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Job Description
CAREER DESCRIPTION
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES - MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST
In addition to performance-based merit increases, this position is scheduled to receive a salary range increase on the following date:
Effective June 27, 2025 - 4.00% increase
Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.
This recruitment is open to the public for a minimum of five (5) business days and will remain open on a continuous basis until 11:59 p.m. (PST) on the day the County's needs are met. Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately as this recruitment may close at any time without further notice.
This recruitment is being held to establish an open eligible listto fill current and future Mental Health Specialist (MHS) vacancies within Health Care Agency, Behavioral Health Services. This recruitment may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications.
HEALTH CARE AGENCY
The County of Orange , Health Care Agency is a dynamic organization dedicated to creating and supporting an environment that promotes the achievement of optimal individual, family and community health. Under the direction of the Agency Director, a new and dynamic executive team with an organizational structure comprised of seven (7) service areas - Finance and Administrative, Behavioral Health Services, Correctional Health Services, Medical Health Services, Office of Care Coordination, Public Health and Strategy and Special Projects is committed to meeting the health needs of the diverse Orange County community.
MENTAL HEALTH AND RECOVERY SERVICES
The Behavioral Health Services (BHS) provides a culturally competent and participant-centered system of behavioral health services for all eligible county residents in need of treatment for alcohol and other drug abuse and mental health care.
THE OPPORTUNITIES
Some of the opportunities listed below requires shift work and candidates must be able to work day, night, swing, and weekend shifts.
Some assignments may require an active and current Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) certification at time of application and throughout employment with the County.
The Outreach and Engagement (BHS O&E) team serves participants who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness and experiencing mild to serious behavioral health and/or substance use condition. The Mental Health Specialist (MHS) provides services focused on linking individuals to needed resources and services. This is accomplished through establishing and maintaining trusting relationships with the homeless community and collaborating with other service providers. The services are conducted in the community and include outreach, education, crisis management coordination, case management, skill-building workshops, referral and linkage to resources, and transportation support. The MHS is also responsible for tracking and documenting participant engagement and data in order to demonstrate participant engagement and outcomes
The Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU), within the Crisis & Acute Care Services Function Area of MHRS, has a need to fill a Mental Health Specialist who is a Licensed Psychiatric Technician or Licensed Vocational Nurse to perform the following:
- Evaluating adults experiencing psychiatric symptoms over a duration of less than 23.5 hours
- Providing crisis stabilization
- Providing telephone consultations, as needed
- Assessing adults experiencing psychiatric symptoms and recommend treatment services
- Administering medication as needed for adult psychiatric clients
- Referring adult psychiatric clients to the appropriate facilities in order to obtain proper care and treatment
- Providing counseling services, as needed, to adult psychiatric clients
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIES
The ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in a behavioral science field such as psychology, counseling, or social work and/or at least three (3) years of field experience providing participant-related services to persons experiencing mental health and/or substance use disorders. The ideal candidate for the Outreach and Engagement position will also possess two (2) years of experience working with the homeless or those at risk of homelessness and have a strong desire to work with this population. Bilingual skills in the following languages are also desirable: Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, and Farsi. The ideal candidate must also possess a valid driver's license and reliable transportation as they will need to be able to drive to various sites in the community to provide services and attend appointments with participants.
In addition, the ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge and/or experience in the following core competencies:
Technical Knowledge | Technical Skills- Providing participants services in the field
- Coordinating and linking participants to mental health, substance use and housing services with various community resources
- Collecting data on intervention activities, participant demographics and outcome measures
- Meeting with participants to assess needs, address barriers to accessing services, and create individualized service plans for participants
- Facilitating coping skills groups to target population
- Attending trainings to increase knowledge and staff capacity about resources, services and how to engage the target population
- Proficient use of office software and computer programs to complete program forms and log data
- Maintaining confidentiality of participants and services and ensuring excellent customer service is provided
- Communicating effectively in writing and orally, adjusting communication styles to fit audience accordingly
- Communicating issues effectively and with sensitivity and diplomacy while building relationships with participants and referral sources
- Maintaining brief, ongoing communications to develop trust with participants
- Performing effectively and consistently in dynamic situations which require collaboration and professionalism
- Establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries with participants, peers and community partners
- Responding calmly to stressors, knowing when it is appropriate to involve others and multi-tasking as needed
- Collaborating with community partners in the field such as law enforcement and other outreach teams
Please click here for more information regarding the minimum qualifications for the Mental Health Specialist and details of this classification.
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
Physical Characteristics : Possess vision sufficient to read standard text, read a computer monitor and to drive; speak and hear well enough to communicate clearly and understandably in person, over the telephone and in small groups; independent body mobility to stand, sit, walk for long periods, stoop, and bend to access a standard office environment; manual dexterity to use hands, arms and shoulders repetitively to operate a keyboard, to write and drive a vehicle.
Environmental Conditions: Will be required to interact with participants/patients in emotional and occasionally hostile situations, work in an office environment, work in a secure facility and/or in the field, drive to community sites and to meetings, and occasionally work evenings/weekends to attend meetings/special events; and will have the ability to work in the field and interact with the public, other County employees, including supervisors and managers, staff and management in other governmental and regulatory agencies, and service providers in a variety of situations which may be emotional, stressful and/or difficult.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all application materials to identify qualified applicants. After screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition.
Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer)
Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for the minimum qualifications. Only those candidates that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step. All applicants will be notified via email of their status in the process.
Online Assessment/Technical Skill Assessment (Weighted 100%)
Qualified candidates will be invited to participate in a job-related assessment. Candidates will be notified of their date and access code, if applicable. Only the more qualified candidates will be placed on the eligible list.
Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedure listed above may be modified. All applicants will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.
Eligible List
Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
Veterans Employment Preference
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please see below for important information regarding COVID-19 related requirements.
Effective April 3, 2023, it is strongly recommended that County employees working in health care settings and correctional facilities follow vaccination and booster guidelines provided by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Please click here to see the latest guidance for more details.
EMAIL NOTIFICATION:
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.
Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com .
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Claudia Curiel at (714) 834-2335 or CCuriel@ochca.com.
EEO INFORMATION
Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Non-Management Benefits
In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits, such as a variety of health plan options, annual leave and paid holidays--we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as a Health Care Reimbursement Account, 457 Defined Contribution Plan and Annual Education and Professional Reimbursement. Employees are provided a Retirement Plan through the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS).
Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information
Click here for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.
Closing Date/Time: Continuous -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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County of Orange
Show moreDiscover a Fulfilling Career at the County of Orange
With a population of over 3 million residents and 34 cities, Orange County is a thriving community known for its beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and strong economy. As the third-largest employer in the county, the County of Orange offers over 18,000 employees the opportunity to make a difference in their community and build a fulfilling career in public service.
As a County of Orange employee, you will have the chance to work in a variety of departments, each providing vital services to our community. From law enforcement and healthcare to public works and environmental protection, there is a wide range of career paths to explore. And with opportunities for advancement and professional growth, you can build a long and rewarding career with us.
As a top employer in the region, the County of Orange is committed to providing our employees with excellent benefits, including a competitive salary, flexible work schedules, and outstanding healthcare coverage. We also offer opportunities for career development and training, ensuring that our employees have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Whether you're just starting your career or looking for a new challenge, the County of Orange is a great place to work. With a supportive and collaborative work environment, a commitment to excellence, and opportunities for growth and advancement, we invite you to join our team and make a difference in your community.
Community Impact:
Working for the County of Orange means you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community. Whether you're providing critical services to residents, protecting the environment, or maintaining public safety, your work will make a difference in the lives of those around you.
Employee Wellness:
At the County of Orange, we prioritize our employees' well-being. We offer telecommuting options, generous health benefits, and wellness programs to promote work-life balance. We believe that by taking care of our employee’s health and well-being, we can help them excel in their careers while still enjoying their personal lives and taking care of their families.
Innovation:
The County of Orange is committed to embracing new technologies and innovative approaches to service delivery. We encourage our employees to think creatively and find ways to improve our processes and systems. If you're someone who loves to problem-solve and think outside the box, you'll find a supportive and dynamic environment here.
Collaboration:
Collaboration is key to our success at the County of Orange. We value teamwork, communication, and mutual support, and we work together across departments and functions to achieve our goals. If you're someone who enjoys collaborating with others and building strong relationships, you'll find a welcoming and inclusive community here.
Equality:
At the County of Orange, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. Our Equity Policy reflects this commitment and guides our efforts to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do.
Career Advancement:
The County of Orange is dedicated to helping our employees grow and advance in their careers. We offer a variety of training and development opportunities to help our employees reach their full potential. If you're looking for a place to build a long and fulfilling career, the County of Orange is an excellent choice.
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