Mental Health Community Worker

Under supervision, the Mental Health Community Worker assists the Mental Health professional staff by performing a variety of support tasks involving the diagnosis and treatment of mental health clients in mental health centers, the home or community setting.

This Mental Health Community Worker posting is being opened to create a list that will be used to fill vacancies for the next 3-4 months.  Qualified applicants will remain on the list for the next 3-4 months and will be referred to available vacancies during that time. The supplemental questions on the bulletin are important for the filtering process, so be sure to select all those that you are interested in.

Please Note: Applicants who meet the employment standards will be invited to take an online written examination tentatively scheduled for the week of May 22-28, 2025.
The County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services Department (BHSD) strives to be a premier integrated behavioral health care provider, employer, and partner. We are a passionate team of caring, courageous staff and professionals dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals, children, families, and older adults impacted by mental health and substance use challenges. To support achievement of their hopes, dreams, and quality of life goals, our team provides high quality whole-person care and comprehensive community-based behavioral services through the lens of race, equity, diversity and inclusion. We are looking for stellar health care professionals like you to start a rewarding career with us and be a partner for health and wellness in the community.

Learn more about the County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services at https://bhsd.sccgov.org/about-us/bhsd-careers and follow us on:

YouTube | Live Event - County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services Department - YouTube
Facebook I @cscbehavioralhealth
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/county-of-santa-clara/life/sccbhsd/
 Instagram | @cscbehavioralhealth

• Observes clients in individual and group settings to obtain information regarding the individual's basic mental health related needs or problems;
• Develops a thorough understanding of the Mental Health system of care, and how to assist appropriate individuals to access this system;
• Assists professional staff as needed in dealing with crisis situations;
• Assists professional staff as needed in the evaluation of client behavior;
• Reads client's case histories and intake data to become familiar with their needs, problems, and progress;
• Confers with professional staff members in order to evaluate client's needs and problems and to review treatment plans and client progress;
• Arranges for or provides transportation of clients;
• May see clients in their homes or in community settings;
• Coordinates access to benefits, medical services, independent living skills, correctional system, community resources, other regulatory agencies, housing, educational and employment services and prepares relevant documentation;
• Participates in case discussions at staff meetings to provide feedback regarding treatment and to suggest specific courses of actions;
• Identifies and organizes community members interested in mental health issues and encourages them to participate in community focused mental health planning;
• Serves as a resource person to consumers regarding various community programs by providing information and linkage to the programs;
• May speak to community groups regarding mental health problems, mental health resources, and programs and encourages their active participation and cooperation;
• Ensures that follow-up treatment or service is made available to clients;
• Assists in gathering data for program evaluation and research;
• Assists in the planning of new mental health programs;
• Participates in the instruction, orientation, and assignment of work to Community Workers;
• May act as interpreter in contacts involving non-English speaking residents;
• Attends on-the-job-training sessions;
• Attends appropriate staff and in-service meetings;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Education or experience that directly demonstrates the ability to perform the above tasks and the possession and application of the following knowledge and abilities.

Experience Note:  A qualified applicant would typically acquire the necessary knowledge and abilities with training and experience equivalent to two years experience comparable to a Community Worker30 semester units in Mental Health or a related field such as Behavioral or Social Sciences, Health, Probation, Alcohol & Drug, Social Work.

One additional year of experience as a Community Worker dealing with mental health clients may substitute for the education.

Possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment.

Knowledge of:

• Basic knowledge of mental health disorders and mental health treatments;
• Routine rehabilitation techniques in both individual and group situations;
• Principles and practices of supervision;
• General departmental procedures and policies;
• Available community resources;

Ability to: 

• Work effectively with professional and other staff members;
• Explain detailed instructions through interaction in individual or group situations;
• Instruct, orient, and supervise the work of subordinate personnel;
• Plan programs of moderate complexity;
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with clients and other community residents;
• Record and maintain accurate records.

Salary : $62,123 - $75,040