Mental Health Specialist II

Contra Costa County; California (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Opportunity for positive impact

Collaborative team environment

Supportive work culture

Job summary

A local government health service agency in California is hiring a Mental Health Specialist II to provide supportive services and crisis intervention for clients. The role requires a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field, along with experience in mental health support. Candidates will collaborate with various professionals and document client progress. This is an opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges. The ideal candidate will excel in communication, teamwork, and managing time effectively.

Qualifications

• Experience working with people who experience mental health challenges.
• Experience providing supportive services in the community.
• Experience with crisis intervention and de-escalation.
• Experience working on multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Work with other county programs and community organizations to advocate for clients.
• Utilize various treatment approaches to improve clients' function and well-being.
• Document daily progress notes for Medi-Cal billing.
• Coordinate with law enforcement and emergency services in the field when needed.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Oral communication

Time management

Building rapport with clients

Education

Bachelor's degree in psychology, social welfare, or related field

Job description

Overview

*** Open Until Positions Are Filled*** This recruitment may close at any time; qualified candidates are encouraged to apply immediately.

Mental Health Specialist II

Why Join Contra Costa Health?

The Contra Costa Health Services Behavioral Health Division, in partnership with consumers, families, staff and community-based agencies, provides welcoming and integrated services for mental health, substance abuse, and other needs that promote wellness, recovery, and resiliency while respecting the complexity and diversity of the people we serve.

The Behavorial Health Division is looking to fill a variety of Mental Health Specialist II vacancies across multiple programs. Mental Health Specialist II positions work collaboratively with Mental Health Clinicians, Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Mental Health Peer Support Workers, Substance Abuse Counselors, and Outreach Interventionists to provide de-escalation, stabilization, and linkage to services for adults experiencing a behavioral health crisis in the community.

We are looking for someone who

• Is a problem solver. You will be expected to have excellent interpersonal skills with a strong ability to handle competing priorities.
• Is a team player. You will be responsible for working within a team to effectively strategize and implement best practices.
• has excellent oral and written communication skills.
• has effective time management and organizational skills to manage their workload.
• Can build positive relationships/good rapport with clients and their families.

What you will typically be responsible for

• Working with other county programs and community-based organizations to advocate for clients.
• Utilize various treatment approaches to improve clients’ function and well-being.
• Documenting progress notes for Medi-Cal billing on a daily basis.
• Working with law enforcement and emergency medical services in the field as needed.

A few reasons why you might love this job

• You will have the opportunity to effect positive change amongst one of the most vulnerable populations.
• You will be a part of providing solution-based creativity and strategic problem-solving to best meet client needs.
• You will be a part of a collaborative process with a team-based approach to the work.

A few challenges you might face in this job

• Resources are limited and the need in the Behavioral Health community is great.
• Managing pressing client needs with administrative requirements.
• Organizing your time to meet with clients and providers while maintaining accurate documentation.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience working with people experience mental health challenges.
• Experience providing supportive services in the community.
• Experience with crisis intervention and de-escalation.
• Experience working on multi-disciplinary teams.

Competencies Required

• Delivering Results: Meeting organizational goals and customer expectations and making decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks.
• Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity.
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability.
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue.
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
• Handling & Resolving Conflict: Managing interpersonally strained situations.
• Involving Others (Engaging Teams): Engaging others for input, contribution, and shared responsibility for outcomes
• Group Facilitation: Enabling constructive and productive group interaction.
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
• Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace.
• Driving Results: Demonstrating concern for achieving or surpassing results against an internal standard of excellence.

The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future openings for up to 6 months. Vacancies may occur in other programs during the life of this employment list.

License Required: Candidates must possess and maintain throughout the duration of employment a Valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License. Out of state valid motor vehicle operator’s license will be accepted during the application process.

Education: Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in psychology, social welfare, counseling or a closely related field.

Experience: Four (4) years of Full-Time, or its equivalent, experience providing counseling and/or supportive services to mental health clients.

Substitution: Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of two (2) years. Possession of a master’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in psychology, sociology, social work, counseling or a closely related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.

1. Application Filing and Evaluation: All applicants must apply on-line at a web address (removed in final to maintain content integrity) and submit the information as indicated on the job announcement by the final filing date. Applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application. Applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.

1. Behavioral Consistency Questionnaire: At the time of filing candidates are required to respond to a series of writing prompts. Candidates will be expected to write responses to each of the questions in the supplemental questionnaire. The Behavioral Questionnaire will measure candidates\' competencies as they relate to the job. In the assessment, candidates must achieve an average passing score of 70% or higher on each of the competencies which may include, but are not limited to: Writing, Delivering Results, Handling Stress, Oral Communication, Valuing Diversity, and Professional Integrity & Ethics. (Weight 100%).

The examination steps noted above may be changed in accordance with the County’s Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

For recruitment questions, please contact Health Services Personnel Recruitment Team at exams email (removed) for any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs’ applicant support team for assistance.

The assessments may be administered remotely using a computer or mobile device such as a tablet. You will need access to a reliable internet connection to take the assessment.

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. 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.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.