For exact salary information please refer to the current salary schedule.County Website

General Statement of Duties:

Under clinical supervision, to provide paraprofessional and treatment support services for county behavioral health clients in an assigned program or service area; to provide counseling and educational services under appropriate guidance; to develop and facilitate client services and case management plans; and to do related work as required. This classification is a for cause, non-exempt position.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

This is the entry and first working level in the Behavioral Health Services Specialist class series. Incumbents have responsibility for providing direct and support services working with individuals, couples, families, or groups, as appropriate. When incumbents have demonstrated sufficient work skills and gained two years of experience, they are eligible for promotion to the Behavioral Health Services Specialist II level. This class is distinguished from Behavioral Health Services Specialist II in that Behavioral Health Services Specialist II incumbents are expected to provide a broader array of client support services and be responsible for an assigned specialty area.

Reports to:

Behavioral Health Systems Administrator

Classifications Supervised:

None.

Essential Functions:

In a training, learning, and basic working capacity meets with individuals, families, and groups to provide a variety of case management and support services related to the program or service area to which assigned; provides support in clinic and community settings; assists with the development of assigned program services and functions; provides comprehensive counseling services under appropriate guidance; communicates with, listens to, and observes clients in individual and group counseling sessions; obtains information to assess clients' needs; formulates case management and service plans and evaluates client progress; prepares and maintains case records and documentation; facilitates client services by providing assistance in securing housing, employment, child care, transportation, and assistance with meal preparation and shopping; may assist with development and implementation of specialized prevention and recovery support activities, including support groups, parenting education, life experience activities, and supported independent living, recreation, and work experience; provides support services including office support and receptionist services at Behavioral Health program sites; works with individuals to facilitate access and use of community resources; maintains records of services provided as required state and federal regulations and department policies; provides in-service training and technical assistance for other agencies and community organizations; may develop treatment plans and provide services in collaborative team efforts; assists other staff with support, office, transportation, and other program related activities; performs crisis interventions in the office, or at the hospital, as needed.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, procedures, techniques and trends related to counseling, therapy, and guidance of individuals, groups, and families in behavioral health programs, including alcohol and drug treatment and prevention programs.
• Biological, behavioral and environmental aspects of behavioral health and behavioral problems.
• State, federal, and local laws, regulations, and requirements for the provision of counseling services.
• Modern office techniques.
• Alcohol and drug treatment and detoxification methods and issues, as necessitated by area of assignment.
• Scope and activities of public and private health and welfare agencies and other community resources.

Ability to:

• Learn and perform a variety of behavioral health services, including alcohol and drug abuse recovery support services with individual clients and groups, as assigned.
• Learn, apply and explain federal and state laws, rules, and regulations governing behavioral health and alcohol and drug programs and services.
• Develop and maintain cooperative, constructive relationships with families of clients, members of professional disciplines, social agencies and other staff.
• Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive case work records and make sound recommendations.
• Learn to develop and implement client case management services.
• Analyze case information, reaching sound diagnostic and treatment decisions.
• Effectively counsel clients, groups, and families.
• Maintain the confidentiality of case information.
• Recognize a potential crisis and deliver crisis intervention services.
• Handle stress and unusual client behavior.
• Effectively represent the Behavioral Health Department with the public, community organizations, other county staff, and other government agencies.

Training and Experience:

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

Completion of college courses in a behavioral or social science area, including, but not limited to Addiction, Psychology, Sociology, Recreation, Child Care, Social Work, Counseling, and related fields. Some previous experience in providing behavioral health program services is desirable.

Special Requirements:

Possession of, or ability to obtain an appropriate and valid driver's license. 

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in office, clinic, or community environments; work is performed with people who may exhibit unstable and potentially violent behavior; continuous contact with other staff and the public.