What are the responsibilities and job description for the BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINICIAN I / II - CRISIS SERVICES position at Humboldt County, CA?

Salary : $29.05 - $43.29 Hourly

Location : Eureka, CA

Job Type : Full-time

Job Number : 24-00306

Department : Department of Health and Human Services

Division : 424 - Mental Health

Opening Date : 01 / 21 / 2025

Closing Date : Continuous

DEFINITION

Behavioral Health Clinician I / II - Crisis Services

Department of Health and Human Services

Are you interested in making a difference? If so, please consider joining our dedicated team at the Department of Health & Human Services! Our Humboldt County Behavioral Health crisis teams on Sempervirens Inpatient unit, the Crisis Stabilization Unit and our mobile response teams are currently recruiting for Full Time Behavioral Health Clinicians. Duties for this position would include conducting crisis assessments on the units or in the field, crisis interventions, safety planning, prepares intake and discharge summaries, links to appropriate services and completes progress notes. They would need to maintain their responsibilities as a mandated reporter and appropriate licensure. They would provide evidence based therapeutic interventions for clients and participate as a member of a multi-disciplinary treatment team. The candidate would also liaison with local hospitals, make community and intra-agency referrals, and coordinate with psychiatry, counseling, case management services, other agencies, clients' families and other collateral supports. Thank you for your consideration and interest in joining our crisis services teams.

What You'll Do :

This position is responsible for a variety of duties, including :

Performs detailed patient record documentation and maintains caseload records.
Preparing intake and discharge summaries, progress notes, detailed assessments and documentation of progress notes, maintaining accurate patient records in the electronic medical record system and physical chart in compliance with local, state and federal rules and regulations.
Assessing client mental status, assessing patients and making accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans.
Monitoring the timely initiation, review and completion of master treatment plans for each assigned patient and addressing any deficiencies.
Evaluating patients for voluntary and involuntary commitment; signs commitments for clients requiring hospitalization.
Contributing to discharge planning and assisting DHHS - Behavioral Health staff with the execution of aftercare plans.

Where You'll Do It :

This position is located at 720 Wood St., Eureka, CA.

Available shifts : Sunday - Wednesday, 10-hour shifts; Wednesday - Saturday, 10-hour shifts; or Monday - Friday, 8-hour shifts

This is a continuous recruitment and Human Resources reserves the right to close this recruitment at any time.

Under direction or general direction, provides behavioral health clinical intervention and recovery services to assigned clients; manages a psychiatric caseload for adults, juveniles, and children; evaluates patients in multiple facilities, including in-house, out-patient, clinics, and correctional / jail facilities; performs psychotherapeutic counseling, including individual, group, family, and other approved techniques; provides outreach, and emergency services and counseling in crisis situations; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction (Behavioral Health Clinician I) or general direction (Behavioral Health Clinician II) from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Behavioral Health Clinician I : This unlicensed classification is the first working level in the Behavioral Health Clinician series responsible for providing professional behavioral health casework and psychotherapeutic support to clients. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Initially, under clinical supervision, incumbents are assigned the more routine client casework and support duties. Incumbents may advance to the Behavioral Health Clinician II after gaining the necessary experience, qualifications and licensure to demonstrate proficiency for the Behavioral Health Clinician II classification.

Behavioral Health Clinician II : This licensed classification is the fully qualified journey-level in the Behavioral Health Clinician series responsible for providing professional behavioral health casework and psychotherapeutic support to clients. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Behavioral Health Clinician I level by the acquisition of licensure, which is required for performance of the full range of professional clinical duties assigned to the series. Positions in the classification rely on experience and judgment to perform assigned duties and to ensure efficient and effective client care services. Assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines and methods to deliver services. Work is typically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignment of different positions. Some duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed in a learning capacity for entry-level (I Level) positions.

Evaluates patients in a variety of in- and out-patient settings, including Juvenile Hall, County Jail, County behavioral health offices, hospital emergency, the Crisis Stabilization Unit, and other settings; obtains a patient history and conducts behavioral status exam.

Receives and responds to crisis hotline and emergency calls, walk-ins, and field contacts; provides evaluation and diagnosis of patients and makes appropriate referrals for support services; works with hospital medical staff and County behavioral health management to evaluate the client's risk or danger to self and others; assists in establishing an aftercare plan, or psychiatric hospitalization, depending on the client's best interests.

Makes presentations of physical and behavioral condition findings to on-call psychiatrist, who determines if medication should be prescribed; reports and consults around any suspected adverse medication effects

Consults with, and serves as a liaison for, community agencies and other behavioral health programs and services to evaluate community health needs and services.

Provides individual or group therapy using a variety of counseling techniques and modalities; provides psychotherapy to chronically behaviorally ill persons who need periodic maintenance appointments, and brief therapy for clients experiencing situational-type problems.

Provides case management services to severely behaviorally ill clients, including out of home placements; determines suitability of treatment facilities or prospective foster parents based upon an analysis of individual psycho-social needs.

Collaborates with the Office of the Public Guardian-Conservator for behavioral health clients who have been conserved; clinically evaluates clients to represent their interests in treatment and placement; researches treatment resources available on a local and regional basis to ensure optimal client placement.

Participates as a member of a multi-disciplinary treatment team providing critical clinical input related to patient diagnosis and recommended treatment plans; presents findings and clinical observations; receives clinical feedback and assistance in managing transference / counter-transference; participates in case conferences and consults with psychiatric staff to review patient cases and resolve difficult therapeutic problems.

Evaluates clients for voluntary and involuntary commitment; signs commitments for clients requiring hospitalization after completion of county training and designation.

Participates as a member of a multi-disciplinary treatment team providing consultation to school and adult programs; performs program planning to develop and implement services appropriate to assisting both child and adult psychiatric patients.

Conducts discharge planning with clients; gathers resources; provides therapy; completes safety plan; and facilitates referrals and interagency services.

Performs detailed patient record documentation and maintains caseload records; prepares intake and discharge summaries, progress notes, and treatment reviews.

Performs related duties as assigned.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of :

Operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive behavioral health program which encompasses adult, juvenile, and children services.

Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures including confidentiality laws.

Principles and practices of clinical casework.

Social, psychological, and physical causes of behavioral disorders and chemical dependency.

Application of general psychiatric emergency intervention and diagnostic principles.

Principles and practices of crisis intervention and conflict resolution, including management of assaultive behavior, seclusion, and restraint philosophies.

Short- and long-term therapeutic methods.

Concepts and principles related to adult and child psychology, including theories of human behavior and personality development.

Case management principles, practices, and processes related to the assessment, care, treatment, and documentation of individuals with behavioral disorders.

Methods and techniques of conducting assessments, interviewing clients, and preparing reports and treatment plans.

Theories, and principles and practices of group and individual counseling and therapies.

Latest trends and research in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Mandated reporting requirements, ethics, and laws.

Normal and abnormal development, including impact of environmental, trauma, and personality development.

Theory and principles of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.

Community resources available to clients.

Community socioeconomic and cultural demographics.

Laws and regulations governing patient rights as it relates to treatment options including commitment.

Principles and practices of complex documentation preparation and recordkeeping.

Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.

Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.

The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to :

Provide professional behavioral health clinical intervention and recovery services and manage a psychiatric caseload in multiple settings.

Conduct psychiatric assessments; and plan, develop, and implement comprehensive treatment plans, programs, and services either internally or with external service providers.

Evaluate patients for medication needs and consult around any suspected medication reactions.

Analyze crisis situations and determine appropriate courses of action.

Collaborate and present progress reports and related findings to team members.

Coordinate emergency psychiatric support services with appropriate hospitals and other providers.

Conduct group and individual client therapy.to clinically assess, diagnose, and treat clients.

Understand and apply criteria for various diagnoses.

Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed, including those related to patient privacy.

Effectively represent the department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.

Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.

Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.

Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.

Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience :

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

Equivalent to a master's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, psychiatric nursing, or a related field

Level I : one (1) year of professional-level counseling / therapy experience in a behavioral health inpatient or outpatient setting. See licensure requirements under Licenses and Certifications.

Level II : two (2) years of professional-level counseling / therapy experience in a behavioral health inpatient or outpatient setting. See licensure requirements under Licenses and Certifications.

Licenses and Certifications :

Specified positions may require the possession of a valid US driver's license upon date of application. Specified positions must obtain California driver's license following hire date per California DMV regulations.

Level I : Must be a registered intern or eligible to register as an intern in the State of California at time of appointment. Must either be eligible to obtain an appropriate license and / or waiver under the provisions of Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5751.2 to practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist, Professional Clinical Counselor, Clinical Psychologist, Registered Nurse, or Psychiatrist in the State of California.

Level II : Must possess appropriate licensure to practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist, Professional Clinical Counselor, Clinical Psychologist, Registered Nurse, or Psychiatrist in the State of California.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Mobility to work in a standard office, hospital, and in-patient / out-patient, clinic, jail or juvenile facility and use standard office equipment, including a computer, to operate a motor vehicle to visit various County and meeting sites. Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds with the use of proper equipment.

Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.

Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.

Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in an office, out-patient, clinic, jail, juvenile facility or locked psychiatric facility environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.

Employees may work outdoors and are occasionally exposed to loud noise levels and cold and / or hot temperatures.

Employees interact with clients with behavioral disorders / erratic and assaultive behavior, including those which require emergency crisis intervention.

Incumbents may be exposed to blood and body fluids in performing their assigned duties.

Employees may interact with upset staff and / or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be willing to work after hours, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Some departments may require pre-employment screening measures before an offer of employment can be made (i.e. background screening, physical examination, etc.).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County's automated application system at

Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer.

It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.

Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and / or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and / or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to fill out the application?

You should allow 30 - 45 minutes to fill out your application.

Can I change my application after submitting it?

No. Once an application has been submitted, it is final. Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered.

How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?

You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your governmentjobs.com account at the time of notification. To ensure you don't miss any critical information, we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process. You can also log into your governmentjobs.com account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your application's progress, please contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at 707-476-2349 or personnel@co.humboldt.ca.us.

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?

Yes, you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways - oftentimes, outside of formal institutions - and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant's qualifications for a position.

If you're excited about this role but your past work experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and / or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and / or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver's license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County's intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.

Please Note : Extra Help positions are non-benefitted but may be eligible to purchase health insurance upon meeting the hours worked requirement under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

RETIREMENT

The County of Humboldt participates in the CalPERS, with both the County and the employee making contributions toward the employee's retirement.

CalPERS Retirement Program :

Tier I - Prior to 7 / 5 / 2012 : 2.7% @ 55

Tier II - Post 7 / 6 / 2012 : 2% @ 55

Tier III - Post 1 / 1 / 2013 : 2% @ 62

Please note that these are the tiers available at the County of Humboldt. Tier determination is made by CalPERS. Please reach out to Personnel if you have questions regarding tier placement.

COMPREHESIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE

Our generous benefits package includes :

Health Insurance

Medical : Multiple plan options available through CalPERS

County covers majority of employee premium and contributes to dependent coverage

Additional Insurance Coverage

Dental : Full premium coverage for employees and all dependents

Vision : Full premium coverage for employees and eligible dependents

County-Provided Benefits

Life Insurance

Longevity Pay

Educational Reimbursement

Deferred Compensation

Employee Assistance Program

Bus Pass Program

Optional Benefits

Employees may elect to purchase additional coverage including :

Supplemental Life Insurance with guaranteed issuance period at time of hire

Flexible Spending Accounts

VACATION

1 - 3 completed years of service = 12 days (192-hour cap)

4 - 10 completed years of service = 15 days (240-hour cap)

11 - 15 completed years of service = 20 days (320-hour cap)

16 - 20 completed years of service = 25 days (400-hour cap)

21 completed years of service = 30 days (480-hour cap)

HOLIDAYS

Employees earn 15 paid holidays per year (specific dates as defined in their specific Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)), including 2 personal holidays.

SICK LEAVE

Employees earn 12 sick days per year with an unlimited cap on sick day accumulation.

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS

The County is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employer.

INCENTIVE PAY

County employees may be eligible for additional incentive pay, such as on-call pay, shift differential pay, locked facility pay, or annual uniform allowance, as defined in their specific MOU.

Please indicate your highest level of education completed :

High School Diploma or GED

Some college

Associate's degree or 2-year equivalent

Bachelor's degree or 4-year equivalent

Master's degree or higher

None of the above

Please describe your area of major coursework.

Please indicate your status to work as a Behavioral Health Clinician :

I possess a valid California intern registration number to practice as an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ACSW) or Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AFMT) from the State Board of Behavioral Examiners

I possess a valid California registration number to work as a Registered Psychologist from the State Board of Psychology

I possess a valid California license to practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

I possess a valid California license to practice as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

I possess a valid California license to practice as a Clinical Psychologist

I possess a valid California license to practice as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)

I do not possess one of the valid California registration numbers or licenses listed above.

Please identify your specific license and license number.

If not currently licensed, do you possess documentation from the State Board of Behavioral Examiners or the State Board of Psychology indicating you have applied for and are near completing licensure? If yes, please explain.

If answered yes above, you must provide your documentation. Have you uploaded this with your application?

Please indicate your years of professional-level counseling / therapy experience in a behavioral health inpatient or outpatient setting.

None

6 months - 1 year

1 - 2 years

2 - 3 years

3 or more years

Any other education, training or experience you would like to add regarding your qualifications for this position.

Required Question

Salary : $29 - $43

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