Summary

The Butte County Department of Behavioral Health Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF) has an openings for the positions of Extra Help Behavioral Health Counselor I and II. The facility and treatment team provides short-term inpatient care to adults in psychiatric crisis. Duties include, but are not limited to, intake assessments, developing treatment plans, providing counseling and brief therapeutic interventions, discharge planning, patient advocacy and participating in a multidisciplinary team setting. This position offers a 10% site differential in addition to invaluable learning and growth for developing professionals.

This is an Extra Help Position. Extra Help means this may be a Part-Time or Non-Permanent position. The number of hours worked per week may vary and depend on the needs of the department. For terms and conditions concerning Extra Help with Butte County, see Section 6.13c(Download PDF reader) of the Butte County Personnel Rules.

FLSA: Non-Exempt

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, or direction, provides assessments, treatment planning, and counseling for clients; works as a member of a multi-disciplinary team to provide optimal client assessment and treatment options; provides education, consultation services, and training for other staff, community agencies, and the public; performs actions designed to prevent alcohol and drug abuse in the County; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision (Behavioral Health Counselor I), or direction (Behavioral Health Counselor II) from assigned supervisory or management staff. Exercises no direct supervision of staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Behavioral Health Counselor I: This is the entry-level class in the Behavioral Health Counselor series. Positions at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Behavioral Health Counselor II level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. 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. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence.

Behavioral Health Counselor II: This is the journey-level class in the Behavioral Health Counselor series responsible for performing the full range of duties required of the classification. Incumbents are expected to work independently and exercise judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Supervisor, Behavioral Health Counselor in that the latter is responsible for technical and functional direction over lower-level staff and is qualified to manage the more complex or highly sensitive cases.

Positions in the Behavioral Health Counselor class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the II level may be filled by advancement from the I-level; progression to the II-level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the II-level.

Essential Job Functions

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Conducts initial screenings of potential clients by phone, in person or video platform; gathers and assesses relevant background information; evaluates the severity of client problems and determines the appropriate level of care; formulates treatment and discharge plans designed to aid in social adjustment.
• Provides support and assistance in problem resolution; coordinates or arranges for the provision of other needed services.
• Serves as a member of multi-disciplinary team to provide optimal client assessment and treatment options; participates in diagnostic and evaluative staff meetings for cooperative planning and treatment, and to discuss client progress; may serve in a case manager capacity as assigned.
• Provides individual/group counseling, and crisis intervention services to individuals, families, and groups, and case management for individuals at-risk, mentally ill and developmentally disabled; monitors treatment and evaluates progress; advocates for clients with outside agencies.
• Observes and records client behavior; maintains complete case files, ensuring the accurate completion of various required documents, records, and reports within established procedures.
• Reports documented or suspected abuse and neglect as mandated by law.
• Assists clients in solving problems of housing, unemployment, education and other conditions which serve as a barrier for clients’ rehabilitation progress and assists with related referral services.
• Develops curriculum and facilitates educational sessions for groups and the community relating to mental health and early intervention including schools and other agencies.
• May participates in community groups and stimulates community interest in identifying and eliminating conditions which contribute to mental health problems.
• Keeps current on prevention literature, statistical information, legislative activities and community resources and activities relevant to clients.
• Attends training sessions, workshops, and meetings to enhance job knowledge and skills and maintain required certifications.
• Adheres to the standards of the Privacy Act of 1974, {U.S.C. § 552A} as amended; the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 (Public Law 104-191); maintains and enforces all aspects of confidentiality of client information.
• Serves on various committees, task forces, as appropriate and/or assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Psychological, physiological, sociological and behavioral aspects indicative of substance use disorders.
• Substance abuse life cycle symptoms and behaviors.
• California mental health system and county system, current psychiatric theories/evidence based practices, Butte County policies and procedures, laws and regulations (5150 welfare institution codes), ethical standards (National Association of Social Workers, Board of Behavioral Sciences, Butte County Behavioral Health Mission).
• Recognized methods of treatment in dealing with individuals with behavioral, emotional, alcohol and/or drug related problems.
• Medications associated with medical alcohol and drug treatment and their effects.
• Alcohol and drug diagnoses and admission criteria for persons served in a specific program.
• Principles and practices of crisis intervention, group and individual therapy, and case management.
• Methods and techniques of interviewing clients to assess and evaluate service needs.
• Methods and techniques of observing and accurately describing/documenting client behaviors.
• Community demographics including socioeconomic and cultural factors.
• Community resources available which assist clients in recovery including housing, employment, education, medical and behavioral health sources.
• Principles and practices of case documentation and maintenance of complex and comprehensive records.
• Applicable state and federal laws governing substance abuse, and drug and alcohol programs including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Principles and practices of complex record keeping and charting.
• 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:

• Assess and evaluate client’s program eligibility and treatment option needs.
• Conduct effective individual and group counseling.
• Recognize potential crisis situations and intervene accordingly.
• Work effectively with staff in carrying out the work of the team.
• Maintain client confidentiality.
• Work independently in the establishment of individual/group treatment interventions.
• Assess situations involving clients and respond in a timely and effective manner utilizing a variety of appropriate techniques.
• Carry out a variety of treatment or special project activities under the direction of senior or clinical staff.
• Prepare thorough documentation and maintain accurate, systematic records.
• Prepare clear, concise and accurate technical and administrative reports.
• Develop educational and information materials for community meetings and workshops.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed 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.
• 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:

Level I: Equivalent to an associate degree in behavioral science, social work, sociology, psychology, or a related field; behavioral science with counseling or addiction focus is desirable; and

Two (2) years of experience providing behavioral or social services counseling, rehabilitative support or case management.

Level II: Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science, social work, sociology, psychology, or a related field; and

Two (2) years of experience providing behavioral or social services counseling, rehabilitative support, case management or related experience at a level equivalent to the County’s Behavioral Health Counselor I.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in out-patient, clinics, jails or juvenile facilities and standard office settings; use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various County and meeting sites; standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required; 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; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.
• Vision to observe client behavior, and 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, hand-held radio, or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Employees typically work in an office, out-patient, clinic, jail, or juvenile facility environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• When assigned to a mobile crisis intervention team, or in the event of a natural disaster, work may need to be conducted at, or close to a hazardous area, and exposure to unknown environmental conditions may occur.
• 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.
• Employees may work irregular hours including evenings, weekends and holidays.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED

• Equipment utilized includes a motor vehicle, personal computer, fax machine, and standard office equipment.
• Specialized equipment includes personal protective equipment.

Disaster Service Worker

All Butte County 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.