Mental Health Clinician I/II

About the Opportunity

Mental Health Clinicians can be assigned, based on departmental needs, to one of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services' (BHRS) various behavioral health programs. Summaries of BHRS programs are provided below. Under direction, Mental Health Clinicians provide clinical assessments, care planning, counseling, clinical case management, support medication-assisted treatment, and other rehabilitative / psychotherapeutic services in community behavioral health settings. Mental Health Clinicians are expected to work independently but also function effectively as part of a service team. The incumbents may supervise professional and technical personnel, and provide education and consultation services to other staff, community agencies and the public. In addition, Mental Health Clinicians may administer and coordinate mental health programs, and perform other related work as required. Bilingual applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. Upon successful completion of our bilingual proficiency assessment, you'll receive an additional $1 per hour in compensation.
About BHRS Programs:
Adult System of Care (ASOC)
Service Teams are utilized to provide comprehensive outpatient services to adults with a serious mental illness and/or substance use disorder of Stanislaus County. The focus of treatment efforts is to enable clients to function at their highest level in community. Emphasis is placed on assisting clients in identifying and achieving goals, which are meaningful to them. Treatment Teams are comprised of multi-disciplinary staff and are currently utilizing the psycho-social rehabilitation and recovery models of service delivery.
Children’s System of Care (CSOC)
Services for children and youth are provided in various programs that work with children, youth and young adults age 0 to 21 years. The Mental Health Clinician will provide intensive services to children and adolescents identified with Serious Emotionally Disturbed (SED), as well as provide services and support to their family/caregivers. This may include children and youth who are involved with the Child Welfare or Probation systems. The Mental Health Clinician will also work with transitional age young adults and/or non-minor dependents who have opted into the foster care system as an adult. Services are provided in the field (in home, school, and community settings). Mental Health Clinicians in this subsystem work collaboratively with outside partners through a Child and Family Team process to ensure coordination of care.
The CARE Program
CARE is a multidisciplinary team of mental health, criminal justice, and other service providers who facilitate, provide, and share responsibilities of assessment coordination and treatment services to appropriately meet the complex mental, physical, and social needs of the targeted population. The target population includes individuals that may have severe and persistent mental illness, exhibit high-risk health and safety behaviors, engage in vagrancy-related criminal behavior, and experience severe SUDs; and for a variety of reasons, they are not accessing or accepting services. BHRS mental health services providers are embedded on the team to support clients with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) and facilitate direct access to treatment services. The CARE team includes Modesto Police, Probation, Community Services Agency, Telecare, and Public Health. The overarching goal is to see an increase in the target population transition from saying “no” to help to saying “yes” to help.
Substance Use Disorders (SUD) The Mental Health Clinician assigned to the Substance Use Disorder continuum of care provides services across all ASAM levels, including withdrawal management, residential, outpatient and recovery services. Treatment programs serve youth, adults, and older adults with mild, moderate, or severe SUD including those with co-occurring mental health disorders. Incumbents are expected to provide comprehensive assessments, authorize and sign ASAM placement decisions, deliver individual and group counseling, facilitate family therapy, and Support care coordination. Services are delivered in compliance with the Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS) and 42 CFR Part 2 requirements, while maintaining a person-centered and recovery-oriented focus. Mental Health Clinicians collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, justice partners, and community agencies to reduce stigma, and increase access to care.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a 24-hour, seven day a week program. CERT provides emergency mental health assessment and referral services for emergent and pre-emergent behavioral health situations in collaboration with families, consumers, law enforcement and emergency room personnel. Some services are provided in the community through a mobile task force. Non-crisis services include a consumer and family member-staffed Crisis Support Line and on-site peer support available to consumers and families who need support and referrals. Individuals are able to call to access services or request a psychiatric evaluation. CERT personnel should possess sophisticated diagnostic and assessment skills and be available for shift work.
Crisis Care Mobile Units (CCMU)
The Crisis Emergency Response Team (CERT) program will embed trained crisis mental health staff from Stanislaus County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services to ride along with Modesto Police Department (MPD) patrol officers and Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office (SO) patrol deputies from 1400 to 2200 hours Monday through Friday. CCMU Clinicians will respond with law enforcement to provide mobile crisis services, Triage screening, de-escalation/resolution for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. CCMU Clinicians will work with BHS and CST staff to provide peer support, and coordination with medical and behavioral health services, and follow-up.
Medi-Cal Assessment Team (MAT)
The Medi-Cal Assessment teams provides mental health assessments to children and adult beneficiaries. The MAT Mental Health Clinician will perform initial assessments to individuals referred for or seeking mental health services. The MAT Mental Health Clinician will assist in linkage for those assessed to programs within BHRS, Contractors, and or alternate level of care such as mild-moderate and or community services. MAT personnel should posses sophisticated diagnostic and assessment skills.
Quality Services
The Quality Services/Compliance team ensures the following: 1. Quality of care issues are identified, monitored and appropriate corrective actions are taken 2. Pursue continuous quality improvement, through department audits 3. Behavioral health services provided to beneficiaries meet established quality of care standards (Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) protocol; Information Notices (IN); All State Plan Letters (APLs)), 4. Quality is evaluated in the areas of access, satisfaction, continuity of care and quality of care, 5. Provide on-going Electronic Health Record (EHR) Navigation training 6. Program certification and re-certification activities, including program National Provider Identifier (NPI)s and modes of service, and 6. Changes are made and monitored related to DHCS protocol updates. In addition, the compliance component of the Quality Services program ensures the following: 1. Establishment and implementation of procedures and a system with dedicated staff for routine internal monitoring and auditing of compliance risks, prompt response to compliance issues as they are raised, investigation of potential compliance problems as identified in the course of self-evaluation and audits, correction of such problems promptly and thoroughly (or coordination of suspected criminal acts with law enforcement agencies) to reduce the potential for recurrence, and ongoing compliance with the requirements under the contract (Corrective Action Plan (CAP) follow up from all peer reviews; review/discussion of limited mental health contact; review and provide information related to compliance for fact finding data), 2. Implement a compliance program that includes: Written policies, procedures, and standards of conduct that articulate the organization’s commitment to comply with all applicable requirements and standards under the contract, and all applicable laws (provide training opportunities for BHRS compliance program plan; 3. Implement and maintain procedures designed to detect fraud, waste and abuse that include provisions to verify services reimbursed by Medicaid were received by the beneficiary, 4. Monitor access line compliance and procedures in addition to other compliance related requirements in protocol, Mental Health Plan (MHP) contract, and DMC-ODS Internal Government Agreement (IGA)), and 5. Assist with managing and monitoring privacy issues.
Utilization Management (UM)
The Utilization Management team evaluates medical necessity, appropriateness and efficiency of services provided to Medi-Cal beneficiaries (outpatient treatment plan review; assessment updates), ensures consistent application of review criteria for authorization decisions (outpatient treatment plan; Service Authorization Requests (SARs); SUD Residential) , conducts concurrent review and authorization for all psychiatric inpatient hospital services and psychiatric health facility services (DBHC; Telecare PHF; Out of County (OOC) hospitals) , reviews and completes provider appeals, provides training materials and training related to concurrent review, documentation standards for medical necessity (based on DHCS training and Title 9 regulation) ; and reasons for denials, EHR and database entry (diagnosis review; approved/denied days) , Medi-Cal eligibility check for all inpatient admissions, establish and implement written policies and procedures for all UM activities and delegated activities, and provide on-going trainings related to authorization (delegated activity); Notice of Action Beneficiary Determination (NOABDs).
Collaborative Court
The Collaborative Court Team is a program with Stanislaus County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services was created to ensure improved coordinated entry into Behavioral Health care for Stanislaus County residents who are involved in the legal system. To learn more about the Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Department, click here .
The eligible list generated from this recruitment will be used to fill future full-time, part-time, extra help and on-call vacancies for the Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Department.

Click here for details.

Unless otherwise provided, this position is part of the Classified Service of the County and is assigned to the Community & Health Services bargaining unit for labor relations purposes.
Individuals who are in a full-time classification position are required to serve a twelve-month probationary period, which may be extended an additional six months, for a total of eighteen months.

Incumbents may also be subject to overtime, standby, callback, weekend, holiday and shift assignments as identified in their MOU (Memorandum of Understanding).

Part-time extra-help is a provisional classification where permanent status may not be obtained. This position is subject to overtime, standby, shift, and callback assignments and will perform related duties as assigned. This position is non-benefited except for participation in a 401a program with Nationwide.”

The Job Task Analysis provides information detailing the physical and functional demands of the classification. For the complete job task analysis, visit the Risk Management website at http://www.stancounty.com/riskmgmt/ under the "Disability" tab.

Typical Tasks

• Advise clients of available community resources and act as a liaison and/or advocate for clients/families to be able to access community resources effectively;
• Conduct onsite and field based comprehensive clinical assessments to establish medical necessity criteria and provide clinical interventions without supervision, utilizing different clinical treatment modalities and approaches based on clinical needs;
• Determine functional impairments of clients and prioritize their needs;
• In the appropriate therapeutic and/or clinical setting, work with primary care physicians when necessary on treatment plans or provide individual and group services which could include clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. For children and families, assist in assessing challenges and barriers to social and emotional health, and in partnership with them, develop a strength based realistic service plan;
• Perform appropriate clinical social work and develop treatment plans to address clients functional impairments;
• Prepare and maintain complex treatment and progress reports and document in client charts as needed; which include, diagnostic and treatment recommendations, discharge planning and follow-up services;
• Prepare and present cases for review with the clinical service team;
• Provide client-centered and wellness/recovery/resiliency informed services;
• Provide crisis intervention and 5150 evaluation on-site, in the field or at neighboring hospital emergency rooms when working with BHRS clients;
• Provide ongoing clinical assessment, client care planning and effective treatment implementation to children, adults and families;
• Support and utilize Electronic Medical/Health Record System software;
• Utilize the 12 Step and social model principles of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment resiliency and crisis intervention within the community;
• Work collaboratively with a wide range of clinical and non-clinical disciplines to access client and family needs, design effective care planning, service goals or special medical treatment plans regarding utilization of additional resources, such as, home health and hospice;
• Work collaboratively with consumers and family members using a wellness, recovery or resilient based approach and engage clients in treatment pathways to provide behavioral health needs when appropriated or as needed;
• Work in tandem with the Child Welfare Department, Education partners, or Regional Center partners if applicable;
• Work in tandem with the Probation Department, Sheriff's Office, criminal justice partner agencies, and other community partners across the County if applicable;
• Licensed Mental Health Clinician II’s must demonstrate ability to work clinically independently; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education/Experience)

SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Perform psychiatric social work and psychotherapy of a complex nature with clients and groups;
• Prepare clear, concise case work records and make recommendations on the basis of such information; organize and manage a caseload; and work with a bureaucratic system;
• Retain personal objectivity while dealing with the problems of others;
• Perform the therapist's role in a manner consistent with professional standards and ethics;
• Determine functional impairments of clients and prioritize their needs;
• Decide appropriate treatment focus and methods without clinical supervision;
• Work with a team to integrate various clinical approaches into a treatment program; and
• Anticipate a potential crisis, manage and be able to apply appropriate clinical intervention when necessary .

KNOWLEDGE

• Principles, techniques and trends in counseling, psychotherapy, clinical case management, and various treatment modalities;
• Biological, behavioral and environmental aspects of emotional disturbances, mental disability, and substance abuse;
• Culturally proficient practices with diverse case load;
• Scope and activities of the public and private health and welfare agencies and other available resources; and
• Principles and techniques of mental health education, prevention, and crisis intervention within the community.

We recognize your time is valuable, please only apply if you meet the following required qualifications.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

MENTAL HEALTH CLINICIAN I

PATTERN I

• Graduation from an accredited two (2) year Graduate School of Social Work with the receipt of a Master's Degree of Social Work which can lead to licensure as a Clinical Social Worker.

PATTERN II

• Graduation from an accredited graduate program with receipt of a Master's Degree which can lead to a License as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT); AND
• Meet qualifications to participate in a Short-Doyle program; AND
• Eligible to be licensed as either a Licensed Clinical Social Worker or a Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of California.

The Mental Health Clinician I classification is a Veterans' Preference Program eligible job classification. For more information, please click here (Download PDF reader).

MENTAL HEALTH CLINICIAN II
PATTERN I

• Graduation from an accredited two (2) year Graduate School of Social Work with receipt of a Master's Degree and acquisition of the State recognized license.

PATTERN II

• Graduation from an accredited graduate program with receipt of a Master's Degree and acquisition of a LCSW or MFT License which meets qualifications to participate in a Short-Doyle program.

PATTERN III

• Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology may be substituted for the above educational requirement; AND
• Two (2) years of experience in a Mental Health setting under clinical supervision as required to qualify for the State recognized license.

LICENSE

• Licensed as either a Licensed Clinical Social Worker or Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of California; OR
• A license as a Psychologist in the State of California may be substituted for the above licensure requirement.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

In addition to the minimum qualifications, applicant screening may focus on the following desirable qualifications. Please list any of these qualifications you may have within the "duties" section of the online application.

• Current registration with the California Board of Behavioral Science or must be registered with the California Board of Behavioral Science within 60 days of the commencement of employment;

OR

• Licensed as either a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the State of California;
  

AND

• Enrollment through Department of Health Care Services Provider Application and Validation for Enrollment (PAVE) portal.
  

Proof of education and enrollment through PAVE is required for verification purposes at the time of application. Applicants who are unable to submit proof of education must call (209) 525-7339 to make other arrangements before 5:00 pm on the final filing date. Failure to submit proof or make other arrangements before the final filing date deadline will result in disqualification.

Application and Selection Procedures

APPLICATION PROCEDURES/FINAL FILING DATE

Applications cannot be submitted later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date, August 22nd, 2025. Make your online application as complete as possible so a full and realistic appraisal may be made of your qualifications.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Attaching your resume and cover letter are an optional feature for those who wish to do so in addition to completing the required application. Information on your resume and cover letter will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application. The online County application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

Most County recruitments consists of the steps detailed below and are governed by Merit Principles. The examination process ensures that all applicants are given the same opportunity to gain employment within Stanislaus County.

• Application Review and Screening. Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on.
• Written Examination. Applicants will be invited to participate in a written exam that tests knowledge for the position.
• Oral Examination. Applicants are invited to a panel interview in which they will be evaluated by County subject matter experts.
• Eligible Lists. Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification. Eligible lists are effective for six months, but may be extended up to eighteen months.
  

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Application Deadline: August 22nd, 2025
Oral Examination: Week of September 3rd, 2025

GENERAL INFORMATION

Final appointment will be conditional upon successfully passing a County paid pre-employment medical screening (if applicable for position) and a job-related background investigation.

Some positions may require possession or the ability to obtain, and maintenance of a valid California Driver’s license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job related essential functions.

Stanislaus County supports the good health of its workforce. More information is available at http://myclubwellness.org

Cell phones are typically incompatible with the online application format or browser. We recommend using a desktop or laptop computer. If you are still having technical difficulties, please call NEOGOV at 1-855-524-5627.

Benefits associated with this position can be found at Benefits Summary.

Closing Date/Time: 8/22/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• Stanislaus County

• (209) 525-6341

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