Client Support Specialist - Time-Limited



Client Support Specialist - Time-Limited

Salary

$47,398.50 - $57,604.51 Annually

Location

Santa Rosa, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

22/06-2466-TL

Department

Department of Health Services (DHS)

Opening Date

06/10/2022

Closing Date

6/30/2022 11:59 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

25

Position Information

Are you passionate about assisting people in need? 
Join the Department of Health Services' Behavioral Health Division
as a Client Support Specialist!

Starting salary up to $26.87/hour ($57,604/year), a cash allowance of $600/month, and a competitive total compensation package!* 
 
As a member of a multi-disciplinary team, Client Support Specialists (CSSs) provide a variety of supportive services to clients in the Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU). These positions engage with clients staying at the CSU and monitor and supervise clients to help ensure client and staff safety, while creating opportunities for therapeutic interactions via peer support services. Additionally, CSSs relieve nursing and clinician staff of duties that are not consistent with their level of expertise and licensing. Other responsibilities include transporting clients to appointments, picking up medications from pharmacies, and supervising clients on walks outside the facility.

The ideal candidates will possess lived experience relatable to the services that we provide (or relatable to the population/clients that we serve). Additional characteristics will include:
  • Experience providing peer support services in a mental health setting 
  • Knowledge of the provision of peer services, trauma-informed, recovery-oriented care and harm reduction strategies 
  • A thorough understanding of the ethics and boundaries involved with the provision of peer support services
  • Strong problem-solving abilities and sound judgment
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills
  • The ability to quickly build trust and repertoire with clients 
  • The ability to maintain a calm, professional demeanor during stressful situations
  • Peer Support training and/or Certification 
  • Bilingual Spanish-speaking skills are desirable, but not a requirement
The County of Sonoma Department of Health Services is recruiting to fill two time-limited Client Support Specialist positions in the Behavioral Health Division that are currently funded through February 2, 2026.

Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:
 
  • Eligibility for a salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
  • Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
  • County paid 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
  • An annual Staff Development/Wellness Benefit allowance of up to $500/650 etc. and ongoing education/training opportunities
  • County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
  • Retirement fully integrated with Social Security
  • May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment
This recruitment is being conducted to fill one current full-time position in the Department of Health Services. This employment list may also be used to fill full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.  

*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

An Associate of Arts degree with major course work in community mental health, psychology, sociology, or other related field. Experience as a Client Support Assistant, or the equivalent, may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
AND
One year experience working as the equivalent of a Client Support Assistant, or one year of paid experience working with adults diagnosed with a serious and persistent mental illness, or children with a serious emotional disturbance that would provide basic understanding of the needs of mental health services programs.

Driver’s License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including necessary special endorsements, as required by the State of California to perform the essential job functions of the position.

Special Qualifications: Some positions may require the ability to fluently speak and write a language other than English.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Working Knowledge of: Community resources and services available to program clients; techniques of rehabilitation; client legal rights; interviewing techniques, charting and case management documentation; and the use of electronic information equipment and specific systems as used within the department.

Ability to: Develop and maintain the trust and cooperation of clients, their families and other significant care providers; interpret and apply County mental health program policies and procedures; analyze a client situation accurately and adopt an effective course of action; work with clients to resolve conflicts with other staff, care providers or family members; work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team; understand the legal mandates governing the storage of client records and information and the rights of the client to confidentiality; understand and apply the principles and techniques of case management and rehabilitative interventions with clients; coordinate the delivery of mental health services; apply basic interviewing techniques; facilitate group sessions; coordinate the delivery of mental health services; communicate effectively with persons from a variety of social, cultural, and economic backgrounds; evaluate situations and adopt effective courses of action to prevent a crisis; speak and write in at a level necessary to fulfill the job requirements; read, understand, and apply regulations and procedures governing mental health programs.

Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying

  • Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
  • You should list all your employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application and should be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
  • You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.  
  • Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.
Please visit Getting a Job with the County of Sonoma to review more detailed information about the application, examination, and department selection processes.
 
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.
      
The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:
 
An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination(weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions.
Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination. Scores may be adjusted based on such factors as number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidate 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A background investigation is required prior to employment.  Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation.  Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy.  Reference information will not be made available to applicants.

Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position.  If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer are contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION – Positions that are assigned to one or more facilities with a COVID-19 and/or influenza vaccine mandate pursuant to the California Department of Public Health must meet all vaccination requirements. Documented proof of vaccination(s) will be required. 

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are accepted on-line at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org. Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.

The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.  

HR Analyst: DP
HR Technician: KC

IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.

COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: GENERAL*

These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:
 
Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.
 
Health Plan: Choice of five health plans (a PPO, EPO, HMO, and two deductible HMOs) with a County contribution toward the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit. For specific details, please refer to the applicable MOU). A County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement is available for some bargaining units.

Cash Allowance: In addition to monthly salary, a cash allowance of approximately $600 per month.

Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit https://scretire.org/active-/-deferred/when-you-are-hired.
 
IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
 
Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.

Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.

For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources/divisions-and-units/employee-relations/labor-agreements-and-salary-resolution. For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at benefits@sonoma-county.org or (707) 565-2900.

*IMPORTANT NOTES: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.

01
How did you first learn about this opportunity?
  • CalJobs
  • Careers in Government
  • College or University
  • Craigslist
  • DiversityJobs
  • Employee of Sonoma County
  • Facebook
  • Glassdoor
  • Google Jobs
  • GovernmentJobs.com
  • Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Sonoma County
  • Indeed
  • Instagram
  • Job Fair
  • La Voz
  • Latino Service Providers
  • LinkedIn
  • Los Cien
  • Minority Organization or Group
  • Press Democrat
  • sonoma-county.org/www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org
  • Sonoma County Human Resources Office
  • Sonoma County Job Line
  • Start Here!
  • Twitter
  • Veterans Services Office
  • Women's Organization or Group
  • Workplace Diversity
  • Other Internet Site
  • Other Publication
02
This eligible list may be used for future bilingual (English/Spanish) positions. Please indicate if you are interested in bilingual positions, and your level of proficiency.
  • Yes, I have basic (conversational) English/Spanish bilingual skills
  • Yes, I have fluent (reading, writing, and conversational) English/Spanish bilingual skills
  • No, I do not have English/Spanish bilingual skills, and/or I do not wish to be considered for a bilingual position
03
Please indicate if you would also be interested in future part-time or extra-help (temporary, intermittent, or seasonal employment) positions should they become available. Check all that apply.
  • I would also like to be considered for future part-time positions
  • I would also like to be considered for future extra-help positions
  • I am only interested in full-time positions
04
This position is responsible for and required to drive County vehicles. Do you possess a valid current California Class C or higher driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No
05
Please describe your academic coursework and training in community mental health, psychology, sociology, or a closely related field. List courses completed, any degrees earned, and highlight peer support services training.
06
Please describe your work experience with adults or children diagnosed with a serious and persistent mental illness or serious emotional disturbances, and include any experience you have transporting clients.

For each position described, please include:

  • Job title
  • Your role and responsibilities
  • Employer's name
  • Employment dates (mm/yr to mm/yr)
  • If applicable, also detail the number of clients you had to transport, the distances, and the type of activities or appointments for which you transported them.
07
Please describe your work-related experience diffusing stressful situations and/or interacting with individuals to resolve conflicts.

Required Question

Agency
County of Sonoma (CA)
Address
575 Administration Drive, Suite 116B

Santa Rosa, California, 95403
Phone
(707) 565-2331