San Luis Obispo County, California

Conditional employment offers are based on successful completion of any preappointment background investigation, drug testing, and medical/psychological evaluation.

ABOUT THE POSITION:  San Luis Obispo County is recruiting Marriage and Family Therapist Interns and Associate Social Workers as part of our Workforce Education and Training program in the Behavioral Health Department of the Health Agency.  Only pre-licensed, registered MFTI and ASW applicants will be considered.  The purpose of this intern program is to provide post-masters, certified MFT and ASW interns with experience and training to address occupational shortages related to critical skills required in the mental health field.  

Incumbents will participate in a multi-agency children's system of care program in a variety of professional mental health diagnostic, counseling, treatment and community outreach services to clients; working with the Department of Social Services, Probation, Juvenile Services and the education system; working with licensed clinicians specializing in evidence-based practices; working with families, children, adolescents and parents.

Under general supervision, assists, conducts and participates in therapy as a member of a program team and has treatment responsibilities for selected cases.

Spanish/English bilingual skills will be tested for fluency in reading, writing and conversation on a pass/fail basis. Bilingual compensation differential paid $35 per month for temporary employment.

TYPICAL TASKS:  Assists preliminary evaluations of mentally and emotionally disturbed clients; assists in the formulation of treatment plans utilizing various modalities of treatment; participates in individual and group psycho-education/medication management; consults and works with other staff members and with community agencies in carrying out treatment plans; provides consultation, education and information services to lay and professional groups and individuals; refers clients to appropriate community agencies; learns and evaluates new techniques for dealing with emotional and environmental problems; participates in crisis intervention activities as necessary; may be assigned to work in a variety of outpatient, inpatient or day treatment and community outreach programs; prepares correspondence and reports as necessary to implement effective treatment plans.

OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:  Applicants must be willing to participate in cultural competency training as specified in California Code of Regulations Title IX, Article 4, Paragraph 1810.410.4. Applicants must meet Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 438.608 regarding Federal payment for services provided by individuals who are listed as debarred, excluded or otherwise ineligible for participation in Federal health care programs.

THE REQUIREMENTS: Knowledge of:  Principles, practices and techniques of psychotherapy and variety of treatment; Federal, State and local regulations relating to mental health; and medical terminology relating to mental health treatment.  Ability to:  Effectively evaluate and treat clients; establish and maintain the confidence and cooperation of clients and co-workers; communicate effectively orally and in writing; maintain self-awareness and assertiveness; establish a non-threatening treatment environment; develop and use community resources.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  A one-year's master's degree from an accredited institution in a mental health related field. 

LICENSES/CERTIFICATES: Applicants must possess an active license in the state of California as a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern or an Associate Social Worker, and must be registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences.  Applicants will be required to maintain an active registered intern license for the duration of their employment in this classification. 

In addition, a valid California driver license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:  These positions are funded by the Workforce Education & Training program at Mental Health Services Act. Work schedule will be approximately 15 to 20 hours per week and are limited to 960 hours per fiscal year. 

IN ADDITION: This class specification generally describes the duties and responsibilities characteristic of the position(s) within this class. Duties of a particular position within a multi-position class may vary from the duties of other positions within the class. Accordingly, the essential functions of a particular position (whether it be a multi-position class or a single-position class) will be identified and used by medical examiners and hiring authorities in the selection process. If you have questions regarding the duties or the working conditions of the position, please contact the Human Resources Department.

NOTIFICATION: Applicants will be notified 6-8 weeks after the final filing deadline. However, some recruitments may take less or more time depending on the type of exam and number of applicants. Notifications will be posted on-line on the Applicant Status Board for each phase of the recruitment process and will be sent by US mail and/or email.  Therefore, notify the Human Resources Department of any mailing or email address changes for all applications submitted.

SELECTION PROCESS: The examination process will include a competitive examination consisting of an evaluation of job-related education and experience through one of the following methods of testing:  A) competitive application rating, based solely on application information presented OR B) oral board rating as determined by an interview panel. In either case, the evaluation will be weighted 100% in determining a candidate’s placement on the eligible list. The hiring department will be provided a list of the top nine ranks of eligible candidates and one additional rank for each vacancy. The hiring department may hire any of the candidates certified to the department.  Veterans and disabled veterans preference points will be assigned when applicable. Please note: any part of this selection process may be waived or changed as deemed appropriate by the Human Resources Department at any point during the recruitment. Eligible lists may be used to fill regular, limited term or temporary positions. New employees are required to complete an INS Employment Eligibility Verification form to certify citizenship or legal residency and authorization to work. Essential functions of a job for purposes of the Americans with Disabilities Act will be determined prior to the filling of each vacant position. Any part of the selection process is subject to change.  A reasonable effort will be made to accommodate the needs of the disabled and the religious needs of an applicant. If you require special arrangements to participate in the recruitment process, you must inform the County Human Resources Department in writing of the type and extent of accommodation no later than the final filing deadline.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER