2932- Pretrial Senior Behavioral Health Clinician

About the role

The Senior Behavioral Health Clinician, under general direction, provides advanced clinical services and may supervise a team of behavioral health clinicians and related staff. This includes conducting complex assessments, leading treatment planning, overseeing staff interviews and evaluations, reviewing casework for quality and accuracy, and performing related duties. The role requires interpreting laws, policies, and procedures related to behavioral health; ensuring appropriate resource use; and maintaining contact with staff, clients, families, agencies, and community organizations. Work involves gathering and verifying detailed clinical and confidential information, may include moderate physical effort, and exposure to crisis situations with individuals in serious distress.

Cross-divisional collaboration

Incumbents in this role assist the Reentry and Violence Response service units in addition to core duties in the Restorative and Prevention Services Division. Collaboration across Pretrial, Reentry, and Violence Response divisions strengthens continuity of care, reduces system involvement, and enhances long-term client outcomes.

Supervision exercised

May supervise behavioral health clinicians, psychiatric social workers, and auxiliary staff.

Responsibilities

• Supervise behavioral health clinicians and auxiliary staff; conduct interviews, assessments, and diagnostic evaluations for complex and high-needs cases.
• Oversee eligibility determinations for behavioral health services; evaluate referral information, client motivation, and psychosocial factors; gather developmental, family, and behavioral histories.
• Analyze interview findings and assessment data; determine case disposition, including referral for further evaluation or connection to community services; complete intake documentation and case records.
• Provide ongoing individual clinical treatment using intensive casework and therapeutic techniques; monitor client safety and risk, especially in cases involving suicidal or homicidal concerns.
• Offer crisis counseling and intervention for clients experiencing severe emotional, economic, or personal stressors; facilitate referrals or hospitalizations based on assessed needs.
• Conduct group psychotherapy and lead therapeutic group sessions; observe and evaluate emotional and behavioral changes; set and adjust treatment goals.
• Maintain accurate clinical records including assessments, progress notes, case summaries, and documentation to coordinate care across providers.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Knowledge of: clinical assessment and diagnosis; therapeutic treatment methods; crisis intervention strategies; psychosocial evaluation; legal and policy frameworks governing behavioral health and pretrial service systems.
• Ability to: develop thoughtful clinical plans; communicate effectively and establish cooperative working relationships; work effectively with individuals experiencing significant behavioral health challenges; provide supportive guidance in complex problem-solving situations.

Qualifications

Experience: Two (2) years of verifiable experience as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).

License and certification (any one):

• Valid license as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), issued by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS); OR
• Valid license as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), issued by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS); OR
• Valid license as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), issued by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS).

Verification: Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. Falsifying education, training, or work experience may result in disqualification. All information substantiating minimum qualifications must be included on the application by the filing deadline; resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Selection procedures

The selection process includes evaluation of applications against minimum requirements. Meeting minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement to interview. Depending on applicant volume, additional screening mechanisms may be used to compare qualifications, and only those most closely matching department needs will be invited to the next stage.

Benefits

The City offers robust health, retirement, and other benefits. This position is represented by the International Federation of Professional & Technical Engineers, Local 21.