Mental Health Clinician (Licensed)

The Health and Social Services Department is recruiting for regular positions.  

The current vacancies are in the Mental Health Services Division and the Family Health Services Division.  

The eligible list established from this recruitment will be used to fill part-time and full-time regular, limited-term or extra-help positions as vacancies occur or the need arises.

Under administrative direction, provides mental health treatment services for mental, emotional, behavioral, and chemically dependent disorders in in-patient or out-patient settings, including assessment, diagnosis, crisis intervention, individual and group counseling, non-medical psychotherapy, and initiation of involuntary holds; provides and oversees both treatment and continuing care; prepares reports and maintains records related to patient or client services, and performs related duties as required. Some positions in this class may provide substance abuse treatment services. 

The Mental Health Clinician (Licensed) is the licensed professional level clinician.  All work is performed within the limits of licensing and professional standards.   Incumbents use established clinical methods and procedures for client assessment, planning and implementation of treatment plans, and non-medical psychotherapy.  Clients served experience serious and persistent emotional, mental, behavioral, and/or chemical dependency problems.  The work is performed in accordance with the licensing requirements as a licensed mental health professional with full exercise of authority to approve and make professional clinical decisions.

• Provides lead technical supervision of other professional and para-professional staff within an assigned area of shift, including the approval of diagnosis, assessments, treatment plans, and legally required documents.
• Conducts clinical interviews to gather information, assess patient needs, determine level of hazard to self or others, determine need for hospitalization, and develop diagnostic information.
• Performs triage of patients, coordinates with other treatment staff including physicians, and evaluates the need for “involuntary hold” applications.
• Prepares assessment and diagnosis of acute and chronic mental illness, substance abuse, and other mental, emotional or behavioral disorders.
• Provides crisis intervention and individual counseling for patients on clinical issues such as treatment and medication compliance, depression, substance abuse, etc.; leads and facilitates therapy groups with focus on clinical issues such as communication, substance abuse, social interactions, etc.
• Provides individual and group therapy and social rehabilitation services that integrate client recovery and client/family centered services and values with clinical practice.
• Develops and implements written treatment plans with goals and objectives; designs and implements behavioral and treatment contracts for patients with difficult clinical issues and substance abuse.
• Provides case management services to mentally ill clients including out-of-home placements; determines suitability of treatment facilities or prospective foster parents based upon analysis of individual psycho-social needs.
• Prepares reports and correspondence and maintains a variety of documentation, such as charting observed behaviors, treatment plan objectives, progress reports, discharge summaries, incident reports, and other data.
• Prepares legally required documents, temporary conservatorship applications, 72-hour involuntary detention, and fourteen-day holds.
• Attends and participates in a variety of internal and external meetings such as treatment team, clinical meetings, interdisciplinary case conferences, inter-agency meetings, etc.
• Coordinates with caseworkers, probation officers, community and support services, and appropriate referrals for patients upon discharge; works with other agencies to obtain information, coordinate services, determine appropriate venue for service, provide training about mental illness, and related matters.
• Assists patients with paperwork and enrollment procedures for various treatment and social support programs.
• Assists in physically containing violent and/or combative clients.
• May operate vehicles to transport patients between facilities or to perform field duties of monitoring service provision, working with patients or clients at other sites, and/or to coordinate with other agencies.

1. Two years of post Master’s degree supervised experience in a mental health related setting providing direct services to mentally or emotionally disabled persons, including dual diagnosis and addiction issues for those assigned to the substance abuse settings. 

    AND

1. Current licensure by the State of California Board of Behavioral Science Examiners
    as either a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
    
   Note:   Loss of the required State licensure shall result in termination or reassignment, if such a vacancy exists and the incumbent meets the minimum requirements for the vacant position. (Such action will be taken in accordance with Civil Service Commission rules).  

All candidates must submit a copy of their college diploma (verifying the degree, date earned and area of specialization) or official/unofficial transcripts (verifying the courses and units completed), and a copy of the required license by the final filing date.  Candidates who fail to submit their documents by the final filing date or for open until filled recruitments within five (5) days from the application submittal date will be disqualified from the recruitment. 

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:  Candidates who attended a college or university that is accredited by a foreign or non-U.S. accrediting agency must have their educational units evaluated by an educational evaluation service.  The result must be submitted to the Human Resources Department no later than the close of the recruitment.  Please contact the local college or university to learn where this service can be obtained.

In addition to uploading attachments when applying online, candidates may submit documents in-person or by mail at Solano County Department of Human Resources 675 Texas Street, Suite 1800, Fairfield CA  94533, or by fax to (707) 784-3424.  When submitting documents in-person, by mail or by fax, include the recruitment title (e.g., Office Assistant II) and the recruitment number (e.g., 12-123456-01).

This Supplemental Questionnaire will be used to determine applicants’ qualifications for this position and whether they will continue in the recruitment process; therefore, applicants are encouraged to answer all questions thoroughly and completely.  Omitted information will not be considered or assumed.  Applicants who have no experience in a specific area are recommended to state "no experience in this area" instead of leaving the space blank.  

1. Describe your experience with which you qualified for your Licensed Clinical Social Worker license.
2. Describe your experience providing mental health services to severely, persistently mentally ill adults.
3. Describe your experience working in an integrated care setting, providing mental health and primary care services to adults, as well as your experience working within a multi-disciplinary team.

Driver’s License : Possession of, or ability to obtain,  a valid California Class C Driver’s License may be required at the time of appointment.  Loss of the Class C Driver’s License is a cause for discipline.  Individuals who do not meet this driver’s license requirement due to a physical disability will be considered for accommodation on a case-by-case basis.
 
Language Proficiency: Some positions may require bilingual skills.
 
Assignment Requirements: Some positions in these classes may require work in an out-station location or in a setting with other professionals integrated as a team

Psychotherapy : Incumbents provide non-medical psychotherapy to clients in accordance with State law and regulation as individual licensing permits.
 
Travel:  Independent travel may be required to various work sites and client residences.
 
Candidates for some positions in this class will be required to pass a background investigation in accordance with applicable law, regulation, and/or policy.
 
Child Abuse Reporting: Selectees for employment must, as a condition of employment, sign a statement agreeing to comply with Section 11166 of the California Penal Code relating to child abuse reporting.

12/18/2012 Tentative date for initial review of applications.
12/20/2012 Tentative date for Human Resources to establish eligible list.
12/20/2012 Projected date to certify names to the hiring department.

SALARY POLICIES - The starting salary is ordinarily the first rate shown on the front of the announcement.  Salary advancement is authorized after satisfactory completion of additional periods outlined in the employee’s memoranda of understanding or the County’s Personnel and Salary Resolution.  Longevity, shift differential, bilingual, call-back and stand-by pay maybe available for some job classes. 

HOLIDAYS – Regular and limited-term employees receive twelve paid holidays per year.

ANNUAL/SICK LEAVE - Regular and limited-term employees accrue vacation leave at the rate of ten days per year.  After a certain period of continuous service, employees accrue vacation time at a higher rate as outlined in the employee’s memoranda of understanding or resolution. Regular and limited-term full time employees accumulate 12 sick leave days per year.

RETIREMENT - The County is a member of the Public Employee’s Retirement System (PERS), and benefits are coordinated with Social Security.  The County has reciprocity with all State PERS and County 1937 Act Retirement Systems agencies.  PERS retirement for miscellaneous employees is currently based on a formula of 2% @ 60. 

HEALTH BENEFITS - Employees and their dependents are eligible for vision and dental insurance with 100% of the cost paid by the County of Solano.  The County also participates in a cafeteria medical plan administered by PERS HealthCare (eligibility is dependent upon job class). 

OTHER BENEFITS – Employees may also elect to participate in deferred compensation, credit union, life insurance, and flexible spending plan.  All County employees are eligible to purchase auto and/or home owners, renter insurance from Liberty Mutual Insurance.  An Employee Assistance Program is also provided.

EXTRA-HELP - Extra-help employees do not receive or accrue benefits of regular employees during their period of employment.

Based on the information provided in the application documents, the best qualified applicants will be invited for further examination. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of an initial application screening, a mandatory information meeting, a written and/or practical exam, an oral interview, or any combination listed. Information contained herein does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

All potential new hires and employees considered for promotion to management, confidential positions or unrepresented positions will be subject to a background and reference check after contingent job offer is accepted. These provisions are subject to change.

All additional application materials as requested in the job announcement (e.g. copies of diploma and/or transcripts, certificates, DD-214) must be submitted with the Document Cover Sheet, available on the employment website or at the Department of Human Resources’ office,  and are due within five (5) calendar days of the final filing date or within five (5) calendar days from application submittal if the recruitment is Open & Continuous or Open until Filled. 

Please visit the County of Solano website, www.jobsatsolanocounty.com to apply.  Any further questions can be directed to the Department of Human Resources at (707) 784-6170 or at 675 Texas Street, Suite 1800 Fairfield 94533.  The office is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. EOE/AA

To be eligible, applicant must have served at least 181 consecutive days of active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States and have received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions.  A copy of the DD214, showing discharge type, must be received in the Human Resources Department by the final filing date. Applicants who have a service connected disability must submit a recent award letter from the VA stating they are receiving disability benefits for service connected reasons.   

Veteran applicants for initial County employment with an honorable or general discharge under honorable conditions shall have five (5) points added to their combined score. Disabled veterans (rated at not less than 30% disability) shall have ten (10) points added to their combined score. Veteran preference points will only be added to passing scores in competitive open examinations.

It is the policy of Solano County that all employment decisions and personnel policies will be applied equally to all County employees and applicants and be based upon the needs of County service, job related merit, and ability to perform the job.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES:  Qualified individuals with a disability, who are able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, and need special testing arrangements, must complete the following Request for Testing Accommodation by Applicants with Disabilities Form: http://webstartadmin/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=6664.

This form must be received in the Human Resources Department by the final filing date of the recruitment.  Applicants will be contacted to discuss the specifics of the request.

DIRECT DEPOSIT: All persons hired will be required to participate in the direct deposit program.

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE ACT – Depending on the applicant’s job class, prospective employees may be required to undergo a Urine Drug Test in accordance with the Solano County Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace Policy once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Solano County employees are subject to the provisions of the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the California Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1990.

BACKGROUND PROCESS –The background process may include but not limited to conducting a reference check, completing a personal history statement, conducting a background interview, and live scan fingerprinting.  The County of Solano also utilizes e-Verify to verify employment eligibility.  Note: A felony conviction is not an automatic bar to employment. The County will consider the nature, date, and relationship between the offense and the position for which you are applying.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION - Prior to appointment, candidates may be required to pass a medical examination.  Candidates are encouraged not to quit or give notice to present employers until the medical examination has been completed and passed.

APPOINTMENT - At the time of appointment, all candidates will be required to execute an oath of allegiance to the United States and the State of California and may be fingerprinted.  Candidates will also be required to offer proof that they are a lawfully admitted alien or U.S. citizen.

EXAMINATION APPEALS – Applicants for Civil Service positions may appeal their disqualification in any phase of the examination process by submitting a written statement to the Director of Human Resources, within five (5) calendar days of the action.  Applicants must indicate the action being appealed, the specific basis for the appeal, and the remedy sought.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD - All new positions are required to successfully complete a minimum probationary period of 6 to 12 months, depending upon the job class.  A probationary period does not apply to "at will" positions.

DISASTER WORKERS - In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, County employees, in the event of a disaster are considered disaster workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

EXTRA-HELP – An employee appointed to an extra-help position must meet all the requirements of the corresponding regular position.  Extra-help employees cannot work more than 999 hours in the fiscal year.  Extra-help employees are excluded from civil service and do not have rights to regular or continued employment.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.  Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

"SOLANO COUNTY IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER"