Open Until Filled

Priority Screening Date: February 23, 2024

Exam # 24/60A21/01MN

Summary Of Position

The County of Monterey Health Department’s Behavioral Health Bureau (MCBH) has multiple opening for Clinical Psychologist. The Bureau currently has vacancies in the Early Childhood Service, Services to Educational, FAST and TAY programs.

Early Childhood Services Program

The Early Childhood Services Program provides an array of services to children that have been prenatally exposed to alcohol and other substances or are at high risk for developmental problems due to trauma. Services include, developmental screenings and assessments, mental health consultation, attachment and dynamic therapy, and case management. The Clinical Psychologist utilizes a wide range of neuro-cognitive and psychological tests within the evaluation process. Detailed psychological reports that include clinical impressions and treatment recommendations are provided to the families and clinical care team to assist with diagnostic clarification and treatment planning.

Services to Education Program

The Services to Education Program provides mental health services within public schools located in Monterey County. Services are provided to children and youth that present with mental health needs in General Education as well as those who have Individualized Education Plans (IEP) with an identified impairment in social emotional functioning. Behavioral Health staff work collaboratively with the Education staff in an Interconnected Systems Framework and are active members of the multi-disciplinary teams within the PBIS model and approach implemented in the schools. Mental health services are delivered using both group and individual modalities, and parents are included in the treatment approach as clinically indicated. The Education program is currently seeking a Clinical Psychologist to assist Behavioral Health staff with diagnostic clarification, treatment planning, crisis evaluations, consultation, inter-agency coordination, and clinical support. Additionally, the psychologist may provide group treatment within the schools, provide training to the education staff, and support the Unit Supervisors in various clinical capacities. Strong psychological assessment skills are a must for this position; A wide range of psychological tests are utilized within the evaluation process. A solid understanding of FERPA and HIPAA is required.

FAST Program

The F.A.S.T. (Family Assessment Support and Treatment) Team provides comprehensive family mental health assessments and treatment to children and families involved in dependency proceedings where the court has deemed it necessary to remove the child(ren) from the home due to abuse and/or neglect issues. The team typically uses attachment theory and systems perspectives in helping understand and conceptualize the family’s challenges, strengths, and services needed as well as address any trauma that has impacted the children and family. A wide range of psychological tests are also utilized within the evaluation process. Detailed psychological reports that include clinical impressions and treatment recommendations are provided to the Department of Social Services (DSS) and the Juvenile Dependency Court. This process is rapid and requires solid clinical assessment and treatment skills, good writing skills, quality time management skills, the ability to multitask, and excellent collaboration skills.

TAY Program

The Transition Age Youth (TAY) Avanza Program is a voluntary, youth guided full-service partnership program. Youth aged 16-25 are provided mental health services, psychotropic medication support, case management, and family support. The clinical presentations of youth served include severe mood disorders, severe trauma and anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, first episode psychosis, and chronic and severe mental illness. The Clinical Psychologist provides individual, family, and group therapy, along with intensive case management. The clinical psychologist will also conduct intake assessments and full psychological evaluations for diagnostic clarification and treatment planning.

Adult System of Care Placement Team & Adult Forensic Services Programs

The Monterey County Adult System of Care (ASOC) and the Adult Forensic Services programs provide Specialty Mental Health Services to adults with severe mental illness who may also have a co-occurring substance use disorder, significant trauma history and/or physical health condition. ASOC is also responsible for the coordination of care and works closely with the Public Guardians Office regarding placement of LPS conserved individuals. This licensed clinical psychologist will conduct evaluations and risk assessments of adults in the collaborative court programs, misdemeanor incompetent to stand trial (PC1370.01), mental health diversion (PC1001.36), and medically necessary assessments to diagnosis and develop recommended treatment plans for this population to also include referrals from parole and the county jail. This psychologist will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team with the ASOC Placement Team and the Forensic Services Programs and may provide consultation support to other teams as needed in clarifying complex diagnostic presentations as well as be required to appear in criminal and civil court.

Candidates hired into regular full-time positions for this classification at the Health Department may be eligible for a signing bonus up to $10,000. For more information regarding the Signing Bonus, please refer to Admin Procedures A.49.1 Employment Bonus.

The Eligible List established by this recruitment process will be used to fill current and future vacancies, both regular and temporary, as they arise.