Client Services Counselor I by the assignment of the full range of duties.  Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit.  Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the entry level.

This class is distinguished from the Senior Client Services Counselor in that the latter may exercise technical and functional supervision over subordinate personnel and performs work requiring specialized skills and a higher level of independent judgment. 

Client Services Counselor I
Receives general supervision from a supervisory/management position and may receive technical and functional supervision from a senior level professional.

Client Services Counselor II
Receives direction from a supervisory/management position and may receive technical and functional supervision from a senior level professional.

• Provide counseling and case management to assigned clients on an on-going basis; monitor and document treatment plans and activity strategies, provide linkage and refer clients to other departmental and/or community services and resources, conduct home/work site visits, and monitor and assess client status on an on-going basis.
• Conduct intake and screen applicants for designated services; review investigations and case studies utilized in the determination of the needs and qualifications of applicants/clients; determine appropriate services necessary and/or applicable to most effectively meet client needs.
• Coordinate and oversee clients involved in the learning and performance of designated living/working skills; evaluate and track the level of functional behavior; teach/train clients in appropriate behaviors/skills utilizing a multi-disciplinary team approach; and assist clients with re-entry into the community and/or work place.
• Participate in the development and on-going implementation of treatment plans, activity strategies, and other individualized programs to include behavior modification, basic financial management, social and workplace skills, job search, and other activities necessary for independent living; observe and interact with clients and families, employers, and other involved participants in a defined and professional manner and record observations and interactions.
• Assess applicant/client status and abilities relative to assigned program acceptance, appropriate placement, and/or on-going participation; conduct needs assessments, administer tests, and apply standardized criteria in making determinations and recommendations.
• Identify and report potential crisis situations or, within established procedures, apply appropriate intervention; document activities, behavior, incidents and interactions; be alert to all conditions and situations involving clients; counsel clients and provide positive role model behavior.
• Provide limited crisis intervention or conflict resolution in emergency/stressful situations requiring immediate attention.
• Lead group discussions and interactions regarding assigned program area and activities and the clients' participation in these activities; provide input and act as a resource to clients in a group environment.
• Provide outreach and referral networks to the community, general public, local employers, as well as public and private agencies; conduct training workshops and/or presentations to clients, care providers, community groups and the general public.
• Participate in and contribute to an inter-agency and community networking/referral system; evaluate clients' needs relative to appropriate program referrals; maintain close communication with contract providers, employers, and community service agencies to ensure treatment plan/activity strategies and client needs are being met in a successful manner.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees community resources, clients, and the general public utilizing principles of effective customer service.
• Perform related duties as required.

Client Services Counselor I

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Two years of experience performing client services and support functions in a public health/social services environment is desirable.

Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in sociology, psychology, counseling, behavioral sciences or a related field.

Or: Possession of a license issued by the State of California as a Psychiatric Technician.

Required License or Certificate:
May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required. 

Client Services Counselor II

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Two years of responsible experience performing duties similar to a Client Services Counselor I with Placer County.

Training:  Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in sociology, psychology, counseling, behavioral sciences or a related field;

Or: Possession of a license issued by the State of California as a Psychiatric Technician.

Required License or Certificate:
May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required. 

Client Services Counselor I

Knowledge of:

• Standard and accepted terminology utilized in designated program areas and its relation to treatment and regulations affecting service provision.
• Techniques used in individual/group care, counseling, and treatment of designated client population, including the multi-disciplinary approach to providing services.
• Crisis intervention and conflict resolution techniques, including management of assaultive behavior; seclusion and restraint philosophy.
• Use of medication in mental health treatment.
• Standard and accepted case management techniques.
• Standard and accepted interviewing and observation techniques and methods.
• Health and human services delivery systems and the multi-disciplinary approach to these systems.
• Standard and accepted English usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar, and basic mathematical calculations.

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job and observe safety rules; intermittently review work papers, reports and special projects; identify and problem solve situations involving clients; identify safety hazards; locate equipment and supplies; remember clients' names; understand and explain Department policies and procedures to clients, families and the general public.
• On a continuous basis, sit at a desk for long periods of time or while driving; intermittently walk, stand, bend, squat, or kneel while retrieving or returning files, documents and supplies and making copies; walk, stand, bend, squat, kneel, climb, or twist while conducting home/site visits or transporting client; twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; see and hear with sufficient acuity to observe and assess physical condition and living environment of client; and lift moderate weight.
• Assess financial, physical, mental and emotional well-being of applicants or clients.
• Develop adequate and appropriate case plans.
• Effectively interview individuals who may be physically, mentally and/or emotionally impaired or distressed.
• Relate positively to clients; establish trust and rapport; and display empathy.
• Learn how to develop a treatment plan or activities strategy.
• Work cooperatively as part of a team providing services and/or treatment to designated clients.
• Provide effective case management services and learn the community resources available to client population.
• Assess situations involving designated clients quickly and objectively, determine appropriate course of action and respond effectively using a variety of appropriate interventions and approaches.
• Prepare thorough documentation and maintain accurate and systematic records.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Work assigned shift schedule.
• Use a telephone and photocopy machine, routine housekeeping equipment and recreational and athletic equipment.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both in oral and written forms.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.

Client Services Counselor II

In addition to the qualifications for Client Services Counselor I:

Knowledge of:

• Policies and procedures relative to area of assignment.
• Community resources available to clients.

Ability to:

• Independently teach, train and counsel designated clients on an individual and group basis, including clients in a group living environment. 
• Independently provide effective case management services.
• Independently develop a treatment plan and/or activities strategy.
• Independently identify and evaluate the skills and limitations of designated clients relative to assigned program services and requirements.