Mental Health Vocational Counselor II

County of Contra Costa; Concord (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government agency is seeking a Mental Health Vocational Counselor II to assist consumers with mental health challenges in achieving their vocational goals. The role involves assessing readiness, coordinating training, and counseling on benefits. Applicants should possess a valid California driver's license and certification as a Rehabilitation Counselor, alongside relevant experience. This position emphasizes helping a diverse community regain self-sufficiency and improve lives.

Benefits

Career growth opportunities

Stability in employment

Work with a passionate team

Qualifications

• Three years of experience providing vocational services for clients with psychiatric disabilities.
• Possession of valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

Responsibilities

• Assess vocational readiness and refer consumers to resources.
• Monitor consumer progress through vocational goals.
• Maintain accurate records of consumer interactions.

Skills

Effective listening

Communication

Empathy

Record keeping

Education

Certification as a Rehabilitation Counselor

Job description

MENTAL HEALTH VOCATIONAL COUNSELOR II

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.

Vocational Services assists individuals with mental health, substance use disorders and/or co-occurring disorders in finding and retaining jobs in the community.

Vocational Services is seeking to fill (1) vacant Mental Health Vocational Counselor I position located in San Pablo, CA. This person will be responsible for assisting consumers by: assessing vocational readiness and referring consumers to appropriate vocational resources; coordinating and providing training and assistance in job search skills; screening and referring consumers for available job opportunities; and counseling consumers regarding supplemental security income and other benefits when it comes to work.

We are looking for someone who is:

• An effective listener able to establish rapport and provide guidance to our population.
• An encourager willing to engage consumers and assist them with achieving their vocational goals.
• Capable of working effectively both independently and as a team member.
• Skilled at communicating clearly and compassionately, both orally and in writing.
• Adept at establishing and maintaining accurate records and files.

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Assessing the level of vocational readiness of mental health consumers and referring them to appropriate vocational resources.
• Monitoring and tracking consumer progress through the vocational process.
• Attending and participating in meetings, at least once a month, to coordinate services for consumers.
• Reviewing how working will impact consumer benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
• Entering necessary information to online database, maintaining and updating consumer record pertaining to progress made.

A few reasons why you might love this job:

• You will have stability and a role that aids in career growth.
• Your guidance will be used to improve the lives of the diverse, marginalized community that we serve.
• You will be part of a program that assists consumers with their goals from start to finish which allows one to see the end result of one's efforts.
• You will be working with a team of people who are dedicated and have a passion for their work, focusing on our common mission and goals to serve our community.

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• Keeping consumers motivated and engaged as they move through the vocational process.
• Facilitating services between more than one agency.
• Adapting own personal techniques to diversified population served.

Competencies Required:

• Decision Making: Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner
• Reading Comprehension: Understanding and using written information
• 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
• Informing: Proactively obtaining and sharing information
• Listening: Fully comprehending spoken communication
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
• Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectations of customers
• Influencing: Affecting or changing others’ positions and opinions
• Interpersonal Savvy: Considering and responding appropriately to the needs and feelings of others in different situations

To read the complete job description, please refer to the posted job description. The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future openings for up to 6 months.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

License Required: Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Out of State valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License will be accepted during the application process.

Applicants are required to attach a copy of their license to their application.

Certification: Possession of certification as a Rehabilitation Counselor issued by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.

Applicants are required to attach a copy of their certification to their application.

Experience: Three (3) years of full-time, or its equivalent, experience providing vocational services specific to clients with psychiatric disabilities.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience in working with mental health consumers and their employment goals.
• Has a vision for encouraging consumers toward self-sufficiency and improved quality of life.
• Has experience with preparing progress notes and monthly reports.
• Has a desire to work on a team collectively working towards a common goal.

SELECTION PROCESS

1. Application Filing and Evaluation: 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. Training & Experience Evaluation: Candidates who clearly demonstrate that they possess the minimum qualifications will have their training and experience evaluated. The responses to the supplemental questions, at the time of filing, will be evaluated to determine each candidate's relevant education, training, and/or experience as presented on the application and supplemental questionnaire. (Weighted 100%)

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

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.