Community Health Services Specialist I

The current vacancy is with Social Services in Ukiah.

The list developed from this recruitment will be used for a limited period to fill open and promotional, regular full-time, and part-time positions in a variety of departments, service areas, and locations throughout the County, should they occur. Pursuant to current bargaining unit agreements, employees regularly assigned to the coastal region or in Covelo are eligible to receive a 5% assignment premium.  

Under direct supervision at the entry level and general supervision at the journey level, performs a variety of paraprofessional functions in support of social services, mental and public health professionals; serves as a vital link between communities and clients to improve family functioning, health, children and adult services; relieves professional staff of the more routine duties; performs ongoing assessment and case management; provides direct training and/or counseling for clients on a variety of issues; performs related duties as assigned.

Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged to apply. Se buscan personas bilingües en inglés y español. Para recibir una solicitud en español, llame a Recursos Humanos al 234-6600.

• Perform or assist with case management and coordinate services for clients including referrals to necessary medical, educational, social, preventative, and vocational rehabilitation services.
• Act as a liaison between staff and families by helping families set up appointments for a variety of social and health services and providing interpretation services between families and staff; calls to continue follow-up plans recommended by staff.
• Provide outreach services; engage clients in enrolling in health and social service programs; provide information on community resources, referrals; link clients to agencies and providers, and other community networks.
• Make appropriate referrals to community resources after assessing client needs and following up to assess progress; advocates and collaborates with local agencies with the purpose to speed up process for obtaining services. Ensure information for services provided, payment methodology, benefits, etc. is related to clients and determines eligibility. Determine client needs as appropriate.
• Coordinate and conduct routine home visits in order to assess families in crisis and determines appropriate intervention/referrals; provide parenting and/or household management skills training, etc.
• Update client demographic/financial information as necessary; advocate on behalf of clients; monitor service delivery and presents client assessments to professional staff.
• Translate / interpret information as necessary; serve as an outreach worker in contacts with the non-English speaking community.
• Process and complete applicable forms; perform telephone or in-person intake interviews; prepare and mail letters of reminder; schedule client appointments; answer questions; maintain applicable client records.
• Track and report grant expenditures for residential treatment, working with counselors and treatment providers, assist clients in finding suitable residential treatment programs; monitor certificate compliance, maintain resource catalog and daily bed assessments.
• May monitor service delivery and report on individual client's progress.
• May supervise visits between parents and children and/or provides occasional/emergency child care services.
• May arrange and/or provide transportation services to and from appointments related to service programs.
• May write chart notes in accordance with professional standards, state regulations and department protocol, and ensure proper filing either by filing or by providing to proper staff for filing.
• Take part in various group meetings and program planning meetings by participating/leading discussions, retrieving and returning files, copying educational materials, tracking attendance, etc.
• Provide clerical support for department such as backup receptionist or other positions; answers all incoming telephone calls and greets visitors and the general public; provides customer service and support; direct individuals to the appropriate area or assists them by providing applications, collecting and receipting money, or answering questions. Enter and retrieves a variety of complex information into a computer terminal. Collects educational materials and maintains public information bulletin boards. Order office supplies to maintain sufficient inventory for office use. Assist in training other staff members.
• Perform special assignments as requested to include research and preparing reports and projects.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Applicable state, federal and local ordinances, laws, rules and regulations.
• Resources, community agencies and health care and other services.
• Needs, problems, and barriers to health care for low-income and minority populations.
• Process of application for Medi-Cal and other health care coverage.
• Modern methods, techniques and procedures used in the provision of mental/public health and social services.
• Various general therapeutic methods and psychological theory.
• Interviewing techniques.
• Computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential functions of the job.
• Office procedures including filing, record keeping and scheduling of appointments.

• Performing case management.
• Understanding and accepting differences in human behavior resulting from cultural, economic, or other forms of deprivation.
• Organizing work, setting priorities and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
• Developing a rapport with clients that assures client's trust.
• Assessing client needs.
• Communicating clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.

• Read and understand medical records and charts as necessary.  Including medical histories, current medical or emotional conditions, prescription instructions, etc.
• Analyze and evaluate situations and adopt effective courses of action.
• Speak effectively and respond to questions, tailoring the message to the intended audience.
• Maintain confidential information.
• Understand and carry out written and oral instructions, giving close attention to detail and accuracy.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Safely operate a motor vehicle.
• While performing the essential functions of this position, the employee is required to regularly speak and listen.
• While performing the essential functions of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and use fingers and hands, handle and/or feel objects, tools and/or controls, sit and reach with hands and arms.
• While performing the essential functions of this position, the employee is required to frequently lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Important Application Information:

• It is your responsibility to demonstrate through your application materials how you meet the minimum qualifications of the position/s for which you apply. 
• You must complete all sections of the application.  A résumé or other information you feel will help us evaluate your qualifications may be attached to your completed application, but will not be accepted in lieu of completing any part of the application.  Blank applications that contain only a résumé or those that reference “see résumé” will be rejected as incomplete.
• Check your application before submitting to ensure it is complete and correct; no new or additional information will be accepted after the closing date.
• Inquiry will be made of your former and current employers; please provide the names and telephone numbers of supervisors on your application. 
• You must provide the names and contact information of at least three (3) references (not relatives) that have knowledge of your job skills, experience, ability and/or character. 
• Application materials are the property of Mendocino County and will not be returned.
• It is your responsibility to keep your NEOGOV profile updated, including any changes to your telephone number or address. Failure to do so may result in missed notification of exams or interviews.
• The exam process listed on this flyer is tentative. Mendocino County reserves the right to make necessary modifications to the examination plan. Such revisions will be in accordance with approved personnel standards.  Should a change be made, applicants will be notified.
• The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

Examination Process: All complete applications will be reviewed; incomplete applications will not be considered. Based on the number of qualified candidates, applicants meeting the job requirements and qualifications will be invited to participate in an oral examination (weight 100) or an unassembled exam, consisting of an evaluation of education and experience as stated on the application form. The examination process will test the knowledge and abilities described above. A minimum score of 70 must be attained for placement on the employment list. 

Special Testing: If you require special testing arrangements to accommodate a disability or religious conviction you must contact Human Resources at 707.234.6600 prior to the test date to make your requirements known.  You must provide enough advance notice to allow Human Resources to properly review and evaluate your request. 

Special Requirements: Employment in some County departments or positions may require the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background, which may include fingerprinting, and/or a medical examination, which may include drug screening.

This announcement is a synopsis of duties and requirements of this job. To review the complete classification specification and benefits, please see the HR website. Applications must be submitted to the Human Resources Department by the final filing date.   

Salary : $42,515 - $51,667