Mental Health Specialist I

The Position

The Board of Supervisors have authorized the following future salary increases for this classification:

5% on July 1, 2025

MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST I - VQWD-2024A

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 MHS I will engage with individuals in a variety of settings, including in custody, in the clinic setting, and/or in the community in response to court orders. Duties include connecting individuals to community-based care, including housing and vocational services, and other care management support services providing continuity of care supporting justice impacted individuals.

There are currently three positions assigned to Outpatient Mental Health Diversion within Forensic Mental Health Services. These positions provide an opportunity to work in a smaller clinic setting and be trained in a specialty area within the behavioral health field working with justice impacted individuals following court ordered mental health and AOD services.

Three additional positions are assigned to the Adult System of Care and will work in outpatient clinic settings. Duties will include case management, money management, crisis intervention, housing placement and support, electronic record documentation, linkage and referrals, and other duties as assigned.

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 your workload.
• Is able to build positive relationships/good rapport with clients and their families.
• Has a positive attitude and good interpersonal skills.
• Works well independently and on a team.

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Monitoring, supporting and assisting beneficiaries in developing and improving skills to maintain their housing and independent living.
• Working with other County programs and community-based organizations to advocate for consumer.
• May facilitate and attend case conference meetings, weekly program meetings and other provider meetings as needed.
• Utilizing various treatment approaches and evidenced based practices to improve clients functioning, rehabilitation and well-being.
• Documenting progress notes for Medi-Cal billing on a daily basis.
• Coordinating and providing referrals to vocational services, benefits, and support beneficiaries with step down level of care when indicated.
• Managing a caseload of beneficiaries, coordinate needs with primary clinician and multi-disciplinary team.

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 are interested in working with justice impacted individuals.
• You will be a part of a collaborative process with a team-based approach to the work.
• This is a strength-based environment where we are solution focused and advocate beneficiary needs.
• You are interested in expanding your skill set and develop tools for risk assessment.

A few challenges you might face in this job:

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

Competencies Required:

• Decision Making: Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner
• Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
• Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
• Action & Results Focused (Taking Initiative): Initiating tasks and focusing on accomplishment
• Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Self-Management: Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability
• Listening: Fully comprehending spoken communication
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
• Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
• Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace

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

Minimum Qualifications

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: Two (2) years of full-time experience or its equivalent providing counseling and/or supportive services to mental health clients.

Substitution: Experience providing counseling and/or supportive services to mental health clients 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 in psychology, sociology, social work, counseling or a closely related field may be substituted for the required experience.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience working with people experiencing behavioral health challenges.
• Experience providing supportive services, resources, and linkage in the community.
• Knowledge of housing services and benefits.
• Experience working on a multidisciplinary team.
• For some positions, experience working with justice impacted individuals.
• Experience with group facilitation, teaching skill building and daily living skills.

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.

2. Behavioral Consistency Questionnaire: Candidates that clearly demonstrate that they possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in a behavioral consistency writing exercise. Candidates will be asked to provide written responses to scenario-based questions designed to evaluate candidates core competencies as they relate to the job. These competencies may include but are not limited to: decision making, attention to detail, written communication, professional integrity and ethics, etc. Candidates must achieve an average passing score on each of the competencies to pass the overall assessment and be placed on the eligible list. (Weighted 100%)

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.

TENTATIVE EXAM DATES: Week of February 6, 2025

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.

To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1343/Employee-Benefits

Closing Date/Time: 1/27/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• Contra Costa County Human Resources Department

• 925-655-2100

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