Job Description
Description Behavioral Health Worker I - $20.87/hr - $25.37/hr. Behavioral Health Worker II - $22.95/hr. - $27.90/hr. Under general or direct supervision, participates as a member of a multidisciplinary team and in conjunction with clinical staff, provides a wide variety of case management services for mentally disadvantaged persons; assists in clinical treatment programs of behavioral health clients which may include evaluation, plan development, emergency intervention, placement services, assistance in daily living, linkage and advocacy under direct clinical supervision of a licensed professional; performs related work as required. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives general or direct supervision from assigned Behavioral Health Program Supervisor. Exercises no direct supervision of staff. CLASS CHARACTERISTICS Behavioral Health Worker I is the entry level class in the Behavioral Health worker series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn the duties associated with the position and the client population served. Incumbents receive on-the-job training and perform specific assignments of a well-defined and limited nature. As experience is gained, there is greater independence of action within established guidelines. This class is flexibly staffed with Behavior Health Worker II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency which meet the qualifications of the higher level class. Behavior Health Worker II is the experienced level class in the Behavioral Health worker series. Employees are able to perform the full range of duties required of the classification and are assigned the more difficult and responsible duties, such as assisting in the planning of new programs, departmental training, and community education activities, and have significant latitude for independent judgment. Employees exercise considerable discretion in determining work priorities as well as methods of completing their assignments. This class is distinguished from the Senior Behavioral Health Worker, in that the latter is an advanced, professional level position with greater responsibility, and performs the most complex duties assigned, which includes mental health case management services for the chronically mentally ill adults and mental health intervention for Lanterman-Petris-Short Act (LPS) Conservatorship clients requiring specialized and advanced level knowledge and abilities, and may serve in a lead capacity over other staff. Examples of Duties (Illustrative Only) Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Observes and intervenes with persons who may be experiencing a level of psychological distress to determine the level of impairment due to mental health problems, including: self-care potential, support network availability, adequacy of living arrangements, financial status, employment status, and potential training needs. Interviews the clients and others at the onset of a crisis to provide support and assistance in problem resolution, and to coordinate or arrange for the provision of other needed services. Assists a clinician in preparing, administering, and supervising treatment plans; evaluates treatment progress and recommends modifications as appropriate to scope of service; participates and assists in facilitation of group sessions; and assists in assessing and providing services in crisis situations. Makes home or agency visits; plans activities and follow-up care for clients; instructs clients in a variety of activities; links clients to resources. Negotiates treatment objectives with the client or his/her legally authorized representative. Locates and coordinates the resources necessary to facilitate a successful home placement, which may include, but not necessarily be limited to: preplacement visits, negotiating written agreements with providers, monitoring the client's progress, consulting with the care provider, and insuring follow-up supportive counseling. Provides information to staff responsible for patient diagnosis, treatment and discharge planning. Collects and records pertinent social data; prepares daily records and summarizes progress of treatment for clients; maintains other records and prepares various reports including court reports if assigned. Assists in developing and maintaining effective communications between behavioral health service providers, and other community agencies; assists in the public relations of the program; participates in informational and educational activities at agency and community levels. Assists