Under direction, performs advanced journey level work in a Mental Health setting; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the highest level class in the Mental Health Specialist series. An employee in this class may be assigned to perform advanced paraprofessional services in one or more of the following: provide case management for a complex client caseload; provide group and individual counseling for emotional, drug, alcohol or other mental health problems; or provide in-service training to speakers, educators and counselors. An employee may also be assigned to supervise a unit engaged in one of those activities or may manage a large mental health program.
TYPICAL DUTIES
Provides case management for a complex client caseload of relatively unstable mentally ill or elderly clients; trains and/or supervises less skilled case managers.
Provides client counseling to groups and individuals to assist them in developing and maintaining necessary skills and knowledge.
Develops and modifies client treatment plans; implements or supervises or participates in the implementation of treatment plans.
Supervises a variety of mental health paraprofessionals.
Manages a large mental health or related program including responsibility for program development, budgets, personnel issues, utilization review and compliance with state and federal requirements.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EITHER PATTERN I
Experience: Two years as a Mental Health Specialist II in San Joaquin County service.
OR PATTERN II
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in Psychology, Social Work, Nursing or a related social science.
Experience: Two years providing client services in a mental health hospital or social service area.
OR PATTERN III
Education: Completion of 45 semester units from an approved college or university of which a minimum of 30 must be in Psychology, Social Work, Nursing or a related Social Science.
Experience: Four years providing client services in a mental health hospital or social service area.
AND FOR ALL PATTERNS
License: Possession of a valid California Driver License is required.
KNOWLEDGE
Mental health programs, policies and procedures; community resources; causes and treatment of mental and emotional illnesses and substance abuse; techniques of dealing with the physical, emotional and social needs of emotionally disturbed individuals and substance abusers; techniques of training and supervising staff; techniques of researching and analyzing data and writing reports; methods and techniques of managing resources.
ABILITY
Analyze situations accurately and take effective action; prepare budgets; express oneself clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; work in varied locations in the field and/or psychiatric facilities in addition to a standard office; train and direct others; develop and maintain confidence and cooperation of clients and patients, establish and maintain effective working relationships.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Mobility – frequent operation of a keyboard, sitting for extended periods, walking and stair climbing; frequent driving may be required; occasional standing for long periods of time; frequent lifting of 5 pounds or less; rarely to infrequently lifting up to 50 pounds; infrequently pushing/pulling in excess of 20 to 30 pounds; infrequently balancing, stooping/bending, and/or crouching/squatting as required in a behavior management situation; Visual – constant use of overall vision, hand/eye coordination, depth perception and reading/close-up work; frequent need for color perception and field of vision/peripheral; Dexterity – frequent holding, reaching, grasping, repetitive motion and writing; Hearing/Talking – constant hearing of normal speech, talking in person and talking on the telephone; frequent hearing on a telephone/radio; occasional hearing of faint sounds and talking over a public address system; Emotional/Psychological Factors – constant public contact, decision-making and concentration; frequent exposure to emergency situations; occasional exposure to trauma, grief or death; Environmental and Other Conditions – occasional to frequent need to adapt to changing work environments; frequent work with persons who may exhibit aggressive behaviors and who may be infected with communicable diseases; occasional exposure to noise, varied outdoor weather conditions; occasional working alone, working shifts to include weekends/nights/holidays, and/or work-related travel.
San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Notify Me when a Job Opens for the above position(s)