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The Position

Class Code 28146: Mental Health Counselor

Transfer job postings are for County of Sacramento employees only.

In Order To Be Qualified For a Transfer

• You must meet the Minimum Qualifications of the new job.
• The difference between the top salary steps (the highest pay rate within the range of pay) of your current job class and the job class that you intend to transfer into, must be less than 5%.

There are three different transfer types that you may qualify for: interdepartmental transfer, interclass transfer, and voluntary demotion. These different transfer types are defined as:

• Interdepartmental transfer - a transfer in the same class from one County department to another.
• Interclass transfer - a transfer from one job class to a different job class. In addition, the difference between the top salary steps (the highest pay rate within the range of pay) of your current job class and the job class that you intend to transfer into, must be less than 5%.
• Voluntary demotion - a transfer into a job class that pays less than 95% of your current class salary.

If you are requesting an interclass transfer or voluntary demotion, either action is a change in class. Whether the change is a transfer or a demotion depends upon the difference between the maximum salary rates of the requested and incumbent classes. Personnel Ordinance, Section 2.78.294, or the applicable labor agreement sets the criteria for determining the maximum difference allowed. Personnel Ordinance, Section 2.78.228 defines demotion.

Under direction, the Mental Health Counselor provides professional mental health treatment services for severe mental disorders in in-patient or out patient settings, including assessment, diagnosis, crisis intervention, individual and group counseling, non-medical psychotherapy, and initiation of involuntary holds; to prepare reports and maintain records related to patient or client services; and to perform related duties as assigned.

Examples of Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of

• principles and techniques of clinical interviewing, diagnosis, and assessment
• the most current version of DSM
• theories, principles and techniques of individual and group psychotherapy
• psychological, physical and social aspects of mental disorders, chemical dependency, and recovery
• theories of human behavior and personality and techniques of evaluating, and modifying human behavior
• planning, development and implementation of comprehensive treatment plans
• Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations governing mental health treatment
• basic techniques of training
• referral sources and community resources

Ability to

• conduct accurate and thorough assessments of client status, history, danger to self and others, progress, chemical dependency, and related mental health information
• prepare diagnoses and evaluations of mental disorders
• conduct effective professional clinical interviews
• formulate, implement, and monitor treatment plans
• conduct group and individual psychotherapy
• respond appropriately in crisis situations
• understand, interpret and apply complex mental-health technical materials and applicable laws, codes and regulations
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, families, staff, and other agencies
• prepare effective written reports
• maintain accurate records
• communicate effectively in oral and written form
• provide effective training, guidance and consultation to other staff
• assist in physically controlling and/or restraining violent and/or combative patients

Employment Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Either:

1. A Master's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in a mental health related field such as psychology, counseling, social work, or psychiatric nursing.

Or: 2. Current enrollment in the final semester of a master's program at an accredited college or university leading to a masters degree in a mental health related field such as psychology, counseling, social work, or psychiatric nursing. NOTE: Failure to submit proof of completion of masters degree within six months of appointment may be cause for release from probation or discipline in accordance with Civil Service Commission Rules.

Note: Persons who were employed by the Sacramento County Health Department, held permanent or probationary status in Sacramento County Civil Service, and were engaged in the direct delivery of mental health service in the Mental Health or Alcohol Division on July 24, 1980, may substitute their mental health experience for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Employees qualifying under this provision must have a combined minimum of six years of acceptable experience and/or education in a mental health field, such as psychology, counseling, social work, rehabilitation counseling, public health, pastoral counseling, occupational therapy, special education, or psychiatric nursing.

Note: The word "experience" referenced in the minimum qualifications means full-time paid experience unless the minimum qualification states that volunteer experience is acceptable. Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements.

Note: If the minimum qualifications include an educational or certificate/license requirement, applicants must submit proof of requirements with the application. Failure to submit proof of requirements may result in disqualification from the examination. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. For guidelines on submitting acceptable proof of educational requirements, please click here or speak to someone in our office before the cut-off date listed in this notice.

Special Requirements License Requirements:

Note: Failure to obtain and/or maintain such required license(s) may be cause for disciplinary action in accordance with Civil Service Commission rules.

• Selected positions require possession of a valid Class C California Driver License, or the ability to arrange for field travel, at the time of appointment.
• Current certification of training in CPR is required within 6 months of employment for positions assigned to the Sacramento County Mental Health Treatment Center.

Working Conditions

• Duties require exposure to patients who may be hostile, violent, mentally ill, and/or who may have infectious diseases.
• Positions assigned to the Mental Health Treatment Center work shifts and holidays.

Other Special Requirements Some positions in these classes may require the ability to communicate fluently in a language other than English. Incumbents in such special skills positions utilize the language skill in performing the duties of the class and may serve as a consultant to others in planning and delivering effective mental health services to individuals of different language and cultural backgrounds.

The Civil Service Commission approved the use of selection certification for a special skill for the class May 8, 1980, revised the types of special skills applicable to this class March 12, 1987, and approved the use of selective certification for special language skills on April 9, 1987.

Application and Testing Information

How To Apply The County of Sacramento application form and responses to the Supplemental Questions are to be completed and submitted online.

Please Remember

• If you have previously applied online for a County job, you must use the same GovernmentJobs.com Username account.
• Do not share your Username account with anyone else.
• If any additional documentation (such as copies of transcripts, etc.) is required you will be contacted.
• Resumes may be attached to your submitted application, however, a notation of "See Resume" will not be accepted for the information requested on the application or the Supplemental Questions.
• Your application will be considered incomplete if the required information is not filled out in its entirety.
• Any notifications from the Employment Office about your Transfer application will be sent to you by email. Notices can also be accessed in your governmentjobs.com inbox.

County of Sacramento Employment Services Division

700 H Street, Room 4667

Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone 916-874-5593; 7-1-1 California Relay Service

Email [email protected] Inter-Office Mail Code: 09-4667

Supplemental Questionnaire Instructions You must complete the Supplemental Questionnaire for Transfers under the tab marked "Supplemental Questions". When completing the Supplemental Questions, provide accurate information. Your responses in the Education and Work Experience sections on your application and the Supplemental Questions will be checked to verify that you qualify for a transfer.

Note: Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be evaluated or considered as responses to the required information on the application and the Supplemental Questions. Employee Benefits At Sacramento County, we strive to provide benefit programs designed to meet our employees’ current and future needs and help them as they balance their careers and personal life. County of Sacramento employees have a variety of benefits available. These benefits include:

• Dental Insurance
• Vision Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Life Insurance
• Critical Illness
• Retiree Health Savings Plan (RHSP)
• Deferred Compensation

More information can be found on the Benefits website

Temporary Positions Most benefits do not apply to temporary positions.

Vacation Generally, vacation with pay begins at 10 days annually. With increase over a period of years, the maximum annual vacation with pay is 25 days.

Holidays 14.5 holidays per year as recognized by the Board of Supervisors.

Sick Leave Equivalent to 15 days annually, unlimited accumulation.

Tuition Reimbursement Regular County employees may be eligible to receive Tuition Reimbursement. The costs for course tuition/registration fees and required books/supplies may be eligible for reimbursement. Tuition reimbursement amounts may vary depending upon union agreement.

Retirement The County’s defined-benefit pension plan is provided by the County Employees’ Retirement Law of 1937 and is managed by the Sacramento County Employees' Retirement System (SCERS) Board of Retirement. For more information, visit the SCERS website, http://www.scers.org

Dental Insurance For more information, visit the Benefits website

Life Insurance The County of Sacramento provides a basic life insurance benefit to all eligible employees at no cost. Additional coverage may be purchased through payroll deduction.

For more information, visit the Benefits website

Deferred Compensation A deferred compensation program is available through the County 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan. For more information, visit the Benefits website

Employee Assistance Program The County of Sacramento provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their eligible dependents. The EAP offers confidential, professional counseling services in areas such as:

• Legal Advice/Difficult Decisions
• Marriage or Family Relationships
• Financial or Credit Worries/Elder Care
• Alcohol and Drug Abuse

More information can be found on the Benefits website

Wellness Incentive Program The County will recognize and award time off to eligible employees who maintain an excellent attendance record.

Flexible Spending Account The County offers regular employees two separate Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA's). These accounts allow employees to set money aside, on a pre-tax basis via payroll deduction, to pay for medical, dental or dependent care expenses.

Dependent Care Reimbursement Account Employees may set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified childcare or dependent care expenses that are necessary for the employee and/or spouse to continue working.

Medical Reimbursement Account The Medical Reimbursement Account allows pre-tax dollars to be set aside to pay for out-of-pocket expenses that are not paid by insurance or reimbursed by any other benefit plan.

Workers' Compensation In case of injury while on the job, each employee is protected under the Workers' Compensation laws of California.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT OUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: FAQs

Veteran's Preference Military veterans who have served during wartime shall be given preference in initial appointment to County service. Such preference shall apply, provided the veteran has first achieved a minimum passing score in the examination. The passing score of a veteran shall be annotated to indicate the veteran's score shall be regarded as 5 points or higher, OR 10 points higher for disabled veterans, only for the purpose of determining the three ranks along with which the veteran's name shall be certified. No score shall actually be changed and no new rank shall be created as a result of application of veteran's preference for certification purposes.

"Disabled Veteran" means any veteran who has served during wartime and, who, as of the final filing date for an examination is declared by the United States Veterans Administration or military service department to be 10% or more disabled as a result of his/her military service. Persons claiming eligibility for disabled veteran's preference must submit to the employment office, on or before the application deadline date, a certification from the United States Veterans Administration or a military service department, dated within 1 year, which certifies the present existence of a service related disability of 10% or more, or other acceptable proof of such disability as a result of his/her military service.

Persons claiming eligibility for veterans preference must submit a copy of Form DD 214 or other acceptable proof of veteran's status on or before the final filing date for the examination. For purpose of this rule "reserve" status does not constitute active duty.

Special Skill Qualifications (when Specified On The Job Announcement) Persons who have special skills required by some (but not all) positions in a class may be certified ahead of others provided that:

Such special skills are based on the duties and requirements of the positions and are in conformance with merit system and equal opportunity principles, and

The certification of eligibles who possess special skills have been approved by the Civil Service Commission.

01

I understand departments are under no obligation to interview or hire from a transfer list. I understand that all appointments and effective dates must be reviewed by the Department of Personnel Services (DPS). To qualify for the change requested, I must meet the Minimum Qualifications for the class requested. I understand I cannot be appointed until I have received approval from DPS. I certify that all the information provided on this application is true to the best of my knowledge.

Type your first and last name in the space provided below to verify that you have read and understand the above statements. This will serve as your electronic signature.

02

Are you a current County of Sacramento employee? If No, please cancel your application; your application will not be processed.

• Yes
• No

03

List your 7-digit Employee ID number as it appears on your County of Sacramento picture ID card or paycheck stub. If you are NOT a current County of Sacramento employee, are working through a temporary agency, or working at SETA, please cancel your application; your application will not be processed.

04

What is your Civil Service status in your current class?

• Permanent/Limited Term: An employee who has completed a probationary period.
• Probationary: The period of continuous service following appointment in which an employee's performance standards are evaluated.
• Provisional: The appointment of a qualified person to fill a position for which no appropriate re-employment or eligible list exists, pending an examination.

05

What is your California driver license number and class license type? If none, type "N/A".

06

Which kind of transfer are you requesting? Please read the options carefully before making your selection.

• Interdepartmental Transfer: A transfer in the same class from one County department to another.
• Interclass Transfer: A transfer from one job class to a different job class.NOTE: You must meet the minimum qualifications of the other job class in order to transfer.
• Voluntary Demotion: A transfer into a job class that pays less than 95% of your current class salary.
• Limited Term to Permanent transfer in the same job class

07

List the 5-digit Class Code and title of your current position.

08

List the 5-digit Class Code and title of the position to which you want to transfer.

09

Is the difference between the Max Monthly Salary of your current job class and the job class that you intend to transfer into less than 5%?

• Yes
• No

10

If you are requesting an Interclass Transfer, have you taken a Sacramento County test for the class to which you want to transfer?

• Yes
• No
• Not requesting Interclass Transfer

11

If you have taken a County of Sacramento test for the class to which you want to transfer, input below the date of the test. If you have not taken a County of Sacramento test, type "N/A".

12

Is this an ADA/ATL application?

• Yes
• No

13

ADA Coordinator (If Applicable)

Name Phone:

• Required Question