County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, to provide programmatic assistance and administrative support in the Behavioral Health Care Services Consumer/Family Relations Program; serves as a program representative and supports the involvement of consumers/family in implementing systems change, training and education, hiring of consumers/family in behavioral health care programs, and developing self-help and consumer/family–operated programs; and to do related work as required.


DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

These positions are located in the Behavioral Health Care Services Department (BHCS), and report to the Consumer/Family Relations Manager. The Consumer/Family Relations Program Assistant provides administrative support and coordinates a variety of related community and educational outreach activities and events, performs a variety of administrative functions in the implementation of consumer/family related programs/projects. This class is further distinguished from the next higher class Consumer/Family Relations Manager in that the latter class has supervisory responsibilities and provides leadership for the activities of the Consumer/Family Relations Program.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Provides programmatic information to community-based providers and the general public, conducts presentations, answers questions and provides technical assistance as needed.

2. Collects and analyzes community input on consumer/family relations issues, and makes recommendations to the Consumer/Family Relations Manager.

3. Keeps informed regarding state and federal laws which protect the rights and quality of life of consumer/family members; interprets strategies and policies in the mental health field and their impact on the wellness, recovery, and optimal functioning of consumer/family members throughout Behavioral Health Care Services system of care.

4. Assists in identifying programmatic and/or operational problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing effective solutions.

5. Uses knowledge of self-help and peer support techniques to assist in the implementation of consumer/family support groups across the system of care.

6. Maintains a variety of databases related to consumer/family relations programs/projects and utilizes these resources to generate reports and data in support of program evaluation and planning.

7. Assists with organizing the implementation of the BHCS Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) plan for consumer employment and campaign for social inclusion.

8. Represents the Consumer/Family Relations Program in a variety of program meetings, trainings, conferences, and system-wide committees/workgroups.

9. Prepares and distributes a variety of letters, newsletters, brochures, informational packets, and other program-related media.

10. Performs special projects such as researching information, summarizing data, evaluating alternatives and preparing narrative or statistical reports.

11. Plans, coordinates and facilitates meetings, events, and orientations for consumer/family member volunteers.

12. Maintains accurate records and files related to work performed.

13. Operates a variety of standard office equipment including a word processor and/or computer.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

The equivalent of completion of two years of college (90 quarter units or 60 semester units) from an accredited college or university.

(Additional work experience as outlined below may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis.)

Experience:

The equivalent of three years of full-time administrative and/or programmatic support experience which has included some combination of program coordination and administrative support, compiling and maintaining data, preparation of narrative and statistical reports, and organization and facilitation of program events preferably in a mental health setting.

AND

The equivalent of six months experience as a consumer who has received services in the public and/or private mental health system, or as a direct family member/caregiver of a mental health consumer who has received services in the public and/or private mental health system, AND training and/or experience with the concepts of self-help, peer/family support and/or wellness/recovery/resilience.


License:

May require possession of a valid California driver's license.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the "Examples of Duties" section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Consumer/family movement.
• Self-help and peer support techniques and concepts.
• Public and/or private mental health/behavioral health care systems.
• Information and referral systems.
• Wellness, recovery, and resilience services, supports and principles.
• Cultural and social factors affecting consumer/family members.
• Federal and state legislation and regulations affecting consumer/ family members.
• Office administrative practices and procedures, including records management and the operation of standard office equipment.
• Word processing and computer applications related to the work.
• Research and report preparation principles.
• Basic principles of administrative analysis.

Ability to:

• Facilitate diverse and multidisciplinary groups.
• Plan, coordinate and conduct public presentations.
• Represent consumer/family members.
• Analyze, evaluate and draw logical conclusions.
• Prepare clear and accurate reports, correspondence, procedures and other written materials
• Organize, prioritize and meet critical deadlines.
• Maintain accurate records and files.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

SG:po 7/10/09
Newspec: 5097.doc
CSC Date: 8/12/2009

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.