Behavioral Health Clinician I

The County of Siskiyou is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer
We welcome applicants of any race, religion, or ancestry.

 For exact salary information, please refer to the current salary schedule, County website.

Under the direct supervision of a Licensed Professional of the Healing Arts (LPHA), incumbents provide clinical or administrative psychiatric behavioral health services in a multi-disciplinary environment through the use of therapy (individual or group), case management, interagency collaboration, and community organization. This classification is a for cause, non-exempt position. 
                                                                                   
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry/trainee level in the Behavioral Health Clinician class series.  Incumbents work under the direct supervision of a LPHA to provide a variety of behavioral health services for individuals and groups.  The emphasis is on learning casework and treatment methods appropriate to a public mental health setting, as well as procedures and policies. This classification is distinguished from Behavioral Health Clinician I in that the Behavioral Health Trainee is enrolled in university and accruing practicum hours toward a master's degree.  
 
REPORTS TO
Behavioral Health Systems Administrator or Site Supervisor.
 
CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED
This is not a supervisory classification.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assesses, evaluates and provides mental health services including individual and group therapy/counseling, rehabilitation, crisis intervention and case management services for persons with serious mental illness or youth with serious emotional disturbance utilizing culturally sensitive, client/family centered, strength-based wellness and recovery models of service delivery;
• Performs clinical documentation and maintains productivity according to department standards;
• In collaboration with other members of the multi-disciplinary team, including consumers and family members, participates in the development of treatment plans, coordinates treatment and case management and discharge planning;
• Collaborates on behalf of the consumer/family with other support services provided by health care, social services agencies and community organizations;
• Participates in training on various topics such as cultural competency, clinical; 
• practice compliance, treatment planning, case management, co-occurring disorders and substance abuse;
• Provides administrative support services including outreach and information about how to access and apply for state and federal programs (such as Medi-Cal), performs pre-screening and assists in paperwork completion to determine eligibility; and
• Performs other related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Principles, techniques and trends in counseling, psychotherapy, and various treatment modalities.
• Biological, behavioral and environmental aspects of emotional disturbances, mental illness and substance abuse.
• The scope and activities of public and private health and welfare agencies and other available community resources.

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Develop and maintain cooperative, constructive relationships with families of clients, members of other professional disciplines, social agencies, and other staff.
• Develop clear and comprehensive case records and documentation.
• Organize and manage a caseload.
• Under direct supervision, provide services to clients in a variety of circumstances and  settings in accordance with professional standards and ethics.
• Conceptualize and prioritize the problems of mentally ill persons, determining their needs, services, and appropriate treatment methods.
• Effectively represent the Behavioral Health Department in contacts with clients, the public, community organizations, other county staff, and other government agencies.

Typical Qualifications: 

-Behavioral Health Trainees must be enrolled in a graduate program which ultimately leads to licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist, Clinical Social Worker or Professional Counselor.  Students must also have completed a minimum of 12 graduate academic units, and have met any other qualifications required by their graduate program to participate in a traineeship. 

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk;  normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS 

Work is performed in an office, clinic, home, or community  environment; work is performed with people who may exhibit unstable and potentially violent behavior;  continuous contact with other staff and the public. 

Salary : $52,291 - $66,810