Supervising Behavioral Health Clinician

JOB Expected Hire Pay Scale: $3,269.37 - $3,604.48
The County of Del Norte Health and Human Services Department - Behavioral Health Branch is seeking a qualified candidate to fill one (1) vacancy for the position of Supervising Behavioral Health Clinician. This position is classified as full-time.
Under minimal supervision performs psychiatric caseload duties; and to perform psychotherapeutic counseling and treatment on an individual, group and/or family basis; and to provide outreach services and counseling in crisis situations. This work consists of complex professional duties performed at a supervisory level in the classification series.

This is the licensed supervising level in the series assigned the more complex patients on an outpatient setting. Incumbents provide supervision for licensed clinicians and licensed interns completing internship within the department as well as specific programs. This position performs a leadership role for individuals, specific programs and/or units, assists in developing and monitoring outcomes and results under the direct supervision of the Clinical Services Manager. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES Essential job duties may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills 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.

• Evaluates patients and provides crisis intervention services in a variety of settings including field situations.
• Obtains patient history, completes mental status examinations, diagnosis and conducts complex clinical assessments, utilizing the five axis format using the most recent DSM, and develops service plan.
• Provides ongoing psychotherapy in outpatient and day rehabilitation’s environment making necessary referrals for patient on an as needed basis.
• Participates as a member of the multi-disciplinary team providing critical clinical input relating to patient diagnosis and recommended treatment plans and case conferences consulting with psychiatric staff in the review of cases and medication issues.
• Evaluates patients for voluntary and involuntary commitment and signs commitments for clients requiring hospitalization as necessary.
• Provides direct supervision of assigned staff and programs in the delivery of mental health and/or drug and alcohol services.
• Provides direction, training and chart auditing for assigned student intern, participating in staff intern training and quality assurance/peer review functions.
• As care coordinator prepares detailed patient record documentation and maintains caseload records, preparing intake and discharge summaries, progress notes and treatment plan.
• Provides courtroom testimony and consultation to school and other programs as required or developed.
• Performs program planning to develop and implement services appropriate to assisting both adult and child psychiatric clients.
• Performs program monitoring activities to assist in evaluating outcomes and results for staff and client populations.
• Consults with and serves as a liaison with community agencies, school personnel, parents and other services to evaluate community mental health needs and services.
• Performs educational services to specific patients or segments of the mental health population.
• Makes or reviews decisions on difficult patient/client assessment and casework matters.
• Prepares documentation, correspondence and other written materials related to program services; maintains or directs the maintenance of records and files.
• Performs related duties as required or assigned.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of adult and child psychology and community mental health treatment interviewing, assessment, individual, family and group counseling.
• General psychiatric emergency intervention, diagnosis and brief and long term psychotherapeutic methods.
• Laws and regulations related to patients rights, voluntary and involuntary treatment and commitment for treatment including criteria for commitment.
• Community resources and agencies providing service for the community mentally ill or disabled.
• Medical record keeping and documentation including patient charting and Medi-Cal regulations and documentation for medical necessity.

Ability to:

• Assess client mental status and make accurate and appropriate diagnosis and effective treatment plans.
• Analyze crisis situations in a prompt and concise manner to facilitate appropriate treatment or referrals.
• Evaluate patients for medication referrals.
• Present accurate and appropriate patient history and behavioral impression for psychiatrists for further review.
• Prepare detailed case summaries and documentation and maintenance of records to comply with local, state and federal rules and regulations.
• Protecting patients rights and providing advocacy for the mentally ill.
• Coordinate emergency psychiatric support services efforts with appropriate county, community, school and other involved agencies.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other therapists, county staff, school personnel, referral agency representatives, physicians and general public.
• Present peer review in the most current version of the diagnostic and statistical manual for performing diagnosis on all five axis.
• Conduct mental health education and training programs in assigned programs.