Senior Mental Health Worker

Salary: $20.18 - $25.90 HourlyLocation : Eureka, CAJob Type: Full-timeJob Number: 25-00191Department: Department of Health and Human ServicesDivision: 424 - Mental HealthOpening Date: 03/09/2026Closing Date: Continuous DEFINITIONSenior Mental Health WorkerJob Highlights: Model and reinforce approaches that promote trauma informed care.Provide structured orientation, skills validation, and ongoing coaching to Mental Health Workers.May participate in daily treatment team meetings to communicate changes in patient presentation and implement therapeutic strategies to support individualized care plans.Work Location: This position is located at 720 Wood Street in Eureka, CA.Work Hours: A typical schedule for this position is three 12-hour shifts, 0700-1930, and one 4-hour shift, 0700-1100) per week. This is a continuous recruitment and Human Resources reserves the right to close this recruitment at any time.DEFINITIONUnder general supervision, assigns, directs non-professional nursing care and support for severely and persistently mentally ill clients and patients in an in or out patient setting; performs related work as assigned.DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICSThis class is a working lead level in the Mental Health Worker series with responsibility to provide direction to specialist support staff working in a day treatment, out-patient or in-patient setting. This class is distinguished from the Mental Health Clinician and Psychiatric Nurse classes in that the latter are licensed classes providing professional clinical patient and client care and treatment. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES Provides lead direction, training and work review of assigned staff and/or interdisciplinary treatment team in the performance of non-nursing patient care. Manages assaultive behavior of patients and places difficult patients in seclusion and/or restraints, as required by treatment staff. Provides supportive services in a psychiatric health facility or a day treatment center including various group activities such as exercise and art; monitors patient adjustment and progress. Develop curriculum, and lead specialized groups in coordination with other mental health support staff. Provides support and assistance in problem resolution and to coordinate or arrange for the provision of needed services by treatment staff. Prepares a variety of reports and documentation including progress notes on patient behavior; maintains accurate records and files. Participates in special projects; coordinates project activities and prepares required project reports. Confers with treatment staff regarding patient needs and ways of improving staff's ability to impact on patient. Assists patients with personal hygiene activities. Serves as connection between patient or client and other support staff; assists with community connections as needed. Performs driving, facility or house cleaning, cooking and other household living tasks for mental health patients and clients. Coordinates food ordering and recordkeeping for patients. Provides day-to-day program direction to other support staff. May serve as case coordinator for assigned patients or clients. QUALIFICATIONSKnowledge of:Principles and techniques related to care and treatment of the severely and persistently mentally ill.Principles and practices of effective employee supervision, including selection, training, evaluation and discipline.Concepts of mental and emotional disturbances and mental deficiencies.Terminology and concepts related to basic mental health care.Community resources providing assistance to the severely and persistently mentally ill.Business computer applications.Recordkeeping principles and practices.Business arithmetic.Household management and personal care activities.Skill in:Providing support for the severely and persistently mentally ill in day treatment and after care settings.Planning, organizing, assigning, directing, reviewing and evaluating the work of assigned staff.Assisting in managing assaultive behavior, and responding promptly to patient emergency situations.Taking effective action to control potentially violent incidents as directed by treatment staff.Observing and accurately describing patient behavior and activities.Maintaining accurate records and files.Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.Leading and facilitating group recreational activities.Other Requirements:Must possess a valid California driver's license.Must pass a detailed background investigation.Some positions may require possession of a valid Class B California driver's license.Desirable Education and Experience:A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is:Four years of experience in providing direct patient support in a mental health setting with some supervisory or lead work experience. WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONADDITIONAL INFORMATIONHOW TO APPLYA complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County's automated application system at Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer. It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected. Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process. Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible. SELECTION PROCEDUREThe County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSHow long does it take to fill out the application?You should allow 30 - 45 minutes to fill out your application. Can I change my application after submitting it?No. Once an application has been submitted, it is final. Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered.How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your account at the time of notification. To ensure you don't miss any critical information, we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process. You can also log into your account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your application's progress, please contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at 707-476-2349 or I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?Yes, you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam.OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSIONResearch indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways - oftentimes, outside of formal institutions - and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant's qualifications for a position. If you're excited about this role but your past work experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONSThe County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERThe county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances. MEDICAL EXAMINATIONA pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.OTHER EXAMINATIONSSome positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.LICENSESSome classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver's license.PROBATIONARY PERIODPersons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITYIt is the County's intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.DISASTER SERVICE WORKERSAll County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.Please Note: Extra Help positions are non-benefitted but may be eligible to purchase health insurance upon meeting the hours worked requirement under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).RETIREMENTThe County of Humboldt participates in the CalPERS, with both the County and the employee making contributions toward the employee's retirement.CalPERS Retirement Program: Tier I - Prior to 7/5/2012: 2.7% @ 55Tier II - Post 7/6/2012: 2% @ 55Tier III - Post 1/1/2013: 2% @ 62Please note that these are the tiers available at the County of Humboldt. Tier determination is made by CalPERS. Please reach out to Personnel if you have questions regarding tier placement. COMPREHESIVE BENEFITS PACKAGEOur generous benefits package includes:Health InsuranceMedical: Multiple plan options available through CalPERSCounty covers majority of employee premium and contributes to dependent coverageAdditional Insurance CoverageDental: Full premium coverage for employees and all dependentsVision: Full premium coverage for employees and eligible dependentsCounty-Provided BenefitsLife InsuranceLongevity PayEducational ReimbursementDeferred CompensationEmployee Assistance ProgramBus Pass ProgramOptional Benefits Employees may elect to purchase additional coverage including:Supplemental Life Insurance with guaranteed issuance period at time of hireFlexible Spending AccountsVACATION 1 - 3 completed years of service = 12 days (192-hour cap)4 - 10 completed years of service = 15 days (240-hour cap)11 - 15 completed years of service = 20 days (320-hour cap)16 - 20 completed years of service = 25 days (400-hour cap)21+ completed years of service = 30 days (480-hour cap)HOLIDAYSEmployees earn 15 paid holidays per year (specific dates as defined in their specific Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)), including 2 personal holidays.SICK LEAVEEmployees earn 12 sick days per year with an unlimited cap on sick day accumulation.PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESSThe County is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employer.INCENTIVE PAYCounty employees may be eligible for additional incentive pay, such as on-call pay, shift differential pay, locked facility pay, or annual uniform allowance, as defined in their specific MOU.Please visit the County of Humboldt Human Resources website at for more information on benefits, labor agreements, and job opportunities.01 This position requires driving on behalf of the County of Humboldt. Do you possess, or can you obtain, a valid California driver's license, prior to your date of hire per California Department of Motor Vehicle regulations? Yes No 02 Please select the amount of time that most accurately reflects your experience providing direct patient support in a mental health setting with some supervisory or lead work experience. No experience Less than 1 year 1 - 2 years 2 - 3 years 3 - 4 years More than 4 years 03 Please describe your experience providing direct patient support in a mental health setting with some supervisory or lead work experience. 04 Please describe your knowledge of trauma-informed care. Please provide examples of how you have applied it in a mental health setting. 05 Any other coursework, training or experience you would like to add that directly relates to this position. Required Question

Apply Now