Forensic Clinician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Summary This classification is scheduled to receive a 5% COLA effective July 2027. This Classification REQUIRES a Master's degree in social work, marriage family therapy, clinical counseling, or related field The Department of Behavioral Health is actively recruiting for positions within the Forensic programs. BC-BH Forensic Programs provide an array of assessment and treatment services in collaboration with the courts and serve as a bridge to get justice involved individuals into the appropriate treatment setting.

The programs also provide ongoing mental health services for the justice involved population. These positions are M-F during business hours. The eligible list established by this recruitment process may be used to fill current and future vacancies on a regular, full-time, part-time, temporary (Extra Help) Sunset and/or TERM basis.

For terms and conditions concerning Extra Help with Butte County, see Section 6.12c of the Butte County Personnel Rules. THE SUNSET POSITIONS ARE SET TO END October 31, 2028. An allocated position that is limited in duration to a particular period of time, usually because the funding source for the position is not ongoing

For terms and conditions concerning the appointment of a Sunset employee, see the 2019 Adopted Personnel Rules This recruitment is for Level I and Level II. The salary rage for level I is $3,128.80 - $4,194.40 biweekly ($39.11 - $52.43 per hour). The salary rage for level II is $3,456.80 - $4,632.00 biweekly ($43.21 - $57.90 per hour)

FLSA: Exempt DEFINITION Under direction or general direction, provides behavioral health clinical intervention and recovery services to assigned clients; manages a psychiatric caseload for adults, juveniles, and children; evaluates patients in multiple facilities, including inpatient, crisis/acute service locations, forensic out-patient clinics, and correctional/jail facilities (service locations may occur in office based or field/community based settings); performs psychotherapeutic counseling, including individual, group, family, and other approved techniques; provides outreach, and emergency services and counseling in crisis situations. Non-traditional working hours/shifts (weekends, nights and holidays) may be required depending on specific assignment and performs related duties as assigned. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives general supervision (Behavioral Health Emergency & Forensic Clinician I) to direction (Behavioral Health Emergency & Forensic Clinician II) from assigned supervisory or management personnel.

Exercises no direct supervision over staff. CLASS CHARACTERISTICS Behavioral Health Emergency & Forensic Clinician I: This unlicensed classification is the first working level in the Behavioral Health Emergency & Forensic Clinician series responsible for providing professional behavioral health casework and psychotherapeutic support to clients. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern.

Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Initially, under clinical supervision, incumbents are assigned the more routine client casework and support duties. Incumbents may advance to the Behavioral Health Emergency & Forensic Clinician II after gaining the necessary experience, qualifications and licensure to demonstrate proficiency for the Behavioral Health Emergency & Forensic Clinician II classification.

Behavioral Health Emergency & Forensic Clinician II: This licensed classification is the journey-level class of licensed technician in the Behavioral Health Emergency & Forensic Clinician series responsible for providing professional behavioral health casework and psychotherapeutic support to clients. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Behavioral Health Emergency & Forensic Clinician I level by the acquisition of licensure, which is required for performance of the full range of professional clinical duties assigned to the series. Positions in the classification rely on experience and judgment to perform assigned duties and to ensure efficient and effective client care services.

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. Positions in the Behavioral Health Emergency & Forensic Clinician class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the II-level may be filled by advancement from the I-level; progression to the next level in the series is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the next level in the class series.

Essential Job Functions EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS 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.

Perform Behavioral Health Emergency & Forensic Clinician duties in a locked facility with constant and direct patient interaction. Performs complex forensic, mental health, or substance use related evaluations. Attends court proceedings and is expected to interact with Judges, District Attorneys, Probation, Public Defenders, County Counsel, and other agency officials.

Daily and ongoing exposure to volatile, acting out, verbally aggressive and physically violent clients, including clients who may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol or with a history of criminal violence. Required to physically intervene and/or restrain clients. Provide regular/ongoing redirection of inappropriate behaviors.

Respond as needed to cover shifts to meet mandatory staffing requirements (weekends, holidays, and afterhours included). Facilitate and participate in Lanterman-Petris-Short Act (LPS) related certification hearings, LPS conservatorship hearings, Mental Health Diversion proceedings, and other court procedures as required. Transport and monitor involuntary clients within community.

Offers/provides rehabilitative and recreational opportunities and physical activity to patients. Primarily evaluates patients in a variety of in- and out-patient settings, such as Juvenile Hall, County Jail, County behavioral health offices, hospital emergency, Crisis Response, and other settings; obtains a patient history and conducts behavioral status exam. Primarily responds to community-based environments (upon referral and acute need), with less access to other in-person behavioral health resources, including but not limited to: homeless encampments, homeless shelters, personal homes, and sober living environments.

Receives and responds to crisis hotline and emergency calls, walk-ins, and field contacts; provides evaluation and diagnosis of patients and makes appropriate referrals for support services; works with hospital medical staff and County behavioral health management to evaluate the client's risk or danger to self and others; assists in establishing an aftercare plan, or psychiatric hospitalization, depending on the client's best interests. Makes presentations of physical and behavioral condition findings to on-call psychiatrist, who determines if medication should be prescribed; reports and consults around any suspected adverse medication effects. Consults with, and serves as a liaison for, community agencies and other behavioral health programs and services to evaluate community health needs and services.

Provides individual or group therapy using a variety of counseling techniques and modalities; provides psychotherapy to chronically behaviorally ill persons who need periodic maintenance appointments, and brief therapy for clients experiencing situational-type problems. Provides case management services to severely behaviorally ill clients, including out of home placements; determines suitability of treatment facilities or prospective foster parents based upon an analysis of individual psycho-social needs. Collaborates with the Office of the Public Guardian-Conservator for behavioral health clients who have been conserved; clinically evaluates clients to represent their interests in treatment and placement; researches treatment resources available on a local and regional basis to ensure optimal client placement.

Participates as a member of a multi-disciplinary treatment team providing critical clinical input related to patient diagnosis and recommended treatment plans; presents findings and clinical observations; receives clinical feedback and assistance in managing transference/counter-transference; participates in case conferences and consults with psychiatric staff to review patient cases and resolve difficult therapeutic problems. Evaluates clients for voluntary and involuntary commitment; signs commitments for clients requiring hospitalization after completion of county training and designation. Participates as a member of a multi-disciplinary treatment team providing consultation to school and adult programs; performs program planning to develop and implement services appropriate to assisting both child and adult psychiatric patients.

Conducts discharge planning with clients; gathers resources; provides therapy; completes safety plan; and facilitates referrals and interagency services. 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 detailed patient record documentation and maintains caseload records; prepares intake and discharge summaries, progress notes, and treatment reviews. Performs related duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Knowledge of: Understanding of Lanterman-Petris-Short Act (LPS) requirements and ability to manage conservatorship referrals and treatment recommendations.

Understanding of criminogenic thinking and behavior and ability to therapeutically intervene with these populations and characteristics. 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 and those governing patient rights as it relates to treatment options including commitment.

Principles and practices of clinical casework. Social, psychological, and physical causes of behavioral disorders and chemical dependency. 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. Short- and long-term therapeutic methods. Concepts and principles related to adult and child psychology, including theories of human behavior and personality development.

Case management principles, practices, and processes 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. Techniques for working with individuals with significant behavioral health challenges.

Theories, and principles and practices of group and individual counseling and therapies. 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 resources available to clients.

Community socioeconomic and cultural demographics. Principles and practices of complex documentation preparation and recordkeeping. 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: Provide professional behavioral health clinical intervention and recovery services and manage a psychiatric caseload in multiple settings. Conduct psychiatric assessments; and plan, develop, and implement comprehensive treatment plans, programs, and services either internally or with external service providers. Evaluate patients for medication needs and consult around any suspected medication reactions.

Analyze crisis situations and determine appropriate courses of action. Collaborate and present progress reports and related findings to team members. Coordinate emergency psychiatric support services with appropriate hospitals and other providers.

Conduct group and individual client therapy.to clinically assess, diagnose, and treat clients. Understand and apply criteria for various diagnoses. Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed, including those related to patient privacy

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. 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, clinical counseling, or related field; and Behaviora...