What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mental Health Clinician I/II position at Shasta County?
THE CURRENT VACANCY IS IN THE
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES BRANCH
OF THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY
– CRISIS EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT (ED)
ORAL EXAM IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 2025
SKILLS OR EXPERIENCES LISTED UNDER THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
STATEMENT MAY ALSO BE USED TO SCREEN APPLICATIONS
SEE “SPECIAL REQUIREMENT” SECTION REGARDING POSSESSION
OF A VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE AND APPROPRIATE REGISTRATION AND LICENSURE
THROUGH CALIFORNIA BOARD OF BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE EXAMINERS
RESPONSES TO SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS REQUIRED
FINAL FILING DATE: FEBRUARY 03, 2025 AT 12:00 PM
SALARY INFORMATION
Mental Health Clinician I: $5,771 - $7,366 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY* / $33.29 - $42.50 APPROXIMATE HOURLY*
Mental Health Clinician II: $6,363 -$8,121 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY*/ $36.71 - $46.85 APPROXIMATE HOURLY*
*Please refer to the appropriate Bargaining Unit Memorandum of Understanding for potential future salary increases* Please visit https://www.shastacounty.gov/personnel/page/labor-agreements-mous.
ABOUT SHASTA COUNTY
Shasta County offers all the amenities of the big city while retaining a comfortable small-town atmosphere. With its natural beauty, affordable housing, excellent educational system, abundance of recreational opportunities, and excellent quality of life, Shasta County is a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) partners with communities to protect and improve the health and well-being of Shasta County residents. Established in 2006, the HHSA is organized into four branches: Behavioral Health and Social Services, Public Health, Economic Mobility, and a centralized Administration. The HHSA promotes optimal health for all. The frail, the abused, the mentally ill and those without resources look to the HHSA for services and resources to meet their basic needs, and to protect their health and safety. This transformation improves efficiency, avoids unnecessary duplication of effort, encourages collaboration among programs and organizes the HHSA’s services to be more responsive to the needs of the public.
Adult Services focuses on issues that affect people 20 ½ and older. Adult mental health services include outpatient mental health care, 24-hour crisis residential services, long-term placement services and referrals to local non-profit organizations that provide additional services. This branch also provides Adult Protective Services to follow-up on elder abuse reports. In-Home Supportive Services help those who need assistance with daily activities in order to remain safely in their own homes, and the Public Authority keeps a registry that helps In-Home Supportive Services recipients find a screened caregiver to provide those services. The Public Guardian helps citizens who are unable to manage their personal and financial affairs and may require guardianship or conservatorship. Mental Health Services Act administration is also housed in the Adult Services Branch.
Children’s Services encompass the services that help ensure children are protected and safe. This branch investigates alleged abuse and neglect of children, and it licenses foster and adoptive homes for children who are experiencing traumatic events in their lives. The branch also encompasses children’s mental health and youth alcohol and drug services. This branch also works with juvenile justice and education to coordinate services for clients.
ABOUT THE POSITION
Mental Health Clinician I
Under direction of a licensed clinician, provides strengths based, recovery oriented mental health service interventions. The overarching goal of service delivery is to promote and support rehabilitative activities of adults and/or promote appropriate development of children who are experiencing a mental illness that significantly impacts their daily functioning. Also performs related work as assigned.
Clinicians at this level conduct crisis assessments under supervision, provide crisis intervention and de-escalation services with oversight from licensed staff, and collaborate with emergency department personnel and community providers to coordinate care plans. Frequent supervision and consultation are provided to support the development of skills in crisis evaluation and emergency psychiatry. This role offers robust training and growth opportunities, making it an excellent entry point for early-career clinicians seeking experience in crisis care and emergency settings.
Mental Health Clinician II
Under general supervision, to provide professional rehabilitative, case management, counseling, and medically necessary treatment services to seriously emotionally disturbed adults and children; and to do related work as assigned.
These clinicians independently perform mental health evaluations, including determining the need for involuntary holds and hospitalizations, and provide expert crisis intervention while leading de-escalation efforts in the emergency department. Licensed clinicians also serve as resources and mentors for less experienced staff, offering guidance and support during assessments and interventions. They coordinate care with emergency department personnel and external providers to ensure seamless transitions for patients. This role is suited for experienced clinicians who are confident in managing complex cases independently and contributing to a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.
Both levels of this position are integral to the crisis program, sharing a commitment to delivering timely and effective care to individuals in psychiatric emergencies. Whether early in your career or an experienced professional, this position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a critical area of mental health care.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Mental Health Clinician I
This is the entry-level classification in the Mental Health Clinician series. Under supervision, employees in this class carry a caseload and deliver mental health services. Candidates for this level would need a Master's Degree in Clinical Social Work or have a Master's Degree that qualifies for an Associate registration through the California Board of Behavioral Science Examiners, and maintain registration with the appropriate California licensing board and follow required supervision guidelines.
Mental Health Clinician II
This is a licensed Mental Health Clinician classification. Upon entrance into this class, incumbents are expected to be fully trained and licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Science Examiners. Employees in this class carry a caseload, delivering biopsychosocial rehabilitation services and assessment to mental health clients.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate for this position is a compassionate and resilient professional who thrives in high-pressure environments. They are skilled in crisis intervention, possess strong de-escalation techniques, and are confident in conducting psychiatric assessments, including 5150 evaluations. This candidate remains calm and decisive under stress, balancing empathy with clinical effectiveness in situations that require rapid judgment. They excel at working collaboratively with diverse teams, including medical personnel, law enforcement, and community providers, to ensure the best outcomes for patients experiencing acute psychiatric distress. Flexibility is a key trait, as the role requires working nontraditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. The ideal candidate is adaptable, prepared to manage the unpredictable nature of emergency settings, and committed to providing compassionate care under challenging circumstances.
While prior experience in crisis settings or emergency departments is preferred, it is not required. Candidates who are eager to learn and grow in this specialized area of mental health will receive support and training to succeed in this critical role. This position is perfect for professionals who are passionate about making an immediate and lasting impact during moments of crisis and who value the opportunity to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Mental Health Clinician I:
Conducts clinical interviews with individuals seeking mental health services, as well as family members when appropriate to gather information about psycho-social history, presenting symptoms, developmental history, medical history and risk factors for the purpose of diagnostic assessment and eligibility determination; provides mental health services in clinic and community settings as assigned that may include crisis intervention, individual, group and collateral psychotherapy, rehabilitation services, and clinical case management; completes documentation of assessments and interventions as well as claiming for services provided on a daily basis; may on occasion participate in legal proceedings; attends departmental and community meetings, consults with other staff members and community members; participates in staff meetings and training activities as directed by the department.
Mental Health Clinician II:
Performs case management and rehabilitative treatment services with seriously emotionally disturbed adult or child clients and their families; develops treatment plans; gathers data relative to client's personal, social, and emotional history by interviewing client, relatives, friends, teachers, and employers; prepares social case histories with particular emphasis upon psychosocial factors affecting the client; participates directly in individual therapy and group therapy programs for children, adults, and families; coordinates with other team members and with community agencies in carrying out treatment plans; interprets and explains to clients, relatives, and community groups the social and emotional factors related to emotional disorders. Attends staff conferences; team meetings; in-service training sessions; and continuing education or required training sessions. Maintains documentation of biopsychosocial rehabilitative services and assessment of mental health clients.
TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS
It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.
Mental Health Clinician I:
Knowledge of: Principles, procedures, techniques, trends, and literature associated with mental health treatment; basic knowledge of brain structures and functions; documentation standards associated with public and private reimbursement systems and Federal financial compliance; scope and activities of public and private health, social service, and law enforcement agencies.
Ability to: Apply the principles of biopsychosocial diagnosis and treatment planning; establish and maintain the confidence and cooperation with an interdisciplinary team; Implement recovery/strength based interventions; maintain an objective and empathetic understanding of mental illness, be tolerant, use tact and maintain emotional stability; and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with staff, mental health, health, and social services professionals, contract providers, County and State representatives, consumers and their family members, community groups, and the general public.
Mental Health Clinician II:
Knowledge of: Principles, procedures, techniques, trends, and literature associated with biopsychosocial rehabilitation; documentation standards associated with public and private reimbursement systems and Federal financial compliance; and scope and activities of public and private health, social service, and law enforcement agencies.
Ability to: Apply the principles of biopsychosocial diagnosis and treatment planning; establish and maintain the confidence and cooperation with an interdisciplinary team; maintain an objective and empathetic understanding of mental illness, be tolerant, use tact, and maintain emotional stability; and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with staff, mental health, health, and social services professionals, contract providers, County and State representatives, consumers and their family members, community groups, and the general public.
Minimum Qualifications:
Mental Health Clinician I:
A master’s degree that qualifies for Intern registration through the California Board of Behavioral Science Examiners.
Mental Health Clinician II:
Possession of a valid license through the California Board of Behavioral Science Examiners.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
Mental Health Clinician I
- Incumbents must maintain active current registration with the California Board of Behavioral Science Examiners while working towards obtaining their license in an approved field. The registration may be renewed a maximum of five times while working towards obtaining the required licensure. No registration shall be renewed or reinstated beyond six years from the last day of the month during which it was issued. Failure to maintain registration will result in termination from the classification.
- Incumbents are required to obtain licensure through the California Board of Behavioral Science Examiners within six years of the date of initial registration or be terminated from the class.
- Positions in this class may require a valid driver's license.
Mental Health Clinician II
- Incumbents are required to maintain appropriate licensure through the California Board of Behavioral Science Examiners.
- Positions in this classification may require a valid driver's license.
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS
Responses to the following must be submitted with a completed application.
- Do you possess a Master's Degree that qualifies for Intern registration through the California Board of Behavioral Science Examiners? Yes/No
- Do you possess an active current registration with the California Board of Behavioral Science Examiners? If “Yes," please provide registration number. If “No,” please type “N/A.”
- Do you possess a valid license through the California Board of Behavioral Science Examiners? If “Yes," please provide your license number. If “No,” please type “N/A.”
- I acknowledge I must maintain active current registration with the California Board of Behavioral Science Examiners while working towards obtaining their license in an approved field. The registration may be renewed a maximum of five times while working towards obtaining the required licensure; no registration shall be renewed or reinstated beyond six years from the last day of the month during which it was issued and failure to maintain registration will result in termination from the classification. Yes/No
- I acknowledge I am required to obtain licensure through the California Board of Behavioral Science Examiners within six years of the date of initial registration or be terminated from the class. Yes/No
- I acknowledge this position may require a valid California driver’s license. Yes/No
- I acknowledge that if I answered "yes" to any of the above questions, but did not give the requested additional information, my application may be considered incomplete and screened out. Yes/No
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
- All new employees are required to have their paycheck directly deposited to a bank account.
- Some positions may require a valid California driver's license and acceptable driving record according to County policy.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made for those persons who are disabled under the Americans with Disabilities Act to perform the essential functions of the position.
- As part of the selection process, all individuals provided with a preliminary offer of employment with Shasta County will be subject to a background investigation, including a criminal history check (primarily completed through the taking of fingerprints). An image of your fingerprints will be captured and sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history, (if any), will be evaluated along with the other information received in connection with your application. Except as otherwise required by law, a criminal conviction will not necessarily disqualify you from the position. The nature of the offense, the date of the offense, the surrounding circumstances, and the relevance of the offense to the position applied for may, however, be considered.
- Based on the results of the background investigation and criminal history check, applicants may then be provided with an offer of employment conditioned on the results of a medical examination, which includes drug/alcohol testing.
- Shasta County participates in E-Verify. For more information visit https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RighttoWorkPoster.pdf (Download PDF reader). If you do not have internet access, contact Personnel at (530) 225-5515 to request a flyer.
- In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, County employees, in the event of a disaster are considered disaster workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
- Positions in this classification are covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the County and the United Public Employees of California – Professional Unit.
- Employees in this classification are covered under the CalPERS retirement program. Depending on the provisions of the California Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) and other applicable laws, an employee in this classification will be covered under one of the following CalPERS retirement formulas: (1) 2% at 55, (2) 2% at 60, or (3) 2% at 62. An employee in this classification will also contribute up to 8.5% UPEC Professional his/her pay to this plan or will contribute such other amount to the plan as authorized by PEPRA and other applicable laws. Please visit our employees benefit page at https://www.shastacounty.gov/personnel/page/employee-benefits for additional information regarding benefits and CalPERS coverage information. The provisions in this flyer and on the County website are for information purposes only. To the extent the provisions of the flyer or the County website are inconsistent with PEPRA and other applicable laws, PEPRA and other applicable laws shall govern.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURES
Shasta County Personnel will accept applications and responses to the supplemental questions until 12:00 p.m., on February 03, 2025. A Resume and/or Cover Letter will be accepted in addition to the application form but will not serve as a substitute for a completed application. It is not acceptable to complete the application with statements such as, “Refer to Resume and/or Cover Letter,” or “See Attached Resume and/or Cover Letter” the employment application must be completed in its entirety prior to submission. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Closing date postmarks or faxes will NOT be accepted. This recruitment will establish a list that may or may not be used by other departments. Prior applicants must reapply to be considered.
Applicants will be screened and those considered best qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the announced 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.
Veterans' Credit: Veterans (as defined by California Government Code section 18973) who have been discharged from military service under conditions other than dishonorable and who receive a passing score on all components of the employment examinations (up to and including oral examinations) shall receive credit for an additional five points to be added to their final examination score. To be considered for this credit, a veteran MUST provide a copy of his or her discharge document (DD-214 or equivalent) and information as to the type of discharge (honorable, dishonorable, etc.) WITH THE EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION ON OR BEFORE THE FINAL FILING DATE.
Applicants are encouraged to apply on-line at www.ShastaCountyCareers.com or submit an application to the Shasta County Personnel Office.
Arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants with disabilities. Requests for accommodations may be made to the Shasta County Personnel Office by the filing deadline posted on this bulletin. Shasta County does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you feel you are being denied service based on a disability, our ADA Coordinator may be reached at (530) 225-5515; relay service (800) 735-2922; fax (530) 225-5345.
Shasta County will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Shasta County is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act.
SHASTA COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Shasta County Personnel
1450 Court Street, Suite 348; Redding, CA 96001; (530) 225-5515
Salary : $33 - $43
