Behavioral Health Clinical Specialist

Job Details

Minimum Qualifications

General Recruitment Information

The information presented in job postings, job descriptions, or recruitment materials does not form a legally binding contract, either explicit or implicit. Benefits may differ among different employee groups. The details provided in these materials are subject to change or cancellation without prior notification. Prospective employees of the County of Lake must undergo the County's pre-employment medical review program upon receiving a conditional job offer before assuming their position with the County.

Applicants may substitute relevant experience and/or education at a 2 to 1 ratio to fulfill minimum qualifications. For further details, individuals should reach out to the Human Resources department.

ADA Accommodations

Individuals in need of accommodation during the application and/or selection process under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should reach out to County of Lake Human Resources at (707) 263-2213.

Veteran's Preference

• Conducts telephone or in person interviews with individuals, families, and groups in clinic, home, and community settings to develop client centered service plans.
• Travel to various work locations to provide services may be necessary, as well as travel for participation in meetings, conferences, planning sessions, or events, both locally and outside the county.
• Interviews persons requesting outpatient mental health services.
• Prioritizes service requests according to standard triage criteria.
• Provides initial assessment, including provisional diagnoses and treatment plan, for assigned health clients.
• Works with individuals, families, and groups to develop client centered service plans.
• Assists clients with understanding their problems and developing plans to resolve them.
• Provides individual, and group therapy for children and/or adults.
• Advises clients on available community resources and serves as a liaison with organizations and service agencies.
• Monitors daily progress of persons being treated in psychiatric hospitals to verify receipt of appropriate treatment.
• Develops recommendations for discharge and follow-up treatment planning for clients and their families including making appropriate referrals and other arrangements for client treatment.
• Works with clients’ families to secure their cooperation in treatment programs.
• Evaluates data and consults with other agencies as necessary to ensure that treatment services are available and adequate.
• Provides background information as needed to physicians involved in client treatment.
• Provides outreach services to clients unable to travel to mental health facilities.
• May provide transportation if necessary.
• Evaluates persons presented as psychiatric emergencies at Department clinics, hospital emergency rooms, law enforcement incidents, jails, and other appropriate community locations.
• May authorize detention of clients for further evaluation and treatment as provided by State Code 5150.
• Contacts staff of designated 5150 facilities to obtain admission authorization per Code requirements.
• Participates in coordination of services with the Office of County Counsel and the Public Guardian, related to LPS conservatorship administration.
• Prepares and maintains clinical and administrative records regarding services provided.
• Serves as a liaison with community organizations regarding continuing care services, providing information regarding policies and procedures utilized in the treatment of adults and children.
• May develop, conduct, and participate in training programs including the teaching of diagnosis and treatment methods for other Department and community agency staffs.
• Serves as a consultant for other behavioral health personnel.
• Cooperates with professionals from other disciplines in the development of team and collaborative diagnoses and treatment programs.
• May provide some direction and training for paraprofessional staff.

• Principles, techniques and trends in counseling, psychotherapy, and various treatment modalities.
• The concepts of “recovery” and “resiliency” and ability to translate these concepts into practice.
• Biological, behavioral and environmental aspects of emotional disturbances, mental disabilities, retardation, and substance abuse and methods used for problem analysis and resolution.
• Methods, practices and procedures of mental health programs, including but not limited to, the areas of counseling, crisis intervention, psychotherapy, case management practices and use of psychotropic medication.
• The scope and activities of available private and public community resources.
• Legislative and administrative rules and regulations pertaining to Lanterman-Petris-Short and Short-Doyle services.
• Emerging “best practice” models.

• Perform a variety of supportive/rehabilitative services. May assist with psychiatric social work, psychotherapy, medication management and other services for Mental Health Department clients.
• Develop and maintain cooperative, constructive relationships with families of clients, members of other professional disciplines, partner agencies, and other staff.
• Work with partner agencies, family members and clients in developing innovative strategies to meet client needs.
• Develop clear and comprehensive case records and documentation.
• Prepare care plans and a variety of reports.
• Organize and manage a caseload.
• Understand rehabilitation specialist role and deal with clients in a variety of circumstances and settings accordance with professional standards and ethics.
• Conceptualize and prioritize the problems of individuals with mental illness and their families, determining their needs for services and support.
• Recognize potential crises and deliver crisis intervention services.
• Handle stress and unstable client behavior, concerns of family members and partner agencies.
• Effectively represent the Mental Health Department in contacts with clients, the public, community organizations, other County staff, and other government agencies.
• Regularly work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.
• Constantly demonstrate cooperative behavior with colleagues, supervisors, and customers/clients.

Positions in this class typically require: sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.