Supervising Behavioral Health Clinician - Adults

Are you interested in making a difference? If so, please consider joining our dedicated team at the Department of Health & Human Services. There are several openings in the adult outpatient, mobile crisis and justice involved programs. There are opportunities to receive additional pay in some programs. 

What You'll Do:
This position is responsible for a variety of duties, including; 

• Provide clinical oversight for the day-to-day functioning of programs. 
• Direct clinical teams in the provision of community and clinic based behavioral health services. 
• Review and approve timecards and performance evaluations of team members. 
• Manage work schedules of their team. 
• Interface with internal programs and community-based partners in efforts to ensure prompt, quality service delivery to consumers. 
  
  

This position is located in Eureka, CA. 




Under general direction, supervises and participates in the work of professional staff providing behavioral health clinical intervention and recovery services to assigned clients; manages a psychiatric caseload for adults, juveniles, and children; evaluates patients in multiple facilities, including in-house, out-patient, clinics, and correctional/jail facilities; performs psychotherapeutic counseling, including individual, group, family, and other approved techniques; provides outreach, and emergency services and counseling in crisis situations; and performs related duties as assigned.
 
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
 
Receives general direction from assigned supervisory or management personnel.  Exercises direct supervision over professional and technical staff.  Some positions in this classification exercise clinical supervision over staff completing pre-and post-masters and doctoral internships.
 
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
 
This is the full supervisory-level class in the Behavioral Health Clinician series that exercises independent judgment on supervision of staff providing clinical services to clients, with accountability and ongoing decision-making responsibilities associated with the work.   Incumbents are responsible for planning, organizing, supervising, reviewing, and evaluating the work of assigned staff and for the full range of professional behavioral health casework and psychotherapeutic support to clients; employees also provide professional level support to management in a variety of areas.  Some positions in this classification exercise clinical supervision over staff completing pre-and post-masters and doctoral internships. Performance of the work requires the use of independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines.Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignment of different positions.
 

• Provides supervision, training and chart auditing for interns completing pre-and post-masters and doctoral internships within the Behavioral Health Division; teaches and supervises clinical skills, appropriate roles and boundaries, and ethics and legal criteria; reviews intern strategies for behavioral health treatment and case management; provides critical and constructive feedback on same. 
• Conducts clinical case conferences with licensed and non-licensed staff to evaluate case progress; provides consultative direction to staff as necessary; develops staff awareness and skills; provides information and training on the latest service techniques.
• Evaluates patients in a variety of in- and out-patient settings, including Juvenile Hall, County Jail, County behavioral health offices, hospital emergency, the Crisis Stabilization Unit, and other settings; obtains a patient history and conducts behavioral status exam.
• Receives and responds to crisis hotline and emergency calls, walk-ins, and field contacts; provides evaluation and diagnosis of patients and makes appropriate referrals for support services; works with hospital medical staff and County behavioral health management to evaluate the client’s risk or danger to self and others; assists in establishing an aftercare plan, or psychiatric hospitalization, depending on the client’s best interests.
• Makes presentations of physical and behavioral condition findings to on-call psychiatrist, who determines if medication should be prescribed; observes and reports adverse medication effects.
• Consults with and serves as a liaison with community agencies and other behavioral health programs and services to evaluate community health needs and services.
• Provides individual or group therapy using a variety of counseling techniques and modalities; provides psychotherapy to chronically behaviorally ill persons who need periodic maintenance appointments, and brief therapy for clients experiencing situational-type problems.
• Provides case management services to severely behaviorally ill clients, including out of home placements; determines suitability of treatment facilities or prospective foster parents based upon an analysis of individual psycho-social needs.
• Collaborates with the Office of the Public Guardian-Conservator for behavioral health clients who have been conserved; clinically evaluates clients to represent their interests in treatment and placement; researches treatment resources available on a local and regional basis to ensure optimal client placement.
• Participates as a member of a multi-disciplinary treatment team providing critical clinical input related to patient diagnosis and recommended treatment plans; presents findings and clinical observations; receives clinical feedback and assistance in managing transference/counter-transference; participates in case conferences and consults with psychiatric staff to review patient cases and resolve difficult therapeutic problems.
• Evaluates clients for voluntary and involuntary commitment; signs commitments for clients requiring hospitalization.
• Works in coordination with DHHS leadership, Clinical staff, and Support staff in developing and managing new programs and treatment groups as necessary to better serve behavioral health clients.    
• Participates as a member of a multi-disciplinary treatment team providing consultation to school and adult programs; performs program planning to develop and implement services appropriate to assisting both child and adult psychiatric patients.
• Performs detailed patient record documentation and maintains caseload records; prepares intake and discharge summaries, progress notes, and treatment reviews.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

 
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge and ability required.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 Knowledge of:
 

• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of leadership. 
• Operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive behavioral health program which encompasses adult, juvenile, and children services.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures including confidentiality laws.
• Laws and regulations governing patient rights as it relates to treatment options including commitment.
• Principles and practices of clinical casework.
• Social, psychological, and physical causes of behavioral disorders and chemical dependency.
• Application of general psychiatric emergency intervention and diagnostic principles.
• Principles and practices of crisis intervention and conflict resolution, including management of assaultive behavior, seclusion, and restraint philosophies.
• Short- and long-term therapeutic methods.
• Concepts and principles related to adult and child psychology, including theories of human behavior and personality development.
• Case management principles, practices, and processes related to the assessment, care, treatment, and documentation of individuals with behavioral disorders.  
• Methods and techniques of conducting assessments, interviewing clients, and preparing reports and treatment plans.
• Theories, and principles and practices of group and individual counseling and therapies.
• Latest trends and research in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
• Mandated reporting requirements, ethics, and laws.
• Normal and abnormal development, including impact of environmental, trauma, and personality development.
• Theory and principles of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
• Community socioeconomic and cultural demographics; and community resources available to clients.
• Principles and practices of complex documentation preparation and recordkeeping.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

 

  
Ability to:
 

• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Plan, organize, and coordinate the work of clinical intern staff.
• Provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and objectively evaluate clinical work performance.
• Provide professional behavioral health clinical intervention and recovery services and manage a psychiatric caseload in multiple settings.
• Conduct psychiatric assessments; and plan, develop, and implement comprehensive treatment plans, programs, and services either internally or with external service providers.
• Evaluate patients for medication needs and reactions.
• Analyze crisis situations and determine appropriate courses of action.
• Collaborate and present progress reports and related findings to team members.
• Coordinate emergency psychiatric support services with appropriate hospitals and other providers.
• Conduct group and individual client therapy.to clinically assess, diagnose, and treat clients.
• Understand and apply criteria for various diagnoses.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed, including those related to patient privacy.
• Prepare clear and concise correspondence, reports, and other written material. 
• Document and maintain complex and legally compliant client case summaries and related files.
• Effectively represent the department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

 
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
 
Equivalent to a master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in psychology, social work, marriage and family counseling, psychiatric nursing, or a related field.
 
and
 
Four (4) years of professional-level counseling/therapy experience in a behavioral health inpatient or outpatient setting, two (2) of which must be post-licensure.  See licensure requirements under “Licenses and Certifications”.
 
Licenses and Certifications:
 

• Specified positions may require the possession of a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Specified positions must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.
• Must possess appropriate licensure to practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist, Professional Clinical Counselor, Clinical Psychologist, Registered Nurse, or Psychiatrist in the State of California.

 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

• Mobility to work in a standard office, hospital, and in-patient/out-patient, clinic, jail or juvenile facility; use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various County and meeting sites; standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required; bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds with the use of proper equipment.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.    
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

 
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS 

• Employees work in an office, out-patient, clinic, jail, juvenile facility or locked psychiatric facility environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.  
• Employees may work outdoors and are occasionally exposed to loud noise levels and cold and/or hot temperatures.
• Employees interact with clients with behavioral disorders/erratic and assaultive behavior, including those which require emergency crisis intervention.  
• Incumbents may be exposed to blood and body fluids in performing their assigned duties.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

 
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Must be willing to work after hours, weekends, and holidays as needed. 
• Some departments may require pre-employment screening measures before an offer of employment can be made (i.e. background screening, physical examination, etc.).

 EMPLOYEE PERKS

For information about County benefits, visit our benefits webpage: https://humboldtgov.org/2492/Employee-Benefits. 

For details about employee perks, see our Employee Perks flyer: https://humboldtgov.org/DocumentCenter/View/115226/Employee-Perks-Flyer-. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to fill out the application?

Can I change my application after submitting it?

• You may only submit one application per day. 
• You may submit an edited application after waiting at least one day from your initial submission.
• Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will be archived.

How long until I hear back from you?

How can I check for updates on my application?

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview?

 

The County of Humboldt’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach to in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position. 

If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

 

HOW TO APPLY

A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applications must be submitted online through the County’s automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca no later than the final filing date listed on the job flyer. All applications are screened by both Human Resources staff and may be screened by additional subject matter experts. The most qualified candidates may then be invited for further testing.  

It is important that your application shows all the relevant experience and education you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments.

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement.  Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.  Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. All candidates who pass will be ranked according to their scores.  The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible. 

 

CalPERS RETIREMENT PROGRAM

Employees fall into one of the following tiers based on the date you first start working for the County or any other employer that uses CalPERS for retirement.

• Tier I - Prior to 7/5/2012: 2.7% @ 55
• Tier II - Post 7/6/2012: 2% @ 55
• Tier III - Post 1/1/2013: 2% @ 62

If this is your first job with a CalPERS employer, you’d be in Tier III.

• 2.0 means that for every year you work for the County, you will receive 2% of your maximum annual pay rate for every year that you work for us (or other CalPERS employers) if you work the required minimum number of years (that’s called vesting) and retire after the age following the @.
• If you work 20 years and retire at 62 years of age, you will receive 20 x 2% or 40% of your maximum annual pay rate every year in retirement payments.

 

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The County runs its hiring on a set of rules to ensure that it is fair.  Hiring and promotion are based on performance and having the best qualifications for the job. “Examination” doesn’t always mean taking a test, sometimes it just means how we compare your application to others who have applied, and an “oral examination” means a scored and structured interview.

 

POLICY OF NONDISCRIMINATION

The County of Humboldt does not discriminate based on mental or physical disability in the admission or access to, treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. Contact the Human Resources Department at (707) 476-2349 well in advance of the examination to request an accommodation.

The County is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances. 

 

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

 

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

 

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.

 

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

 

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States.  For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

 

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.  THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.