Mental Health Clinical Specialist – Project

Mental Health Clinical Specialist – Project

$65,947.32 – $97,899.12 Annually

The HIV/AIDS and STD Program within Contra Costa County’s Public Health Department is seeking a full-time, project-based Mental Health Clinical Specialist to join our team in Martinez, California.

The Mental Health Clinical Specialist (MHCS) position will provide individual and group psychosocial support and mental health services to Contra Costa HIV/AIDS Program (CCHAP) clients enrolled in medical case management. These services will be compliant with Ryan White Program standards of care and be overseen by the CCHAP Deputy Director. The MHCS position functions as a member of an interdisciplinary team that includes medical case managers, outreach workers, public health program specialists, HIV clinicians and other HIV service providers contracted by CCHAP.

In collaboration with people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) and CCHAP staff, the MHCS will plan and facilitate twice-weekly support groups. Groups will be implemented utilizing trauma-informed care and other best practices for working with PLWHA, members of the LGBTQI communities, individuals experiencing homelessness, and/or individuals with substance use and other behavioral health disorders. Groups and individual counseling sessions will take place in CCHS Health Centers during client-responsive times. Groups will be 90 minutes in duration and will primarily take place during evening hours. One educational session will be provided by the MHCS once each month. Strong Spanish language skills are preferred but not a requirement of this position.

Examples of Duties:

• Leads psychosocial support services and provides individual clinical counseling as well as group counseling sessions to clients. Responds to all referrals from CCHAP staff within 24 business hours.
• Based on client need and availability, facilitates twice-monthly groups in Contra Costa Health Services clinics, primarily in Central and East County.
• Working with the CCHAP Deputy Director and Client Services Team, completes all logistics to maintain compliance with Ryan White Standards of Care, including verifying Ryan White client eligibility, maintaining attendance logs for all groups, completing billing, charting, and service reports in ARIES (California Ryan White client services database) as well as the client’s EMR, and complete monthly reporting requirements.
• May conduct home visits in all areas of the county. Tolerates various home atmospheres and environments including, but not limited to, personal and household fragrances, various levels of cleanliness, tobacco odors, pet odors, dust, etc.
• Attends monthly case conferences with clinicians and community-based service providers, participates in quarterly staff meetings, participates in Consortiums as directed by the deputy director, attends a minimum of one client services team meeting per month, and maintains compliance with regard to internal trainings and licensure requirements.
• Helps resolve situational emergencies, including psychiatric emergencies and other factors that impact capacity to achieve optimum health outcomes.
• Maintains accurate, complete and timely documentation of referral outcomes and services performed.
• Maintains client confidentiality and adheres to HIPAA and California Privacy Practices at all times.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Current LCSW, Psy-D or Psychologist license for Medi-Cal billing.
• Minimum of 1 year post graduate degree outpatient experience.
• Maintain valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License and reliable own transportation. Must be willing to travel within Contra Costa County up to 40% of time.
• Ability to climb up and down stairs as necessary at a facility and/or at home sites and walk distance to reach the location.
• Ability to utilize Microsoft Teams, Zoom, WebEx and other platforms to conduct and/or participate in groups or meetings.

Recommended Experience and Knowledge:

• Be in good standing and able to bill Medi-Cal for reimbursement of services rendered to clients.
• Maintain current knowledge of clinical counseling methodologies and issues relating to HIV and Contra Costa’s system of care.
• Prior experience working with similar patient populations.
• Basic clinical understanding of HIV prevention, transmission and care.
• Prior experience conducting group and individual counseling using best practices, including motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care and art therapy.
• Knowledge of the principles of human behavior and development pertinent to health services.
• Knowledge of psychological and social aspects of physical and emotional disturbances, the causes of child abuse and neglect, domestic violence and substance use.
• Ability to deal tactfully with clients and their family members, physicians, community leaders and the public.
• Understanding of the principles and techniques of interviewing, recording of patient information and maintaining patient confidentiality.
• Familiarity with the laws, rules and regulations of publicly operated health and welfare programs.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare clear, concise and timely summaries of services.
• Knowledge of human sexuality and skills in counseling clients about issues related to sexuality.

For consideration, please email your resume and cover letter today!

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,947.00 – $97,899.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: One location