Behavioral Health Clinician I - IV / Intensive Services Clinician I - IV

Full Job Description

This recruitment opportunity involves two distinct classification series, each with unique roles and responsibilities within the Ventura County Behavioral Health (VCBH) system.
Under immediate (I, II), general supervision (III), or general direction (IV), provides clinical or administrative behavioral health services under various levels of supervision in diverse, multidisciplinary settings through therapy, case management, interagency collaboration, and community organization.

The ideal Behavioral Health Clinician is a skilled mental health professional specializing in comprehensive mental health and substance abuse services, including therapy, crisis intervention, and case management. They employ culturally sensitive, client-centered, strength-based approaches to support individuals with serious mental illnesses or youth with emotional disturbances. Proficient in clinical documentation, care coordination, and treatment planning, they collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and navigate state and federal programs like Medi-Cal. Organized and communicative, they build relationships with clients, families, and community partners, providing outreach and education. Committed to professional growth, they engage in ongoing training to ensure equitable and effective mental health services in multicultural environments.

Behavioral Health Clinicians I-IV work primarily in office and clinic settings, where they provide essential mental health services, including individual and group therapy, diagnostic assessments, treatment planning, and case management. These professionals collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to address clients' mental health needs, ensuring continuity of care within the structured environment of VCBH facilities.

In contrast, Intensive Services Clinicians operate primarily in the field, playing a critical role in responding to mental health crises in real time. These clinicians are often deployed to various community settings, including homes, schools, or public locations, to assess and stabilize individuals in crisis. Their responsibilities include conducting on-the-spot evaluations, providing immediate intervention, facilitating hospitalizations or alternative care options when necessary, and coordinating follow-up services to support clients' recovery.

These roles demand adaptability, quick decision-making, and the ability to work effectively under pressure to ensure the safety and well-being of those in need. As non-exempt positions, Intensive Services Clinicians would be eligible for overtime pay and shift differentials based on their work schedules and availability. This ensures fair compensation for the demanding and vital nature of their work. For more information regarding hourly benefits, please click here.

Under immediate (I/II) or general (III/IV) supervision, provides on a 24/7 basis, immediate crisis intervention and stabilization services to individuals who are experiencing a mental health emergency or urgent mental health situations on an intermittent basis; and triages, assesses and provides crisis mental health support services for persons seeking specialty mental health services or experiencing a mental health emergency, utilizing culturally-sensitive, client/family-centered, strength-based, wellness and recovery models of service delivery telephonically and in person in a variety of clinical and non-clinical settings.

Behavioral Health Clinician I/Intensive Services Clinician ($29.23 - $40.97 – hourly) unlicensed: is the entry/trainee level classification, where emphasis is on learning casework and treatment methods appropriate to a public mental health setting, procedures and policies as part of a multi-disciplinary team under the close clinical supervision of a California Board of Behavioral Sciences Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Psychologist or Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Behavioral Health Clinician II/Intensive Services Clinician II ($2,637.32 - $3,747.34 - biweekly) - unlicensed: is the journey-level classification, providing behavioral health services as part of a multi-disciplinary team under general supervision with clinical supervision by a California Board of Behavioral Sciences Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Psychologist or Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Behavioral Health Clinician III/ Intensive Services Clinician III ($2,807.53 - $3,932.64 - biweekly) - licensed: is the advanced journey-level classification providing behavioral health services as part of a multi-disciplinary team under general supervision. Incumbents in this classification demonstrate greater skill and depth of job knowledge in the assessment of consumer and family needs, and in the formulation and implementation of treatment and wellness and recovery plans.

Behavioral Health Clinician IV/ Intensive Services Clinician IV ($2,946.67 - $4,128.21 - biweekly) -licensed:: is the expert level of the series, able to independently perform the most complex clinical and case management assignments and provide clinical supervision according to licensure and training. Demonstrates leadership within the multi-disciplinary team.

EDUCATIONAL/BILINGUAL INCENTIVE: Incumbents may be eligible for educational incentive of 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5% based on completion of an Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree that is not required for the classification. Incumbents may also be eligible for bilingual incentive depending upon operational need and certification of skill.

AGENCY/DEPARTMENT: Health Care Agency – Behavioral Health

Behavioral Health Clinician and Intensive Services Clinician series are represented by the Service Employees' International Union (SEIU) and are eligible for overtime compensation.

The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill current and future Regular (including Temporary and Fixed-Term), Intermittent, and Extra-Help vacancies within the Health Care Agency. There are currently multiple Regular vacancies for both classification series located throughout Ventura County.

NOTE: If appointed at the lower level, incumbent may be promoted to the higher level(s) without further examination upon meeting the minimum requirements, demonstrating satisfactory performance, and in accordance with the business needs of the department.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OPENING DATE: 11/22/24

CLOSING DATE: Continuous and may close at any time; therefore, the schedule for the remainder of the process will depend upon when we receive enough qualified applications to meet business needs. It is to your advantage to apply as soon as possible.

Requirements

Duties may include but are not limited to the following for the Behavioral Health Clinician series:
Behavioral Health Clinician I/II

Assesses, evaluates and provides mental health and/or substance abuse services including individual, group and family therapy/counseling, rehabilitation, crisis intervention and case management services for persons with serious mental illness or youth with serious emotional disturbance utilizing culturally-sensitive, client/family-centered, strength-based, wellness and recovery models of service delivery;Performs clinical documentation and maintains productivity according to department standards;In collaboration with other members of the multi-disciplinary team, including consumers and family members, participates in the development of treatment plans, coordinates treatment, case management and discharge planning;Collaborates on behalf of the consumer/family with other support services provided by health care, social services agencies and community organizations;Participates in training on various topics such as cultural competency, clinical practice, compliance, treatment planning, case management, co-occurring disorders and substance abuse;Provides administrative support services including outreach and information about how to access and apply for state and federal programs (such as Medi-Cal), performs pre-screening and assists in paperwork completion to determine eligibility; andPerforms other related duties as required.Behavioral Health Clinician IIIIn addition to the Behavioral Health Clinician I/II duties listed above, Behavioral Health Clinician III duties may include: Completes clinical documentation and maintains productivity according to department standards with minimal administrative oversight;Collaborates on behalf of the consumer/family with other support services provided by health care, social services agencies and community organizations;Provides 5150 evaluations and writes holds as appropriate;May provide clinical supervision to unlicensed clinicians and student interns within the context of licensure, in keeping with BBS regulations and according to applicable Ventura County Behavior Health (VCBH) policies; andBehavioral Health Clinician IVIn addition to the Behavioral Health Clinician I/II/III duties listed above, Behavioral Health Clinician IV duties may include: Develops and participates in training on a variety of topics such as cultural competency, clinical practice, compliance, treatment planning and case management, and makes presentations to local agencies and community groups regarding issues related to mental health or substance abuse;May participate as a member of a committee or team as assigned, and develops and/or delivers related training materials to other staff, consumer/family members or the public;May provide leadership and support to Behavior Health Clinicians providing clinical supervision through the facilitation of a supervision group etc.;Provides support to the Clinical Administrator with assigned duties to ensure efficient clinic operation; andDuties may include but are not limited to the following for the Intensive Services Clinician series:Intensive Services Clinician I/IITriages, assesses and provides referrals to individuals such as children, Transitional Age Youth (TAY) and adults, seeking specialty mental health services.Provides crisis intervention services to individuals in the community and emergency rooms experiencing an urgent or emergency mental health situation, utilizing culturally sensitive, client/family-centered, strength-based, wellness and recovery models of service delivery.Performs clinical documentation and maintains productivity according to department standards with minimal administrative oversight.Collaborates on behalf of the consumer/family with other support services provided by health care, social services agencies and community organizations.Participates in staff meetings; and Ventura County Behavior Health trainings on various topics such as cultural competency, compliance, co-occurring disorders and substance abuse.Provides administrative support services, including outreach and information about how to access and apply for state and federal programs (such as Medi-Cal), performs pre-screening and assists in paperwork completion to determine eligibility.Operates a vehicle to transport individuals and their families for the purpose of providing crisis mental health services.Performs other related duties as required.Intensive Services Clinician III In addition to the Intensive Services Clinician I/II duties listed above, Behavioral Health Clinician IV duties may include: Provides 5150 evaluations and writes involuntary holds as appropriate.

Intensive Services Clinician IV In addition to the Intensive Services Clinician III duties listed above, Intensive Services Clinician IV duties may include: Provides clinical supervision to unlicensed clinicians and student interns within the context of licensure, in keeping with BBS regulations and according to applicable Ventura County Behavior Health (VCBH) policies.

May participate as a member of a committee or team as assigned and develops and/or delivers related training materials to other staff, consumer/family members or the public.

May provide leadership and support to Intensive Services Clinicians providing clinical supervision through the facilitation of a supervision group etc.

Provides support to the Clinical Administrator with assigned duties to ensure efficient clinic operation.

Qualifications These are entrance requirements to the examination process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE: A Master's degree in one of the following is required (by date of hire) for all Behavioral Health Clinician and Intensive Services Clinician levels:Marriage & Family Counseling;Counseling Psychology;Clinical Psychology;Clinical Counseling;Clinical Mental Health Counseling;Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling;Social Work with an emphasis on Clinical Social Work; OROther equivalent Master's degree from a college or university approved by the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Board of Behavioral Science Examiners;AND:Behavioral Health Clinician I / Intensive Services Clinician IMust either be currently registered with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) within the last six (6) years as a:Associate Marriage and Family Therapist;Associate Clinical Social Worker; ORAssociate Professional Clinical CounselorORBe within 90 days of completion of the requirements for graduation with a Master's degree in a discipline as noted above; and following graduation, provide documentation that an application for an intern or associates registration number has been submitted to the BBS.ANDFollowing graduation, provide documentation that an application for an intern or associates registration number has been submitted to the BBS.Note regarding the 6 year rule: California Associates may only claim hours earned within six (6) years of the date they submit their application for examination and licensure.

Note: Proof of Master's degree and BBS registration is required by date of hire.Behavioral Health Clinician II / Intensive Services Clinician IIMust be currently registered with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) within the last six (6) years as a:Associate Marriage and Family Therapist;Associate Clinical Social Worker; ORAssociate Professional Clinical CounselorANDA minimum of one (1) year of experience (may be pre- or post-Master's degree) in an acute or residential setting for Seriously Mentally Ill (SMI) Adult or Seriously Emotionally Disturbed (SED) youth, or outpatient public mental health setting providing mental health services to Transitional Aged Youth (TAY), adults or older adults with serious mental illness or youth with serious emotional disturbance and their families.Behavioral Health Clinician III / Intensive Services Clinician III Must possess and maintain a valid California License as a:Marriage and Family Therapist;Clinical Social Worker; ORProfessional Clinical Counselor.ANDA minimum of three (3) years of experience (two (2) years must be post-Master's degree) working in an acute or residential setting for Seriously Mentally Ill (SMI) Adult or Seriously Emotionally Disturbed (SED) youth, or outpatient public mental health setting providing mental health services to Transitional Aged Youth (TAY), adults or older adults with serious mental illness or youth with serious emotional disturbance and their families.Behavioral Health Clinician IV / Intensive Services Clinician IV Must possess and maintain a valid California License as a:Marriage and Family Therapist;Clinical Social Worker; ORProfessional Clinical Counselor.ANDA minimum of four (4) years of experience (post licensure) working in an acute or residential setting for Seriously Mentally Ill (SMI) Adult or Seriously Emotionally Disturbed (SED) youth, or outpatient public mental health setting providing mental health services to Transitional Aged Youth (TAY), adults or older adults with serious mental illness or youth with serious emotional disturbance and their families.NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:Must possess and maintain a valid California driver license as a condition of continued employment.At all levels, positions may require work experience with specific age groups such as children, adults, or older adults and/or related service types.

Some positions may require some evening hours and weekend coverage.Behavioral Health Clinician I/II / Intensive Services Clinician I/II Candidates are required to have at time of hire and maintain a current California Board of Behavioral Sciences registration number as a condition of continued employment.Incumbents must obtain a LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) license, LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) license or LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor) license with the California BBS within six (6) years of initial registration as an Associate Marriage Family Therapist, Associate Clinical Social Worker or Associate Professional Clinical Counselor as a condition of continued employment.Behavioral Health Clinician III/IV / Intensive Services Clinician III/IV Incumbents are required to maintain a LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) license, LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) license or LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor) license with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as a condition of continued employment.Desired:Spanish-English bilingual skillsNOTE: Given the nature of the work at Behavioral Health and the demographics within Ventura County, some Clinician positions may require bilingual (English/Spanish) skills, depending on location of the vacancy.

However, all candidates who meet the minimum qualifications are encouraged to apply, regardless of their language skills to ensure that qualified candidates have the opportunity to compete for these positions, while also recognizing the importance of language skills in serving the diverse population of Ventura County.Supplemental Information: All assignments involve work in multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural settings with seriously mentally ill adults or seniors or seriously emotionally disturbed children or adolescents.

Mental health services are decentralized throughout the County and may involve field-work and travel within the County. Incumbents are expected to work in interagency environments.

Additional Information FINAL FILING DATE: This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time; therefore, apply as soon as possible if you are interested.

Your application must be received by County of Ventura Human Resources in Ventura, California, no later than 5:00 p.m.

on the closing date.To apply on-line, please refer to our web site at ventura.org/jobs.

If you prefer to fill out a paper application form, please call (805) 654-5129 for application materials and submit them to County of Ventura Human Resources, 800 South Victoria Avenue, L-1970, Ventura, CA 93009.

Note to Applicants: It is essential that you complete all sections of your application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and accurately to demonstrate your qualifications.

A resume and/or other related documents may be attached to supplement the information in your application and supplemental questionnaire; however, it/they may not be submitted in lieu of the application.LATERAL TRANSFER OPTION: If presently permanently employed in another "merit" or "civil service" public agency/entity in the same or substantively similar position as is advertised, and if appointed to that position by successful performance in a "merit" or "civil service" style examination, then appointment by "Lateral Transfer" may be possible.

If interested, please click here for additional information.SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE – Qualifying: All applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this exam at the time of filing The supplemental questionnaire may be used throughout the exam process to assist in determining each applicant's qualifications and acceptability for the position.

Failure to complete and submit the questionnaire may result in the application being removed from consideration.APPLICATION EVALUATION – Qualifying: All applications will be reviewed to determine whether the stated requirements are met.

Those individuals meeting the stated requirements will be invited to the examination step.TRAINING & EXPERIENCE EVALUATION - 100%:A Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E) is a structured evaluation of the job application materials submitted by a candidate, including the written responses to the supplemental questionnaire.

The T&E is NOT a determination of whether the candidate meets the stated requirements; rather, the T&E is one method for determining who are the better qualified among those who have shown that they meet the stated requirements.

In a T&E, applications are either scored or rank ordered according to criteria that most closely meet the business needs of the department.

Candidates are typically scored/ranked in relation to one another; consequently, when the pool of candidates is exceptionally strong, many qualified candidates may receive a score or rank which is moderate or even low resulting in them not being advanced in the process.

NOTE: In a typical T&E, your training and experience are evaluated in relation to the background, experience and factors identified for successful job performance during a job analysis.

For this reason, it is recommended that your application materials clearly show your relevant background and specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities.

It is also highly recommended that the supplemental questions within the application are completed with care and diligence.

Responses such as "See Resume" or "Refer to Resume" are not acceptable and may disqualify an applicant from further evaluation.

If there are three (3) or fewer qualified applicants, a T&E will not be conducted.

Instead, a score of seventy percent (70%) will be assigned to each application, and each applicant will be placed on the eligible list.Applicants successfully completing the exam process may be placed on an eligible list for a period of one (1) year.BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A thorough pre-employment, post offer background investigation which may include inquiry into past employment, education, and driving record may be required for this position.

For further information about this recruitment, please contact Nathan Wood by e-mail at nathan.wood@venturacounty.gov or by telephone at (805) 677-5232..

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITYThe County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.