Transfer- Mental Health Counselor

Class Code 28146: Mental Health Counselor

Transfer job postings are for County of Sacramento employees only.
In order to be qualified for a transfer:
1. You must meet the Minimum Qualifications of the new job.
2. 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 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.

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

• 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

Minimum Qualifications

Either: 1. A Masters 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 masters 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.

1. 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.

2. 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:
1. Duties require exposure to patients who may be hostile violent mentally ill and/or who may have infectious diseases.

2. 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.

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 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 inbox.