Office of Consumer & Family Affairs-Mental Health Counselor II–Spanish Spkg Req'd–Extra Help (Open) - County of San Mateo

The Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Division of the San Mateo County Health is seeking an experienced individual for the position of Office of Consumer & Family Affairs-Mental Health Counselor II–Spanish Speaking Required-Extra Help, to carryout family advocacy and support activities. The position reports to the Director of the Office of Consumer and Family Affairs. The Mental Health Counselor will have the opportunity and challenge of insuring the active and effective participation of consumers and family members in the design, monitoring and evaluation of public mental health services in San Mateo County; carrying out programs with consumer and family involvement that promote a recovery approach at all levels of Behavioral Health & Recovery Services; providing outreach and information, problem resolution, human resources development, training for consumers/family members and providers, and other initiatives.

There is currently one extra help vacancy in the Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Division located in San Mateo, CA. The Mental Health Counselor will travel/drive throughout the County to conduct home-visits with family members of clients; conduct support groups; provide trainings; and to meet with providers, staff, or non-profit organizations. The schedule is flexible as the incumbent will conduct training after hours at least one time per week, and occasionally on weekends.

Primary duties include, but are not limited to, the following:  

• Coordinating the ongoing involvements of consumers and family members in the Division planning and program development activities.
• Developing and administering programs for the improvement of consumer and family relations, consumer and family satisfaction, and understanding of "consumer and family culture" in culturally diverse communities and responding to external requirements.
• Tracking, monitoring and responding to complaints, concerns, and issues regarding access to, and satisfaction with services; providing peer assistance in resolving problems.
• Developing and maintaining communications/materials for consumers and family members such as brochures and handbooks.
• Providing education and outreach to consumers and their family members and the community regarding mental health services. 
• Developing partnerships with diverse community and consumer groups, including advocacy, support, self-help, family alliances, and parent groups; conducting home visits.
• Conducting support groups for family members; and establishing and utilizing knowledge of community resources for family members and clients.

Ideal candidate will have experience:  

• As a parent or caregiver of a youth or adult client who uses mental health services.
• Providing navigation of the mental health systems and support for family members and consumers.
• Providing direct services or collaborating with service providers and family members/consumers in a mental health agency/organization for at least two years.
• Demonstrating ability to work independently. 
• Providing services using English and Spanish bilingual skills is required. 
• Utilizing excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrating ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

NOTE:  This is an extra-help, at-will assignment, paid on an hourly basis. Some extra help positions are eligible for benefits under the Affordable Care Act. Extra-help workers are not guaranteed permanent status at the end of the extra-help assignment.