BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINICIAN I

The purpose of this position is to design, coordinate, and implement clinical care activities and develop strategies to determine the level of care for clients; and provide therapy for mental health, substance abuse, and/or developmentally disabled clients, including evaluating service needs.  In addition, this position will provide behavioral health therapy, clinical consultation, and perform diagnostic assessments of clients as well as provide behavioral health therapy, diagnose clients, and provide clinical consultation on more complex situations.  

• Completes clinical assessments of potential program participants; conducts intake processes and assessment interviews; schedules required screenings; obtains medical, mental health, demographic, drug and alcohol usage, and other program related information; evaluates participant's bio-psycho-social capabilities, risk, and treatability; responds to crisis situations during assessment process such as suicidal thoughts, medical or mental instability; and communicates with participants, family members, and legal representatives regarding assessment and screening results and program eligibility and requirements. 
• Performs other diagnostic assessments as assigned; administers developmental assessments and involuntary commitment evaluations; evaluates and documents client’s level of functioning; and provides in-home screenings and evaluations of clients as needed. 
• Develops treatment plans for program participants; reviews records and documentation; determines need for mental health, substance abuse, structured activities, or other treatment; discusses treatment plan recommendations with participant and case management team; reviews expectations; resolves concerns/problems pertaining to treatment plan; monitors treatment progress and compliance with program requirements; evaluates and recommends changes to plans as necessary; and maintains electronic clinical records and other reporting data for individuals. 
• Serves as a liaison between program participants and the court; maintains communication with participants; provides support and encouragement; identifies need for and provides appropriate intervention; ensures participant compliance with established treatment plan; alerts program team regarding concerns, problems, and compliance issues; and schedules random site visits, drug screens, or other monitoring activities. 
• Manages and coordinates mental health and related services; coordinates referrals to mental health and social service agencies based on need for housing, food, financial support, childcare, transportation, education, and/or crisis intervention; develops assessment tools, forms, and documents; participates in community outreach events; and provides program education and referrals.
• Participates on multidisciplinary team and provides clinical perspective and feedback regarding referrals and active participants to program team; collaborates with team members to evaluate participant progress; relays screening, mental health provider diagnosis, and other information to team; and maintains individual participant records.
• Performs grant research and writing; conducts research for program related grants; prepares grant applications and documentation within County and federal regulations; and maintains program statistical procedures and data tracking systems required for internal and external reporting necessary for grants. 
• Maintains a current, comprehensive knowledge and awareness of applicable laws, regulations, principles, and practices relating to court ordered clinical evaluations; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; and attends meetings, workshops, hearings, and training sessions as required. 
• Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes, and per established procedures; receives and reviews various documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards, or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.
• Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review, or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions. 
• Communicates with supervisor, other County employees, court officials, attorneys, mental health care providers, doctors, clients, third party service contractors, the public, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Education and Experience:

Requires a Master’s Degree in Psychology, Counseling, or related field; and three (3) years of related experience providing mental health services and evaluations, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses or Certifications:

Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license. Must have a State of Georgia License as a professional counselor, clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, psychologist, psychiatric nurse, rehabilitation counselor, or Certification in Special Education.  

Special Requirements: 

None.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of local government operations, behavioral health related programs, policies and plans, and modern office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other similar programs.
• Skill in the use of computers and software applications related to the essential functions of the job. 
• Skill in effective communication, both verbally and in writing. 
• Ability to meet and deal with employees and the public in an effective and courteous manner.
• Ability to get along with others and work effectively with the public and co-workers.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evening meetings.
• Ability to multi-task and work within deadlines.
• Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive matters.
• Ability to work with and process payments for accounts within the budget and department.  
• Ability to use computers for data entry, word processing, and accounting purposes. 
• Ability to operate a copying machine. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is light work which requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects. Requires mental acuity including the ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes, the ability to express ideas by means of the spoken word and have close visual acuity. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a relatively safe, and secure work environment. Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as traffic hazards, odors, animal/human bites, mentally unstable individuals, violence, disease, or rude/irate customers.

Henry County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions described in this job description.  Henry County encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.  Henry County will comply with all applicable federal regulations and Henry County's insurance requirements governing workplace anti-drug and alcohol programs. Henry County employees shall be subject to the provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.