Crisis Counselor Extra Help

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other related duties may be required and assigned.

• Evaluates and assesses individuals with acute/severe problems related to substance abuse, mental or emotional problems; clients may be suicidal, depressed, psychotic and/or potentially violent.
• Works with client's family to assist them in understanding and dealing with the client's problems.
• Maintains various data used in the generation of reports; utilizes a computer to enter, store, and retrieve data; compiles and produces narrative reports; composes routine correspondence; disseminates information to others; reviews data to ensure accuracy; forwards data to applicable personnel.
• Evaluates clients placed on 72-hour hold and makes recommendations to the medical staff regarding release or detainment.
• Attends meetings, seminars and training sessions as required.
• Develops and implements specialized individual plans for clients to assist in identifying, minimizing or resolving problems and to ensure safety.
• Develops lines of communication between the County and the community by explaining programs; provides information and advice to law enforcement agencies, community organizations and the general public.
• Consults with mental health and other medical professionals, supervisors, and other staff regarding the status and disposition of clients.
• Monitors individual behavior and progress to ensure the disposition and referrals are appropriate; reports and documents observations of client behavior and progress.
• Counsels and advises individuals, in person and by telephone, who are experiencing acute emotional or mental crisis.
• Makes client referrals to community agencies; determines whether individuals meet involuntary detention standards; may place clients on 72-hour hold documenting and following the specific Welfare and Institutions Code 5150 criteria.

• Answers the telephone, provides information, takes messages, and/or directs calls as appropriate.
• Assists in training other staff members as assigned.
• Provides transportation for clients to outside facilities as needed.

Knowledge of: Methods and techniques of individual, group and family counseling; crisis intervention principles, methods and techniques; available community resources and sources of referral; effects of alcohol and drugs; knowledge of psychiatric disorders; laws and regulations affecting the detention, counseling or referral of clients; methods and types of short term coping skills; principles and practices of supporting individuals in crisis or dangerous situations.

Ability to: Assess and evaluate withdrawn, agitated, upset or threatening individuals; develop and implement specialized individual plans for clients; maintain confidentiality of patient/client information; establish and maintain effective interpersonal relations with clients, the general public and personnel at all organizational levels; work as a team member; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; maintain accurate records; work variable hours including holidays and weekends; maintain accurate records of client activity and progress; and utilize various software programs relevant to the position.

Education and Experience: Training and experience equivalent to completion of core college course work (bachelor's degree) from an accredited college or university in counseling, psychology or a closely related field and one year of related experience; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.

Essential Duties require the following physical skills and work requirements:
Ability to maintain mental capacity, which allows the capability to exercise sound judgment and rational thinking under varied circumstances; think and act quickly in emergencies; effectively deal with personal danger; requires the ability to exert physical effort in an emergency as well as sedentary to light work involving moving from one area of the office to another; ability to maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception required for making observation and judgment regarding client behavior; ability to hear and communicate orally; requires sufficient hand/eye coordination to perform semi-skilled repetitive movements, such as typing, data entry or use of other office equipment or supplies; ability to operate a motor vehicle.

License or Certificate: Must possess and maintain an appropriate, valid driver's license.

Recruitment Process
The recruitment process for this position includes completing an application. Sutter County reserves the right to require medical documentation concerning the need for accommodation. Offers of employment are contingent upon investigation of employment history, references, drug testing, medical review/exam and fingerprinting in addition to other appropriate requirements of the position.

Sutter County offers a generous benefits package to regular full-time and part-time (over 20 hrs/wk) employees. Extra Help Employees are not eligible for the following benefits.

• Vacation: 11 days a year up to five years of service; 15 days at five years; 17 days at ten years; 20 days at fifteen years.
• County-Paid Term Life Insurance: up to $150,000 for employee and up to $5,000 for dependents;
• Holidays: Fourteen (14) paid holidays per year;
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Supplemental Life Insurance: The County offers three PPO Health Plans, two Kaiser Health Plans and one High Deductible Health Plan. The County pays 100% of the premium for the High Deductible Health Plan for employee plus family, and contributes 25% of annual IRS max to a Health Care Savings Account;
• Paid Sick Leave: Twelve (12) days per year accrued;