Quality Management Clinician

Butte County; Oroville, Chico (CA, CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Butte County seeks a lead clinical coordinator to oversee complex projects within the Behavioral Health Department. The role focuses on advanced coordination, training staff, and ensuring quality of care through robust data use and regulatory compliance.

The position emphasizes independent judgment, oversight of EHR systems, and collaboration with county staff and contracted providers to improve efficiency and outcomes.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Marriage Family Therapy, or Clinical Counseling; plus two years licensed professional-level counseling/therapy experience or one year of licensed experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead clinical coordination for designated projects and activities across the Department of Behavioral Health.
• Oversee implementation, design, and training related to the Department’s electronic health records (EHR).
• Monitor and coordinate services with contracted community providers and external audits.

Skills

Communication

Data analysis

Team coordination

Customer service

Education

Master's degree in Social Work / Clinical Counseling

Tools

Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Job description

This classification is scheduled to receive a 5% COLA effective July 2027.

FLSA: Exempt

DEFINITION

Under general direction, participates as a lead clinical coordinator for designated unique projects and/or activities that require advanced skill and efficiency in communication, coordination, guidance, and liaison activity with a wide variety of professionals and non-professionals within the County, State, and community partners; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This licensed classification is an advanced journey-level class assigned to Quality Management within the Department of Behavioral Health. The work falls outside the routine duties of providing direct behavioral health services and instead utilizes the incumbent’s extensive working knowledge/experience of clinical practice to inform and improve Departmental efficiency and quality of service. Typical areas of work focus may include, but are not limited to, ongoing implementation, modification and training within the Department’s electronic health record (EHR); ); ongoing monitoring and training of department staff and contracted community providers; utilization review; implementation and monitoring of improvement plans; researching, implementing, and monitoring State and Federal regulatory and legislative requirements.

Positions at this level will exercise a high degree of independent work activity, judgement, and communication in order to achieve specific goals identified by the Department Leadership Team and/or Behavioral Health Director. Incumbents in this classification rely on experience and judgement to perform assigned duties; assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to deliver services. Work is typically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness and conformity to policy and requirements.

Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Assists in ongoing implementation, design, and training related to the Department’s electronic health records.
• Updates and maintains a variety of files, records, charts and other documents; gathers, compiles and synthesizes data for management and regulatory purposes; maintains appropriate records, prepares and monitors reports.
• Monitors and coordinates clinical services provided by contracted community mental health and/or drug/alcohol providers; facilitates and assists with external audits.
• Provides ongoing monitoring, coordination and/or consultation to identified Mental Health Services Act programs delivered by either BCDBH or contracted community providers.
• Provides information regarding the services of the Behavioral Health Department; provides mental health consultation services to specified target groups including BCDBH and/or community providers.
• Consults with professional staff members as needed to promote efficiency of both clinical services and medical record documentation.
• Designs, implements and maintains quality measurement systems based on current standards.
• Develops and enhances cooperative professional relationships with local community agencies significant to the continuum of care for clients.
• Provides consultations, presentations, and training to co-workers, staff, community groups and other agencies on the roles and functions of behavioral health programs.
• Maintains expertise in field of service through participation in applicable educational opportunities; serves as a technical resource to county staff, outside agencies and community providers.
• Supports the relationship between Butte County and the constituent population by demonstrting courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with cleints, visitors, and other employees.
• Adheres to the standards of the Privacy Act of 1974, {U.S.C. § 552A} as amended; maintains and enforces all aspects of confidentiality of client information.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive behavioral health program which encompasses adult, juvenile, and children services.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures including confidentiality laws.
• Principles of program planning, implementation, and evaluation, clinical casework and contract administration.
• Social, psychological, and physical causes of behavioral disorders and chemical dependency.
• Protocols and practices in behavioral healthcare and principles of psychotherapeutic techniques and procedures including the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual.
• Application of general psychiatric emergency intervention and diagnostic principles.
• Principles and practices of crisis intervention and conflict resolution, including management of assaultive behavior, seclusion, and restraint philosophies.
• Principles and practices of legal, ethical and professional rules of conduct.
• Processes and protocols of administering social program and justice systems.
• Concepts and principles related to adult and child psychology, including theories of human behavior and personality development.
• Principles, practices, and processes of case management related to the assessment, care, treatment, and documentation of individuals with behavioral disorders.
• Methods and techniques of conducting assessments, interviewing clients, and preparing reports and treatment plans.
• Theories, and principles and practices of group and individual counseling and therapies.
• Principles and practices of leadership and functional direction and training.
• Latest trends and research in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
• Mandated reporting requirements, ethics, and laws.
• Normal and abnormal development, including impact of environmental, trauma, and personality development.
• Theory and principles of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
• Community socioeconomic and cultural demographics; community resources and regional community service programs available to clients.
• Laws and regulations governing patient rights as it relates to treatment options including commitment.
• Principles and practices of complex documentation preparation and recordkeeping including electronic file systems and records management.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability To:

• Analyze problems, understand underlying program dynamic, financial limitations and recommending/implementing methods, procedures and/or processes to correct and or improve clinical services.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed, including those related to patient privacy.
• Analyzing complex administrative and/or clinical program needs, evaluating program efficiencies and quality of service using available data and making practical recommendations based on finding.
• Effectively represent the department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience

Master’s degree in Social Work, Marriage Family Therapy, or Clinical Counseling; and

Two (2) year of licensed professional-level counseling/therapy experience in a behavioral health work environment equivalent to Behavioral Health Clinician II;

OR

One (1) year of licensed experience.

Certifications and Licenses

• Must possess appropriate licensure to practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist, Professional Clinical Counselor, Clinical Psychologist, Registered Nurse, or Psychiatrist in the State of California.
• A position assigned to this class may require possession of a valid California Driver's License.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in a standard office, hospital, and in-patient/out-patient, clinic, jail or juvenile facility and use standard office equipment, including a computer, to operate a motor vehicle to visit various County and meeting sites. Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds with the use of proper equipment.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Employees work in an office and health clinic settings with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• Employees interact with clients with behavioral disorders/erratic and assaultive behavior, including those which require emergency crisis intervention.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED

• Equipment utilized includes a motor vehicle, personal computer, fax machine, standard office equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE’s).

Disaster Service Worker

All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). 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.