COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH AIDE

Paid holidays, excellent benefits, and CalPERS retirement!

The County of Santa Cruz is seeking a Community Mental Health Aide. Do you want to make a difference in your community? Do you like helping people? Read on.

The Enhanced Care Management Program (ECM) works directly with clients, providing practical assistance, reinforcement, and community connections for day-to-day well-being. The Community Mental Health Aide job is like a Community Health Worker (CHW). Examples of job activities include reminding clients about important medical appointments and helping them arrange transportation; connecting clients to community resources; assisting clients with benefit applications; provide in-person support to reinforce coping skills. This position work in a team with Lead Case Managers to support client-centered care plans. The ECM program serves individuals with complex needs including those experiencing homelessness, behavioral health issues, substance use disorders, and chronic health conditions. The ideal candidate would have some experience in social services or other helping profession; some knowledge about accessing community resources; understanding of and willingness to work in the field (non-office setting); excellent communication skills; ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with clients and coworkers.

The second position is with the Medication Assisted Treatment Program at our health centers and street medicine team. This position will be responsible for serving patients in the field primarily. The ideal candidate will be a person with lived experience, able to build rapport quickly and work with some of the most stigmatized and marginalized populations. Candidates are encouraged to apply that are registered as a SUD counselor or certified SUD counselor.

One year of non-professional experience in a mental health program or facility which involved direct client or patient contact. Substitution: The equivalent of 15 semester units of college credit in a behavioral science, social science or a closely related field may be substituted for up to six months of the required experience.

Special Requirements/Conditions: License Requirement: Possession and maintenance of a valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to provide suitable transportation that is approved by the appointing authority, is required for some positions. Background Investigation: Fingerprinting is required. Special Working Conditions: Exposure to: All assignments: Exposure to offensive odors such as unwashed people and clothes, human and animal feces; the possibility of infections which may cause chronic disease or death; hostile or violent individuals; and may be exposed to cigarette smoke. Juvenile Hall and Acute/Emergency Services assignments: Exposure to noise, such as people yelling. Children’s Service assignment: Exposure to disturbing material, such as photos of abused children; allergens such as poison oak, insect stings or bites, and pollens. Some positions may require lifting objects such as boxes of belongings weighing up to fifty pounds. Note: Persons in this classification may be assigned to positions with any of the above working conditions on an emergency, as needed basis. Other Special Requirements: Work situations may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Live, work, and play in beautiful Santa Cruz County!

For more information and to apply go to: www.santacruzcountyjobs.com