Placer County

To provide responsible and professional social services and/or clinical treatment of an advanced nature to a variety of clients with identified needs including clients with mental health concerns, diagnosed mentally ill clients, substance abusers and/or clients who are homeless; to provide counseling to individuals and groups; to perform crisis intervention as appropriate; to participate in the development and implementation of various treatment and outreach services; to investigate, supervise and to place minors in need of protective services; to provide outreach engagement; to develop, coordinate and monitor community-based programs; and to function as an integral and supportive member of assigned departmental and multi-disciplinary team(s).

Client Services Practitioner I
Receives general supervision from a program supervisor or other designated management position.
 
May receive technical and functional supervision from a Senior Client Services Practitioner.

Client Services Practitioner II
Receives direction from a program supervisor or other designated management position.

May exercise technical and functional supervision over clerical, technical, para-professional and/or other professional staff.

• Develop and administer long or short term treatment plans requiring comprehensive professional knowledge with the goal of improving or restoring individual or family functioning; may include clinical treatments and may determine appropriate method of treatment intervention including program modification.
• Participate in and/or conduct comprehensive individual and family psychosocial assessments for problem identification and diagnosis; determine acuity of need and recommend appropriate program placement; provide crisis counseling to include authorization for 72-hour emergency in-patient admission as necessary.
• Prepare and present clinical and/or case management documentation for review by multi-disciplinary team; provide on-going consultation and systematic support for the team in its implementation of treatment programs and individual treatment plans and/or case management.
• Investigate, intervene and provide a variety of professional services to children or other special needs clients, in circumstances in which the client's physical or emotional welfare is involved including cases of neglect, emotional/behavioral problems, physical/mental disabilities, child welfare, court services, or other conditions that may adversely affect the client.
• Participate in and/or conduct group, family and individual therapy to include marital and/or family counseling as appropriate to effect positive rehabilitation, solutions, and/or life improvements.
• Provide highly skilled professional services in counseling, adult and child protective services, family services, community organization, social research and related areas.
• Perform case management duties including treatment plan monitoring, advocacy, referral and linkage to other needed services and crisis interventions; establish and maintain casework records and documents in accordance with departmental and statutory regulations and procedures; and prepare relevant correspondence and reports, including court reports and/or testimony.
• Provide outreach, education, and professional consultation to the community, the general public, as well as public and private agencies; conduct training workshops and/or presentations to clients, care providers, community groups, referrals, and the general public.
• Provide operational oversight of residential facilities or community-based programs to include the administration of budgets as assigned; prepare grant proposals and reports and monitor program activities and expenditures.
• Conduct home visits; transport clients; and assist with client's financial, budget and daily living activities as appropriate.
• Develop, maintain and participate in an inter-agency and community networking/referral system; evaluate client needs relative to appropriate program referrals; maintain close communication with contract providers and community service agencies to ensure treatment plan 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 assigned.

Client Services Practitioner 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: One year of providing mental health services, social service casework or counseling is desirable.

Training: A Master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in social work, psychology or counseling, which meets the eligibility requirements for licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) by the State Board of Behavioral Science Examiners must be obtained by date of appointment.

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 Practitioner II

Experience: Two years of responsible casework or clinical experience performing duties similar to a Client Services Practitioner I with Placer County.

Training:  A Master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in social work, psychology or counseling which meets the eligibility requirements for licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) by the State Board of Behavioral Science Examiners.

Client Services Practitioner I

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of social work as related to providing mental health, substance abuse services and treatment, child and adult protective services and the multi-disciplinary approach to treatment.
• Principles and practices used in the development of community-based programs providing treatment and social services.
• Accepted criteria for clinical diagnosis of emotional and mental disturbances as well as normal and abnormal emotional and mental development to include growth, development and living relationships.
• Develop and implement community-based programs in treatment and social service; coordinate and monitor program activities to ensure compliance with program outcomes.
• Principles and practices of casework, including objectives, clinical diagnosis and appropriate documentation.
• Psychosocial, family, individual and group therapy and counseling treatments and prevention strategies.
• Physical, social, mental and substance use disorders impact on individual personality and behaviors.
• Role of social service agencies, both public and private.
• Legal and regulatory issues related to the operation and delivery of a variety of client services to individuals and groups of all ages and special needs.
• Crisis intervention and conflict resolution practices, including management of assaultive behavior, and principles of social work related to child protective services and adult services, risk and safety assessments.
• Standard and accepted investigative and interviewing techniques and methods.
• Principles used in preparing grant proposals.
• Modern office procedures, practices and methods as well as designated computer hardware and software and its applications.
• Standard and accepted English usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar in both oral and written forms.

Ability to:

• Understand and carry out a variety of complex oral and written instructions in an independent manner.
• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job and observe safety rules and practices; intermittently review work papers, reports and special projects; identify and problem solve client issues; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and problem solve operational and technical policies and procedures; explain applicable department policies and procedures to applicants and clients.
• On a continuous basis, sit for long periods of time or while driving; intermittently walk, stand, bend, squat, 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.
• Identify and conceptualize multiple cause situations and possible consequences; evaluate potential treatment/solutions; determine and initiate most effective course of action.
• Relate effectively and positively with assigned clients to establish trust and rapport; display empathy.
• Coordinate and prioritize work and timelines effectively for self and others.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Obtain relevant information through interviews, observations, and the application of standard research methodologies.
• Perform mathematical calculations accurately to include routine statistical analysis.
• Use a personal computer and office equipment necessary for successful job performance.
• Work weekend and evening shifts as needs of program and/or clients require.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.

Client Services Practitioner II

In addition to the qualifications for Client Services Practitioner I:

Knowledge of:

• Policies and practices of County's Health and Human Services Department as it relates to assigned program area and client services.
• Community and consultative resources available, both public and private.
• Pertinent federal, state and local statutes and regulations governing public health and welfare services.

Ability to:

• Develop appropriate treatment plans for a variety of client needs and situations.
• Perform a variety of professional duties in an independent manner to include all levels of problem-solving and decision-making models.