Senior Mental Health Counselor *Revised

The Position

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This is a continuous filing exam. The next filing cut-off is at 5 : 00 pm on : Third Tuesday of every month.

Additional cut-offs on 6 / 14 / 24, 6 / 24 / 24, 7 / 5 / 24*

Note : Permanent full-time and temporary intermittent positions may be available.

For more information, see the Senior Mental Health Counselor Brochure (Download PDF reader)

The following table illustrates the salary range for this position should you be assigned to one of the programs that receives a differential :

Program Differential Amount Combined Salary Community Support Team5%$107,369.72 - $119,502.46Homeless Engagement and Response Team (In the Field / Encampments)5%$107,369.

72 - $119,502.46Mental Health Treatment Center7.5%$105,678.68 - $121,177.87Mobile Crisis Support Team10%$108,136.33 - $123,995.

96Community Wellness Response Team10%$108,136.33 - $123,995.96YDF Valley Oak Youth Academy15%$113,051.61 - $129,632.14

Under direction, to provide professional mental health treatment services for severe mental disorders in in-patient or out patient settings, including assessment, diagnosis, crisis intervention, individual and group counseling, non-medical psychotherapy, and initiation of involuntary holds;

to prepare reports and maintain records related to patient or client services; and to perform related duties as assigned.

Senior Mental Health Counselor is assigned the more complex and difficult cases, and the majority of positions in this class require a license.

This level typically has responsibility as a lead worker, providing guidance, consultation and direction to lower level professionals and paraprofessionals as a team leader within a given shift or function, and in crisis situations.

Examples of Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of

• principles and techniques of clinical interviewing, diagnosis, and assessment
• the most current version of DSM
• theories, principles and techniques of individual and group psychotherapy
• psychological, physical and social aspects of mental disorders, chemical dependency, and recovery
• theories of human behavior and personality and techniques of evaluating, and modifying human behavior
• planning, development and implementation of comprehensive treatment plans
• Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations governing mental health treatment
• basic techniques of training
• referral sources and community resources

Ability to

• conduct accurate and thorough assessments of client status, history, danger to self and others, progress, chemical dependency, and related mental health information
• prepare diagnoses and evaluations of mental disorders
• conduct effective professional clinical interviews
• formulate, implement, and monitor treatment plans
• conduct group and individual psychotherapy
• respond appropriately in crisis situations
• understand, interpret and apply complex mental-health technical materials and applicable laws, codes and regulations
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, families, staff, and other agencies
• prepare effective written reports
• maintain accurate records
• communicate effectively in oral and written form
• provide effective training, guidance and consultation to other staff
• assist in physically controlling and / or restraining violent and / or combative patients

Employment Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

A Master's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in a mental health related field such as psychology, counseling, social work, or psychiatric nursing.

Either : 1. Two years of post-Master's degree supervised experience in a mental health related setting providing direct services to mentally or emotionally disabled persons.

including dual diagnosis and addiction issues for those assigned to substance abuse settings.

Or : 2. Two years of experience in the class of Mental Health Counselor in Sacramento County service.

Note : Persons who were employed by the Sacramento County Health Department and who held permanent status in Sacramento County civil service, in the class of Rehabilitation Counselor as of October 22, 1981 shall be deemed to meet the minimum qualifications of Senior Mental Health Counselor.

Note : The word "experience" referenced in the minimum qualifications means full-time paid experience unless the job announcement states that volunteer experience is acceptable.

Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements.

Note : If the minimum qualifications include an educational or certificate / license requirement, applicants must submit proof of requirements with the application.

Failure to submit proof of requirements may result in disqualification from the examination. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

For guidelines on submitting acceptable proof of educational requirements, please click here (Download PDF reader) or speak to someone in our office before the cut-off date listed in this notice.

Special Requirements

License Requirements :

Note : Failure to obtain and / or maintain such required license(s) may be cause for disciplinary action in accordance with Civil Service Commission rules.

1. Selected positions require possession of a valid Class C California Driver License, or the ability to arrange for field travel, at the time of appointment.

2. Current certification of training in CPR is required within 6 months of employment for positions assigned to the Sacramento County Mental Health Treatment Center.

In addition to the above,

1. Many positions require current licensure by the State of California to practice as a marriage, family and child counselor (MFT), clinical social worker (LCSW), clinical psychologist, registered nurse, or psychiatrist.

Working Conditions :

1. Duties require exposure to patients who may be hostile, violent, mentally ill, and / or who may have infectious diseases.

2. Positions assigned to the Mental Health Treatment Center work shifts and holidays.

Other Special Requirements

Some positions in these classes may require the ability to communicate fluently in a language other than English. Incumbents in such special skills positions utilize the language skill in performing the duties of the class and may serve as a consultant to others in planning and delivering effective mental health services to individuals of different language and cultural backgrounds.

The Civil Service Commission approved the use of selection certification for a special skill for the class May 8, 1980, revised the types of special skills applicable to this class March 12, 1987, and approved the use of selective certification for special language skills on April 9, 1987.

Probationary Period

The probationary period for this classification is six (6) months.