Placer County

To perform client service case work and provide clinical treatment requiring a high level of skill and independent judgment in serving children, adolescents and/or adults with serious mental illnesses; to provide clinical or community-based program supervision; to oversee investigations and the supervision and placement of minors in need of protective services; to oversee and provide outreach engagement; to exercise technical and functional supervision over subordinate professional staff; and to function as an integral and supportive member of assigned departmental and multi-disciplinary team(s).

This is the advanced journey level class in the Client Services Practitioner series.  Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed, complexity of duties assigned, independence of action taken, by the amount of time spent performing assigned duties of a more complex nature, and by the nature of the public contact.  Employees in this job class perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within this series including clinical program supervision or supervision of multiple community-based programs and staff. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned area of responsibility.

Receives general direction from a program manager or other management position.

Exercises clinical supervision over assigned program staff and technical and functional supervision over subordinate professional staff.

• Lead and train assigned subordinate staff in various aspects of client services within designated program area(s).
• Assist in ensuring assigned program cohesiveness and quality assurance; coordinate assigned program activities with other County divisions as well as departments and outside agencies as appropriate.
• Coordinate, participate in and/or conduct comprehensive individual and family bio-psychosocial assessments for problem identification and diagnosis.
• May oversee and/or participate in developing clinical treatment plans; may determine appropriate method of treatment intervention, including program modifications; and may refer clients to a psychiatrist for medication.
• 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.
• Participate in and/or conduct group, family and individual therapy and provide other counseling as appropriate to affect client discharge/re-entry to the community.
• Perform case management duties including investigation, treatment plan monitoring, advocacy, referral and linkage to other services and crisis intervention; as appropriate, consult with staff of related agencies regarding treatment and discharge planning.
• Provide consultation, education and liaison to public and private agencies; provide training and/or make presentations to clients, care providers, community groups, referrals and the general public.
• Develop and implement multiple community-based programs in treatment and social service; coordinate and monitor program activities to ensure compliance with program outcomes.
• Maintain documentation of client contact in accordance with Department and statutory regulations and procedures; prepare case history summaries for use by other agencies as appropriate; and file mandated reports.
• May make home/site visits and provide client transportation as necessary.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees, community resources, clients, and the public utilizing principles of effective customer service.
• Perform related duties as required.

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: Three years of responsible experience performing duties similar to a Client Services Practitioner in Placer County with at least one year of qualifying experience at the journey level.

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) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) by the State Board of Behavioral Science Examiners.

Required License or Certificate:

• May require possession of a State of California license to practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).
• 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.

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 multi-disciplinary approach to treatment.
• Principles and practices used in the development of community-based programs providing treatment and social services.
• Role and interaction of human service agencies in accomplishing treatment of individuals with serious mental illnesses.
• 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.
• Psychosocial, family, individual and group therapy and counseling treatments and prevention strategies.
• Psychotropic medication issues.
• Pertinent local, state and federal rules, regulations and laws.
• Principles used in preparing grant proposals.
• 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, rick and safety assessments. 
• Principles and practices of case management, including objectives, clinical diagnosis, and appropriate documentation.

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 client issues; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; remember clients' names; understand and explain Department policies and procedures to clients, families and the general public.
• On an intermittent basis, sit for long periods of time while at desk or driving; stand, walk, bend, squat, kneel, climb or twist while retrieving files, conducting home/site visits, setting up/making presentations or observing or restraining client. See and hear with sufficient acuity to observe and be aware of client; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; and lift moderate weight.
• Provide clinical supervision and train, assign and review work of assigned subordinate staff.
• Assist in coordinating all aspects of assigned program, including identification of problems affecting program cohesion and implementation of solutions.
• Provide leadership to and work cooperatively as part of a multi-disciplinary team in reviewing treatment plan problems and objectives and developing recommended alternatives.
• 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 including 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.