COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA
Established Date: Apr 1, 2004
Revision Date: Oct 1, 2006

DEFINITION:

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Class specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Under supervision, assists mental health consumers in obtaining and retaining employment and career advancement leading to self-sufficiency; coordinates and provides training and assistance in job search skills; screens and refers consumers for available job opportunities; assists in determining vocational rehabilitation potential for mental health clients; and performs related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Positions in this classification are located in the Health Services Department, Mental Health Division. Mental Health Vocational Counselor I – Project is distinguished from Mental Health Vocational Counselor II – Project in that the latter represents the certified, experienced level of the class.

Supervision of this classification is provided by the Mental Health Vocational Services Coordinator – Project.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

License Required: Possession of a valid driver’s license.

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 the equivalent of full-time) experience providing vocational services specific to clients with psychiatric disabilities.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Advanced principles and methods of mental health and vocational rehabilitation services
• Vocational rehabilitative programs and community support models
• The various ethnic, regional and socio-economic groups which make up the mental health consumer population
• Planning and directing rehabilitation services suited to individuals
• Vocational opportunities suitable for adults with mental disabilities and the availability and use of rehabilitation facilities
• Sources and use of psychiatric and medical care services
• Social and psychological problems of persons with disabilities
• Standardized tests used in vocational guidance
• Basic medical and psychiatric conditions in relation to the rehabilitation process
• Benefits available to the mentally disabled community, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Laws affecting individuals with disabilities

Ability to:

• Assess the vocational readiness of mental health consumers
• Maximize and emphasize placement and career advancement of mental health consumers
• Identify and assess employability factors and assist clients in removing barriers to employment
• Interview, counsel and maintain rapport with mental health consumers
• Work cooperatively with co-workers, other agency staff, employers, community and educational organizations, employees and the general public
• Prepare clear and concise reports and correspondence
• Work effectively with a multi-cultural population with diverse backgrounds and needs
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other professionals and to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Maintain accurate records

TYPICAL TASKS:

• Assesses the level of vocational readiness of mental health consumers and refers to appropriate vocational resources
• Monitors client progress with Mental Health program staff and community-based employment providers
• Maintains/monitors a data base that tracks current employment status and/or pre-vocational status of County Mental Health consumers
• Coordinates with County Mental Health offices, using knowledge of county services for persons with psychiatric disabilities
• Counsels clients regarding Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and other benefits available to the mentally disabled community
• Attends training related to vocational rehabilitation of mental health clients
• Acts as resource person when consumers’ progress is impaired and he/she needs assistance
• Reports client data to Vocational Services Coordinator and to Department of Rehabilitation Counselor job developer and maintains coordination with consumer mental health and vocational programs
• Attends meetings with County and community mental health staff to promote vocational programs
• Prepares reports and correspondence
• Performs other related duties as required