Licensed Crisis Stabilization Unit Counselor

Job Description:

Licensed Crisis Stabilization Unit Counselor

Description

Position Information

Join the Department of Health Services (DHS) as a Licensed Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) Counselor.
Support people at their most vulnerable moments with compassion, professionalism, and purpose.

Starting salary up to $59.70/hour ($124,601/year), a competitive total compensation package* PLUS a $15,000 Signing Bonus**!

In addition, we offer facility assignment premiums and shift differential pay:

Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) Facility Assignment Premium: Employees assigned to the CSU will receive a 5% facility assignment premium for all hours worked in the unit. This premium recognizes the critical nature of the work, particularly when directly engaging with individuals in acute psychiatric crises. * Please note that the facility assignment premium is subject to change through the standard labor negotiation process.

Shift Differential Pay: Employees working during evening and night shifts are eligible for additional compensation.

• Evening Zone (2:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.): 5% premium of the base hourly rate for each eligible hour worked.
• Night Zone (10:00 p.m. - end of assigned shift): 10% premium of the base hourly rate for each eligible hour worked.

The Licensed Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) Counselor is a professional-level, licensed position. To qualify for this role, you must possess one of the following valid, current licenses issued by the State of California Board of Behavioral Science Examiners or Board of Medical Quality Assurance, Psychology Examining Committee:

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker license
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist license
• Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor license
• Possession of a valid, current license as a Psychologist
• Possession of a successor licensure recognized as equivalent by the State of California

Note: These positions may also be filled by a Registered CSU Counselor , for which there is a separate, concurrent recruitment. If you wish to be considered for the Registered CSU Counselor opening, please apply for that recruitment.

About the Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU)

Our CSU is a dynamic, supportive environment designed to provide immediate, compassionate care to individuals experiencing acute psychiatric crises. The facility is equipped with specialized resources and staffed by a team of dedicated professionals committed to offering high-quality care in a safe and calming space. To ensure the safety of all individuals, the CSU is a locked facility with 24/7 security onsite.

At the CSU, we stabilize individuals in crisis while ensuring their dignity and well-being are maintained throughout their stay. This facility plays a vital role in the community, and those working here directly contribute to improving the lives of those in need during some of their most challenging moments.

Take a look inside and see firsthand how our team is making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

About the Position

At the DHS 24/7 Crisis Stabilization Unit , we provide immediate, trauma-informed support to individuals experiencing a mental health or behavioral health crisis. We understand this is deeply human work. That’s why we’re looking for someone who can offer clinical skill, is calm under pressure, and has genuine empathy, especially during the night shifts when care is most crucial.

Licensed Crisis Stabilization Unit Counselors in the Behavioral Health Division provide recovery-oriented behavioral health interventions and services to adults, families, and children. These services include case management, crisis intervention, outreach, and other related support. They work closely with external agencies to ensure excellent services and follow-up support for their clients. This position requires flexibility, as the CSU operates around the clock. The primary need is for night shift coverage, including weekends and holidays. Responsibilities include:

• Conducting clinical and risk assessments and gathering collateral information to support informed decision-making
• Writing involuntary psychiatric holds (as needed) and connecting individuals with appropriate services
• Providing short-term therapeutic services to provide stabilization services to individuals and families
• Partnering with law enforcement and other community members in delivering high-quality crisis services
• Coordinating with hospitals and placement resources for psychiatric admissions when needed
• Creating and maintaining accurate and timely clinical documentation
• Providing follow-up care, reassessing clients for discharge, and collaboratively developing safety plans
• Working independently while knowing when to seek consultation from supervisory or clinical leads

The most qualified Licensed CSU Counselor candidates are committed and passionate about offering client-centered, recovery-oriented, trauma-informed services. In addition, they will possess many of the following:

• A collaborative spirit and the ability to work within a multidisciplinary team
• The capacity to manage competing priorities and recognize when to seek guidance or support
• Keen attention to detail and high standard of clinical accuracy
• The ability to remain calm, focused, and responsive in high-stress or crises
• A strong recovery-oriented approach grounded in empathy and client empowerment
• Direct experience working with individuals experiencing substance use and/or mental health challenges
• Knowledge of local community-based behavioral health services and supports
• Proficiency with, or a willingness to learn, electronic health records and Microsoft Office applications
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage compassionately and effectively with clients, families, and professional partners
• Well-developed time management, clinical writing, and problem-solving skills
• Bilingual abilities are desired, but not required

Interview and Referral Process

To be considered for the first round of interviews, applicants must submit their completed application by May 30, 2025.

First-round interviews will be conducted in person on June 6, 2025. As part of the interview process, candidates will receive a guided tour of the CSU facility-either immediately before or after their interview-to provide greater insight into the work environment.

Weekly referralswill continue onTuesdaysfollowing the initial deadline.

What We Offer
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:

• **Hiring Incentives (New Full-Time and Part-Time Hires, Prorated Based on FTE) - The Department of Health Services is currently offering a $15,000 signing bonus paid over three installments during the first two years of service
• Salary Advancement - 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
• Paid Time Off- Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals and 12 paid holidays
• County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
• Staff Development/Wellness Pay - Annual benefit allowances of up to $850 and ongoing education/training opportunities
• Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
• Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
• Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
• Student Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education

*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Engineers and Scientists of California Union Local 20 Memorandum of Understanding (ESC MOU) and our Employee Benefits directory.

Please note : Effective January 1, 2017, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs) must obtain written confirmation from the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) stating that they meet the requirements to assess and treat couples and families prior to assessing or treating a couple or family client. If you are an LPCC, be sure to answer the corresponding supplemental question and attach your written confirmation from the BBS to your application materials.

The employment list established from this recruitment may also fill other full-time, part-time, and extra-help positions that may occur during the active status of the employment list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment. The Civil Service title is Behavioral Health Clinician.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience: Any combination of education, training, and experience which would likely provide the knowledge and abilities listed herein. Normally, this would include a Master's Degree or higher in social work, counseling, psychology, or a related field from an accredited college or university; some post-license experience in Behavioral Health is desirable.

Special Requirement: Possession of either a valid, current Licensed Clinical Social Worker license, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist license, OR Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor license, issued by the Board of Behavioral Science Examiners, State of California; OR possession of a valid, current license as a Psychologist issued by the State of California, Board of Medical Quality Assurance, Psychology Examining Committee, OR possession of a successor licensure recognized as equivalent by the State of California, is required prior to hire.

License: Possession of a valid driver’s license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Working knowledge of: principles and practices of individual, group and family psychodynamics as they relate to adults or children; psychological diagnostic methods and terminology; personality development from infancy through adulthood; current principles, techniques, and practices of psychiatric case work for adults or children; the human and health services systems in the community including private agencies and other community resources; methods used in individual, family, and group therapies for adults as inpatients, outpatients, and in day-treatment centers; psychosocial aspects and characteristics of mental and emotional disorders, terminology, and medications; principles of mental health education, client and community advocacy, and systems theory; principles of crisis intervention; needs, problems, and attitudes of mentally disturbed, socially and economically disadvantaged people, and minorities; client’s legal rights; principles and techniques of clinical supervision.

Ability to: diagnose and treat either adults or children/adolescents with various mental disabilities ranging from dysfunctional behavior to victims of sexual or physical abuse; set realistic treatment goals and facilitate their attainment; evaluate clients’ degree of mental disability or emotional distress; provide therapy services to adults or children individually and in groups; effectively communicate with mentally ill individuals to gather psychosocial histories and to provide therapeutic assistance to chronic, sub-acute, acute and difficult clients; develop and maintain the confidence and cooperation of mentally and emotionally disturbed clients to secure pertinent information and to effectively deliver mental health services; work effectively with a multicultural client and family population with diverse background and needs; establish and maintain effective working relationships on a multi-disciplinary team with peers, supervisors, clients, their families, other agencies, their staffs, and others who have an interest in mental health prevention and treatment; lead and train support staff personnel; analyze situations accurately and make sound decisions; prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive clinical and social case work records; speak and write clearly.

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 employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. 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 hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Responses to supplemental questions will be used in assessing minimum qualifications. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state, "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient.

The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:

An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%). Each application and supplemental questionnaire will be thoroughly evaluated for satisfaction of minimum qualifications and relevance of educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities that relate to this position. Candidates possessing the most appropriate job-related qualifications will be placed on an employment list and referred to the department for selection interviews.

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 is 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.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are accepted online 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. Continuous recruitments may close without notice at any time that a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. 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: BH

HR Technician: RR

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 may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.

Health Plan : Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generousCounty contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.

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.

Student Loan Debt Relief :County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education.

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.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

Salary:

$102,498.46 - $124,601.06 Annually