Behavioral Health Specialist I/II - Alcohol & Drug/Mental Health

About the Opportunity

****BILINGUAL APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY****

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
Stanislaus County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Behavioral Health Specialist I/II. The entry-level position performs under supervision while the experienced, journey-level position performs with much greater independence. Applicants who have lived experience as a consumer of Behavioral Health & Recovery Services or a family member of a loved one who is/was a consumer of Behavioral Health & Recovery Services are encouraged to apply.

Provides a variety of para-professional counseling services to clients, recommends appropriate referrals, maintains community liaisons to ensure adequate services are made available to clients, provides facilitation for a variety of client- focused specialty groups, and as part of the treatment team, establishes and implements treatment plans. Behavioral Health Specialists work under supervision and may be assigned to regional teams, residential or inpatient facilities and various outpatient programs. Performs field visits to those under care and supervises subordinates.

This recruitment is being conducted to fill vacancies for Behavioral Health and Recovery Services and establish an eligibility list to fill future Full-Time, Part-Time, Extra Help and On-Call vacancies.

Stanislaus County adheres to all Public Health Orders and is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment. To view the current Public Health orders, please visit the California Department of Public Health website here for more information.

To learn more about the Behavioral Health and Recovery Services department, click here .

Click here for details.

THE POSITION
Incumbents in the Behavioral Health Specialist (BHS) classification may be appointed to specialize in the Mental Health (MH) or the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) area. While the primary focus of incumbents will require unique typical tasks and specific abilities as indicated.

Under supervision, the Behavioral Health Specialist provides a variety of services to clients, recommends appropriate referrals, maintains community liaisons to ensure adequate services are made available to clients, and provides facilitation for a variety of client-focused specialty groups. As part of the treatment team, the incumbent will establish and implement client care plans that are client or family member-driven, culturally competent, and promote wellness, recovery, and resilience. These positions support the community in SUD/MH prevention services and supportive services.

Behavioral Health Specialists may be assigned to residential facilities, regional teams, various outpatient programs and community-based prevention programs. Incumbents may perform field visits to those under care, may supervise subordinates, and perform related duties as assigned.

State of California - Health and Human Services Agency, California Code of Regulations requires that all non-licensed and non-certified individuals providing counseling in a substance use disorder (SUD) program licensed and/or certified by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) shall be registered to obtain certification as a SUD counselor with one of the certifying organizations currently approved by DHCS.

State of California - Health and Human Services Agency, California Code of Regulations will require that individuals providing peer support services within an approved DMC-ODS and/or the SMHS delivery system licensed and/or certified by DHCS be registered to obtain certification as a Peer Support Specialist with one of the certifying organizations currently approved by DHCS.

Unless otherwise provided, this position is part of Classified Service of the County and is assigned to the Community and Health Services bargaining unit for labor relations purposes.

Individuals who are in a full-time classification position are required to serve a twelve-month probationary period, which may be extended an additional six months, for a total of eighteen months. Incumbents may also be subject to overtime, standby, callback, weekend, holiday and shift assignments as identified in their MOU (Memorandum of Understanding).

Incumbents may also be subject to overtime, standby, callback, weekend, holiday and shift assignments as identified in their MOU (Memorandum of Understanding).

The Job Task Analysis provides information detailing the physical and functional demands of the classification. For the complete job task analysis, visit the Risk Management website at http://www.stancounty.com/riskmgmt/ under the "Disability" tab.

Typical Tasks

• Accompany clients in court, and/or transport clients in County vehicles;
• According to department standards and policies, prepare daily records, summarize progress of treatment for clients and keep these records current;
• Act as a lead worker or directs the work of others and offers training when needed; Advocate for and assist clients in accessing and receiving services;
• Communicate with various BHRS departments and other agencies; Build partnerships for positive and healthy youth development;
• Consult with other agencies, law enforcement and community service providers to exchange applicable information, identify services, and discuss referrals;
• Engage community members and local agency partners in planning and coalition development; Engage in compliant and ethical behavior in accordance with County and BHRS policy;
• Facilitate the admission/discharge of clients to the County's acute psychiatric hospital or substance use disorder residential treatment programs when necessary;
• Formulate specific health education program objectives from broad program goals, assess education and training needs through formal and informal means, and design programs and information to reduce substance misuse and abuse;
• Interact productively within a multidisciplinary team to provide holistic case management services; Meet regularly with clients and coach them in developing age-appropriate social skills;
• Assist in establishing clients' eligibility for Medi-Cal or other benefits and advocate for continuation of benefits; Participate in diagnostic and evaluative staff conferences for cooperative planning and treatment;
• Interview clients to screen, and determine their service needs, including evaluating risk factors; Provide case coordination and treatment planning and evaluation;
• Speak to public and/or agency groups to provide education that reduces stigma;
• Support MH/SUD program compliance with BHRS, State, & Federal reviews and corrective actions by reviewing, monitoring, tracking, etc.; and
• Support MH/SUD quality services program with BHRS, State, & Federal standards and requirements.

MH

• Provide a variety of highly skilled mental health services to a varied caseload of clients; Provide Deputy Public Conservator services;
• Develop curriculum on various health topics;

SUD

• Provide a variety of highly skilled substance use disorder treatment services to a varied caseload of clients; Interview clients to screen/access their substance use to determine their service needs;

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education/Experience)

KNOWLEDGE

• Intervention strategies and techniques;
• The principles and techniques of group, family and individual counseling;
• Behavioral Health programs, community resources, and other public agencies; The principles and techniques of risk assessment and treatment;
• Harm reduction;
• Recovery principles; and
• Collaborative networks, agencies and community services such as peer support networks.

MH

• Mental health case management;
• The psychosocial aspects and characteristics of mental illness; and
• The principles and techniques of metal health treatment and recovery theories.

SUD

• Principles of drug/alcohol addiction and recovery theories; Relapse and relapse prevention; and
• Risk factors for drug/alcohol abuse.

SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Provide a variety of highly skilled mental health or alcohol/drug services to a varied caseload of clients at multiple site locations; Provide services that facilitate the recovery process;
• Effectively interview clients while developing and maintaining the confidence and cooperation of individuals and their families;
• Plan, organize and conduct structured groups and classes;
• Assess client's needs and develop effective treatment plans, constantly modeling compassion and respect;
• Respond appropriately to crisis situations involving clients, making accurate interventions and taking effective action independently;
• Relate directly with community organizations, schools, parent groups; Supervise others and/or delegate responsibilities, when assigned; and
• Communicate verbally and write concise case reports; and Maintain and track records of assigned clients.

MH

• Provide mental health para-professional counseling and crisis intervention to a caseload of serious and persistent mental illness or seriously emotionally disturbed youth and their families.

SUD

• Prepare concise written alcohol/drug assessments and social histories.

We recognize your time is valuable, please only apply if you meet the following required qualifications.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SPECIALIST I
PATTERN I

• Fifteen (15) units of college credit* in a related field; AND
• Four (4) years experience in crisis intervention, group/family/individual counseling or in a psychiatric inpatient setting or drug/alcohol treatment and recovery program.

PATTERN II

• LVN or Psychiatric Technician license or 30 units of college credit* in a related field; AND
• Three (3) years experience in crisis intervention, group/family/individual counseling, or a psychiatric inpatient setting or drug/alcohol treatment and recovery program.

*California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (CAADAC) and/or National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) hours can be considered in meeting this educational requirement.

PATTERN III

• Bachelors of Arts degree in a related field; AND
• Two (2) years responsible experience in crisis intervention, group/family/individual counseling, or a psychiatric inpatient setting or drug/alcohol treatment and recovery program.

PATTERN IV

• Master's degree in a related field such as Counseling, Psychology or Social Work.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SPECIALIST II
PATTERN I

• Fifteen (15) units of college credit* in a related field; AND
• Four (4) years experience in crisis intervention, group/family/individual counseling or in a psychiatric inpatient setting or drug/alcohol treatment and recovery program.

PATTERN II

• LVN or Psychiatric Technician license or 30 units of college credit* in a related field; AND
• Three (3) years experience in crisis intervention, group/family/individual counseling, or a psychiatric inpatient setting or drug/alcohol treatment and recovery program.

*California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (CAADAC) and/or National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) hours can be considered in meeting this educational requirement.
All applicants must possess a BLS CPR for Healthcare Providers.

PATTERN III

• Bachelors of Arts degree in a related field; AND
• Two (2) years responsible experience in crisis intervention, group/family/individual counseling, or a psychiatric inpatient setting or drug/alcohol treatment and recovery program.

PATTERN IV

• Master's degree in a related field such as, Counseling, Psychology or Social Work.

IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE PATTERNS

• One (1) year of experience as a Behavioral Health Specialist I, or the equivalent, in order to qualify for the Behavioral Health Specialist II level; AND
• BLS CPR for Healthcare Providers.

DESIRABLEQUALIFICATIONS (SUD)
In addition to the minimum qualifications, applicant screening will focus on the following desirable qualifications. Please list any of these qualifications you may have within the "Duties" section of the online application.

• Substance Use Disorder registration and/or certification with one of the certifying organizations that meets the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) regulations,

Proof of education is required for verification purposes at the time of application. Applicants who are unable to submit proof of education must call (209) 525-7339 to make other arrangements before 5:00 pm on the final filing date. Failure to submit proof or make other arrangements before the final filing date deadline will result in disqualification.

Application and Selection Procedures

APPLICATION PROCEDURES/FINAL FILING DATE
Make your online application as complete as possible so a full and realistic appraisal may be made of your qualifications.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Attaching your resume and cover letter are an optional feature for those who wish to do so in addition to completing the required application. Information on your resume and cover letter will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application. The online County application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications.

EXAMINATION PROCESS
Most County recruitments consist of the steps detailed below and are governed by Merit Principles. The examination process ensures that all applicants are given the same opportunity to gain employment within Stanislaus County.

• Application Review and Screening. Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on.
• Written Examination. Applicants will be invited to participate in a written exam that tests knowledge for the position.
• Oral Examination. Applicants are invited to a panel interview in which they will be evaluated by County subject matter experts.
• Eligible Lists. Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification. Eligible lists are effective for six months, but may be extended up to eighteen months.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE Apply By: Oral Examination: May 4, 2024 Week of May 22nd May 18, 2024 Week of June 5th June 1, 2024 Week of June 20th June 15, 2024 Week of July 3rd

Note: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future full-time, part-time, extra-help and on-call vacancies throughout Behavioral Health and Recovery Services.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Final appointment will be conditional upon successfully passing a County paid pre-employment drug screening (if applicable for position) and a job-related background investigation.

Some positions may require possession or the ability to obtain, and maintenance of a valid California Driver’s license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job related essential functions.

Stanislaus County supports the good health of its workforce. More information is available at http://myclubwellness.org.

Cell phones are typically incompatible with the online application format or browser. We recommend using a desktop or laptop computer. If you are still having technical difficulties, please call NEOGOV at 1-855-524-5627.

Benefits associated with this position can be found at Benefits Summary .

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

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• Stanislaus County

• (209) 525-6341

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