Clinical Case Manager, School Based

The School Health Services Division of the Alameda County Health Care Services Agency has continuous upcoming vacancies within its school and youth center sites. If you have already applied for this position, there is no need to apply again. This recruitment may close at any time.

At this time we are searching for experienced Clinical Case Managers to serve as mentors to youth for our most challenging sites including middle and high schools at risk for higher levels of service through educational, juvenile justice, or social services systems.

The Clinical Case Manager, School-Based provides clinical case management and targeted intervention services to elementary and middle and high school at-risk youth at an assigned school district or community-based center Clinical Case Managers provide mental health consultation and psychoeducation for school and community center staff, conduct a variety of prevention activities to strengthen student resilience and decrease risk factors, perform and/or coordinate psychosocial risk assessments, facilitate and/or participate on multidisciplinary teams, and act as a liaison between City and County agencies, school districts and various community programs serving at-risk youth and families.

The School Health Services Division

The School Health Services (SHS) Division is part of the Alameda County Health Care Services Agency (HCSA) and represents diverse collaborations of service providers, school and school district leaders, health advocates, community partners, policy makers, and youth working to create equity in education and health for all youth.

School Health Services (SHS) works to build communities of care that foster the academic success, health, and well-being of Alameda County children, youth, and families. We envision a county where schools and communities support the health and success of every student so that children grow up feeling safe, supported, connected, and engaged.

2010-2011 School Health Services Success:

• Improved access to services ‐ approximately 19,000 high school and 650 middle school youth had access to an on‐campus, school‐based health center (SBHC).
• Improved utilization of health services ‐ SBHCs served 9,403 youth, representing 47% of the overall student population at schools with SBHCs, and provided 57,646 visits (45% increase from previous year). Of these visits, 16,793 (29%) were for medical and health education visits, 12,213 (21%) were for mental health visits, 12,513 (22%) were for first aid visits, and 16,127 (28%) were for group visits. In addition, thousands of youth participated in health education presentations and events on topics such as nutrition and reproductive health.

Clinical Case Managers are found in a variety of school and local community youth center locations. Clinical Case Managers work within a school setting during the school year (10 months annually). Clinical Case Managers reporting to community youth center locations work 12 months per year. These positions are located in the Alameda County Health Care Services Agency, Our Kids/Our Families Program and report to the Program Supervisor. The School Health Services Director oversees the program. Clinical Case Managers work in close collaboration with school district staff (e.g. teachers, principals, counselors) and other school and community based  service providers to create and enhance a full continuum of behavioral health supports in schools or community centers, develop equitable systems and protocols for service access, support the implementation of prevention supports to reduce risk factors, and to provide and/or coordinate direct services to youth at elementary, middle and high schools at risk for higher levels of service through educational, juvenile justice, or social services systems.

The Ideal Candidate for the Clinical Case Manager

In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, the ideal candidate will be a dynamic case manager with solid experience managing the needs of youth and coordinating efforts with parents and teachers as well as school and health care administrators. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated expertise in the following areas:

• Demonstrated experience in the application of theories and principles of mental health consultation, multidisciplinary teams, group and individual therapy/counseling, family support, trauma-informed practice, cultural responsiveness, and positive school/community environments
• Utilization of the principles and practices of behavioral health supports in the unique settings of schools and community centers 
• Cultural responsiveness, assessment of psychosocial needs of youth and a track record of developing a collaborative rapport with internal resources for student referrals as well as an established network of community-based service providers.
• The identification of available youth and family resources, with the knowledge and ability to assess eligibility for a variety of health care and social service programs.
• Strengthening and supporting school-wide efforts to create a positive climate, prevent conflict and violence, and enhance the school community for all of its members.
• Providing quality mental health services in a school or community center setting to support youth with  behavioral issues, depression and other mental health issues, drug/alcohol dependencies, effects of physical/sexual abuse, extensive exposure to violence and/or other trauma as well as a lack of basic needs, and homelessness.  
• Active participation on site-based multidisciplinary teams who work together to address support needs of referred children/youth and manage support resources in the school as well as providing consultation to other multidisciplinary team members.
• Manage, track and report data on the status of student progress.
• Manage a caseload while staying focused on a variety of critical priorities, including mental health prevention, consultation and psychoeducation. 
• Successfully align program service objectives with individual performance goals.
• Bi-lingual skills, school-based experience, a strong background in both school and community settings and eligibility for a Board of Behavioral Sciences license are desired.

 

Possession of a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in social work, marriage and family therapy, clinical or educational psychology or in a closely related field and the equivalent of two years full-time case management experience with youth (5-15 years of age) and families in a school setting.

License:

Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

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:

• Theory, principles and techniques of counseling and casework.
• Scope, nature, and referral protocol for public sector and community–based agencies serving children, youth and families.
• Principles and practices of community agencies and community resources and their role in the treatment of at-risk children.
• Conflict resolution, violence prevention, and substance abuse treatment and prevention.
• Developmental, academic, social and emotional needs of school-age population.
• Screening, intake, and assessment procedures.
• School environments, educational priorities, and organizational issues.
• Applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations.
• Legal and ethical guidelines governing requirements for reporting sexual and physical abuse and other exceptions to rules of confidentiality.
• Principles and practices of direct client service delivery.
• Theories of social needs, problems, attitudes, and behavior patterns.
• Models of strength/asset-based approaches to work with children, their families, and the community.
• Basic health insurance systems and operations related to the enrollment process.
• Computer applications related to the work.

Ability to:

• Evaluate children/youth and perform clinical risk assessment in a school setting.
• Determine mandated parental consent requirements prior to referral of students.
• Work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams, community resources and organizations.
• Establish and maintain confidentiality.
• Work in diverse community settings with families from diverse cultural, ethnic, linguistic and economic backgrounds.
• Manage multiple and changing priorities.
• Interpret, explain and apply relevant regulations, policies and procedures.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Prepare clear, accurate and effective reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including school-site staff and administration.

The first step in the selection process is a review of all submitted application materials to determine if the information is complete and applicants meet the qualifications stated. Possession of the minimum qualifications does not a guarantee further advancement in the selection process.

Steps often include an application screening for “best qualified” based upon the ideal candidate competencies identified for the vacant position(s) as well as a written exam and/or performance test and /or situational exercise and an interview. The highest scoring applicants of a testing step proceed to the next step until an eligible list is established. Candidates are referred from the eligible list for the current vacancy and future vacancies and are "certified" in rank order to the hiring authority. Results of recruitment steps, ranking on the eligible list, and notice of certification to the hiring authority are sent to participating candidates by e-mail.

Alameda County utilizes a panel of subject matter experts. Some interview panels may be comprised of subject matter experts within the organization which may include supervisors and managers from the hiring department; other interviews may be comprised of experts from outside of the organization. The purpose of the interview is to assess your suitability for a position. The primary objectives are to: acquaint interviewer and candidate; learn more about the candidate’s background and experience as it relates to the job; and help the candidate understand the position and organization.

Once you have successfully completed the selection process, your name will be placed onto an eligible list for the current vacancy and other Countywide vacancies for jobs utilizing the same title and scope of work. Many of our recruitments are specific to the needs of a current vacant position, in which case, eligible lists may not be utilized in other areas.

In cases where there are many vacancies throughout the County, each department may submit a request to “certify the eligible list.” We will notify you by email when you have been certified. The certification notice will let you know the name of the department and the location of the current vacant position as well as the next steps in the process. Candidates' names typically remain on eligible lists for one year and are "certified" in rank order to a hiring department when a vacancy occurs.

Alameda County utilizes the "rule of the five highest scores." This means when a vacancy occurs, the department with the vacancy will interview the candidates with the five highest scores and may select one of them to fill the vacancy. Departments that have already interviewed candidates, (such as, in the initial selection phase) may choose not to interview candidates again for the same position.

At this time we are searching for experienced Clinicial Case Managers to serve as mentors to youth for our most challenging sites including middle and high schools at risk for higher levels of service through educational, juvenile justice, or social services systems. Only candidates with demonstrated experience in these settings will be invited to participate in the upcoming interview process.

ABOUT THE COUNTY

Alameda County, located on the east side of San Francisco Bay, is California’s seventh-largest county.  The County employs 9,080 full-time employees and operates on an annual budget of $2.39 billion.  Oakland, the County seat, is California’s eighth largest city.  One and a half million people call Alameda County home and live in a variety of incorporated cities, unincorporated communities and rural areas.  As a major urban county, Alameda provides a full range of services to its citizens.  The County is a blend of culturally and ethnically diverse communities, and its mixture of cosmopolitan and suburban areas provides the perfect environment for families and their active lifestyles.  The County offers extensive cultural resources, countless recreational opportunities and an array of fine public and private colleges and universities.

 

BENEFITS FOR NON-MANAGEMENT POSITIONS

MEDICAL PLANS

The County offers HMO and PPO medical plans.  The County has two contributions structures, 1) County contributes 100% of the lowest cost HMO; or 2) County contributes 90% of the HMO plans and 90% of the lowest cost HMO towards the PPO.  The County contribution can be prorated based on the number of work hours up to 50% of the standard hours in a pay period.  If an eligible employee waives all medical coverage through the County, a monthly stipend may be provided.

DENTAL PLANS

The County offers two Dental Plans: PPO and Dental Maintenance Option (DMO). The County contributes 100% of the family coverage for both plans as long as the employee works at least 50% of the standard hours in a pay period. The PPO option plan design is 100% Preventative, 80% Basic Care, 80% Major Care with a $45 per individual deductible and annual maximum up to  $1,450 per year.  The DMO option has an orthodontic benefit for children as well as adults.

VISION BENEFIT

The County offers two Voluntary Vision Plans through Vision Service Plan (VSP) for eligible employees.  The two plans consist of a low option and a high option that offer annual eye exams and coverage for various frames and lenses.  The Voluntary Vision Plan is 100% employee paid and is available for employees and their dependents.  In addition, an annual eye exam is covered for participants in the HMO Medical Plans with corresponding co-pay. 

A Vision Reimbursement Plan is available for some union bargaining units who have a provision in their Memorandum of Understanding that after six months of continuous service, Vision Reimbursement for eye lenses or contacts is provided up to a set dollar amount. This vision reimbursement benefit is available to employees only.

COUNTY ALLOWANCE DOLLARS

The County provides up to $300 of flex dollars annually, dependent upon the eligible employee's represented or unrepresented classification.  These flex dollars can be used to pay for medical premiums.  The unused portion of these flex dollars are deposited into a Health Flexible Spending Account for the employee, which can be used for unreimbursed medical expenses. 

HEALTH FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT

Employees may opt to salary contribute on a pre-tax basis up to $5,000 for eligible out of pocket medical, dental and vision expenses such as: prescription co-pays, office visit co-pays, prescription eye glasses or contact lenses.

DEPENDENT CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

For employees who have either children under age 13 or dependents (parent, sibling or in-law incapable of self-care) that are dependent upon the employee for care can salary contribute on a pre-tax basis up to $5,000 annually. These pre-tax dollars can be used to pay for day care expenses provided by a licensed facility.

LIFE INSURANCE

The County pays for a Basic Life Insurance policy of $9,000 up to $20,000 for an employee based on the affiliation with their appropriate union.

COMMUTER BENEFITS

For the 2011 Plan Year, an employee can set aside up to $230 a month in pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified work-related parking and commuting to and from work transit fees.

HOLIDAYS

Most employees are provided 11 paid holidays plus four floating holidays dependent upon the union bargaining unit.

VACATION AND SICK LEAVE WITH PAY

Vacation accrual ranges from two weeks to five weeks depending upon years of service and the union bargaining unit to which the position is assigned. Sick leave accruals are based on the union bargaining unit and are defined in the corresponding Memorandum of Understanding.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

The County has an EAP available for employees, spouses/domestic partners and eligible dependents.  This program provides services such as: counseling, financial consulting, child and elder care consulting and some legal counseling.

DISABILITY or INCOME REPLACEMENT

Two voluntary plans are offered: Short-term Disability and Long-term Disability can be purchased through a payroll deduction or with accrued vacation hours depending upon the union bargaining unit.

LONG TERM CARE

This voluntary benefit extends care for yourself and/or your spouse and/or your parents who experience a serious accident, chronic illness or frailties of old age. Places where care can be provided are: in one’s home, at a nursing home, at an assisted living facility or adult day care center.

 

RETIREMENT

The County retirement program is a Defined Benefit plan and is governed under the provisions of the 1937 Act systems. The County’s retirement is based on one’s age upon entrance, compensation, years of service and specific percentage of employee/employer contributions with the County’s portion vesting after five years of employment.
 
DEFERRED COMPENSATION

The County offers a Deferred Compensation program where an eligible employee can voluntarily contribute on a pre-tax basis, a minimum of $20 per pay period up to the total annual contribution limit.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

VETERAN’S PREFERENCE
Those claiming additional preference points as a VETERAN must submit a copy of the DD214 form on the day of the oral examination. Those claiming additional preference points as a DISABLED VETERAN must submit a copy of the DD214 form and a letter from the Department of Veteran Affairs confirming eligibility for additional points on the day of the oral examination.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
The Human Resource Services Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate qualified individuals with mental and physical disabilities, and/or medical conditions in accordance/compliance with the State Fair Employment Housing Act (FEHA), Federal Americans with Disability Act (ADA) of 1990, and Alameda County Resolution No. R-83-773.  To request reasonable accommodation, you must notify the Human Resource Representative listed on this bulletin as soon as possible and before the last day to file, in order to make the necessary arrangements during each step of the examination process.                                                               (510) 272-3703 (TDD)

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
All government employees are disaster service workers as defined by California Government Code Section 3100.  In addition to everyday duties, employees have the added responsibility of helping throughout any disaster. 

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
An applicant’s previous employment may be investigated.  Results of this investigation may be cause for disqualification.  Also, all convictions will be reviewed and may result in a request for additional information or termination of employment.  A conviction record will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from employment.  Each case will be given individual consideration, based on job-relatedness.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION
All prospective county employees must pass a medical examination before beginning employment.  For positions which require a commercial driver’s license and the performance of functions defined as “safety sensitive,” Federal law and County policy requires that the examination include a drug screening process.  Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of this examination.

Alameda County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  Women, ethnic and racial minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Applicants will be considered without regard to their race, color, religion, sex national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other non-job-related factor.