Mental Health Vocational Counselor I, Concord, California

The Position

*** Open Until Position is Filled***

This recruitment may close at any time, qualified candidates are encouraged to apply immediately.

Do you have a vision for encouraging the Contra Costa County community towards self-sufficiency and improved quality of life? Contra Costa Behavioral Health Services is offering an excellent employment opportunity as a Mental Health Vocational Counselor I. This position is assigned to the Adult Vocational Services unit located in Concord, CA.

Behavioral Health Services provides specialty mental health (SMHS) and drug medical-organized delivery system (DMC-ODS) services and programs to children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and older adults of Contra Costa County. The Mental Health Vocational Counselor I is responsible for assisting mental health consumers in obtaining and retaining employment and career advancement. In addition, the counselor will assess vocational readiness and refer mental health consumers to appropriate job opportunities, coordinate and provide training and assistance in job search skills, and guide consumers about supplemental security income and other available benefits.

We are looking for someone who is:

• able to establish rapport and provide guidance to our consumer population.
• able to engage consumers and assist them with achieving their vocational goals.
• capable of working effectively both independently and as a team member.
• skilled at communicating clearly and compassionately, both orally and in writing.
• adept at establishing and maintaining accurate records and files.

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Assessing the level of vocational readiness of mental health consumers and referring them to appropriate vocational resources
• Monitoring and tracking consumer progress through the vocational process
• Participating in meetings, at least once a month, to coordinate services for consumers
• Reviewing and reporting the impact of consumer benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Entering necessary information into an online database
• Preparing notes and monthly reports regarding consumer's vocational progress

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You will have stability and a role that aids in your career growth.
• Your guidance will be used to improve the lives of the diverse, marginalized community that we serve.
• You will be part of a program that assists consumers with their goals from start to finish, which allows one to see the end result of one's efforts.
• You will be working with a team of people who are dedicated and have a passion for their work, focusing on our common mission and goals to serve our community.

A few challenges you might face in this job :

• You will need to keep consumers motivated and engaged as they move through the vocational process.
• You will be facilitating services between more than one agency.
• You will need to adapt your own personal techniques to a diversified population served.

Competencies Required:

• Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Decision Making: Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner
• Influencing: Affecting or changing others' positions and opinions
• Informing: Proactively obtaining and sharing information
• Listening: Fully comprehending spoken communication
• Reading Comprehension: Understanding and using written information
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
• Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectations of customers
• Interpersonal Savvy: Considering and responding appropriately to the needs and feelings of others in different situations

Read the complete job description by clicking this link.

The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for six months.

Minimum Qualifications
License Required: Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Out of State valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License will be accepted during the application process.

Education: Possession of a Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or a closely related field from an accredited college or university; or proof of eligibility to sit for the examination for certification by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.

Experience: One (1) year of full-time, or its equivalent, experience providing vocational services specific to clients with psychiatric disabilities.

Selection Process

1. Application Filing and Evaluation: Applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.
2. Behavioral Consistency Questionnaire: Candidates who possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to respond to a series of writing prompts. The assessment will measure candidates' competencies as they relate to the job. These may include but are not limited to: Reading Comprehension, Professional Integrity & Ethics, Writing, Building & Maintaining Relationships, Customer Focus, and Interpersonal Savvy. Candidates must achieve a passing score on each of the competencies to pass the overall assessment and be placed on the eligible list. (Weight 100%).

TENTATIVE DATES

Behavioral Consistency Questionnaire: Week of July 18, 2022

The examination steps noted above may be changed in accordance with the County's Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

For recruitment questions, please contact Jenny Nguyen at jenny.d.nguyen@cchealth.org. For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs' applicant support team for assistance at +1 855-524-5627.

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements

As of August 24, 2021, Contra Costa County enacted a mandatory COVID-19 vaccine requirement for employees. Proof of full vaccination or approved exemption is required of all employees, including new hires. The policy requirements can be found here: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/72164

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.