Edison Clinic Therapist (Psychiatric Social Worker I/II) - Spanish Speaking Required
Apply NowCompany: County of San Mateo, CA
Location: San Mateo, CA 94403
Description:
Salary : $95,139.20 - $133,785.60 Annually
Location : County of San Mateo, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: G040Q
Department: Public Health Policy and Planning
Opening Date: 04/10/2025
Bargaining Unit: 08
Description
San Mateo County Health is seeking a highly qualified candidate for the position of Edison Clinic Therapist (Psychiatric Social Worker I/II).
Under general supervision, the Clinic Therapist will work approximately 40 hours per week, providing a wide variety of therapeutic services and, if time permits, up to 10 hours of social work case management services. Responsibilities include screening, assessment, evaluation, and psychotherapy, with a focus when appropriate on harm reduction therapeutic interventions and support services for clients in need of, or currently receiving, substance abuse therapy and treatment.
Additional duties include developing and implementing activities related to substance abuse prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation, as well as performing other related work. The position also involves providing social work services to non-therapy clients in support of other on-staff social work case managers.
The Position
The position will be embedded at the Public Health, Policy and Planning Edison Clinic at the San Mateo Medical Center, and possibly one morning per week at the Fair Oaks Health Center, with clinic hours Monday through Friday.
This position will engage individuals with a range of mental health and substance use disorders to provide a range of services and supports, including but not limited to, diagnosis of issues to be focus of clinical attention, including substance use and other behavioral health needs; screening/assessing clients' needs using assessment criteria to determine medical necessity and identification of key clinical interventions; determination of stage of change; and engaging clients by using Motivational Interviewing and Harm Reduction practices.
The provider will provide therapy for primary case load, and as a backup also provide case management services, including transportation, client advocacy, client-driven treatment planning, and care coordination with other care providers; navigation of medical and mental health services, including medication assisted treatments; assisting clients with enrolling into benefits, including health coverage for which they are eligible; participate in a multidisciplinary team; use clinical consultation care coordination meetings; and partner with key referral sources and other service providers including but not limited to, San Mateo Medical Center (SMMC) Emergency Department (ED), Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES), and Primary Care and Specialty Clinics, BHRS clinics and programs, Substance Use Disorder treatment providers, including Palm Avenue Detox, shelters, Probation, and Correctional Health.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will have significant knowledge, skills, experience, and training in providing therapy as well as case management; assessing and evaluating adult clients with mental health and substance use issues; determining appropriate referrals and recommending treatment plans; documenting in electronic medical records; establishing appropriate clinical relationships; and demonstrating strong understanding of confidentiality and ethics.
Three years of experience in clinical social work, psychotherapy, or a related field, particularly with diverse populations affected by mental health and substance use issues is highly desirable.
Additionally, the successful candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Experience and Background:
Knowledge Areas:
Systems and Services Knowledge:
Technical and Interpersonal Skills:
NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.
Qualifications
Note: The level and scope of the knowledge, skills and abilities listed below are related to job duties as defined under Distinguishing Characteristics.
Knowledge of:
Skill/Ability to:
Education and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:
Master's degree in Social Work, Social Welfare or a closely related field.
Licensure/Certification:
Special Requirements:
Application/Examination
Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra-help/limited term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.
The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: pass/fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%) which may include a performance exam. Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in County of San Mateo, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.
IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button.If you are not on the County's website, please go to to apply. Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted in addition to the standard County employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required application materials. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.
Tentative Recruitment Schedule
Application Deadline: Continuous
About the County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse communities.
The County of San Mateo is committed to advancing equity in order to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.
The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion at all levels.
HR Analyst: Ximena Burns (042425) (Psychiatric Social Worker I/II - G040/G035)
Please visit for a complete listing of all benefits for this classification.
Benefits are offered to eligible employees of the County of San Mateo. All benefits are subject to change.
As an additional benefit, the County offers extensive training and development programs designed to improve skills and enhance career opportunities. Most programs are offered on County time at no cost to you.
County employees are also covered by the federal Social Security system and earn benefits for retirement based on salary and time worked.
01
IMPORTANT: Applicants for this position are required to submit responses to the supplemental questions below. Your responses will provide detailed information about your background and experience related to this position. This information will weigh heavily in the application screening by the subject matter experts and will also be used in the selection process. Answer the questions completely, paying attention to the multi-parts of the questions. While being thorough and detailed, also be concise. Your strategic use of language as well as neatness, clarity of expression, attention to detail, proper use of grammar and the ability to follow instructions will be considered in the evaluation process. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for your responses.Please acknowledge that you have read and understand these instructions by checking the box below:
02
This position requires either a current California license as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or current registration as an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW). Do you possess a current California license as a Clinical Social Worker or current registration as an Associate Clinical Social Worker? (Please include your license or registration number on the Certificates & Licenses section of the application. A "No" answer will disqualify you from this recruitment.)
03
Describe your experience working with people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. What was your role and what services did you provide?
04
Describe your experience working with multi-disciplinary clinical teams. What was the specific clinical environment, the role you played, and how did you facilitate successful outcomes for individuals and the larger population?
05
How do you work to engage your clients/patients in trusting relationships giving complex medical and life circumstances. What strategies do you employ to maintain boundaries with clients?
06
Fluency (speak, read, write) in Spanish is required to be eligible for this position. Are you fluent in Spanish? (A "No" answer to this question will disqualify you from this recruitment.)
Required Question
Location : County of San Mateo, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: G040Q
Department: Public Health Policy and Planning
Opening Date: 04/10/2025
Bargaining Unit: 08
Description
San Mateo County Health is seeking a highly qualified candidate for the position of Edison Clinic Therapist (Psychiatric Social Worker I/II).
Under general supervision, the Clinic Therapist will work approximately 40 hours per week, providing a wide variety of therapeutic services and, if time permits, up to 10 hours of social work case management services. Responsibilities include screening, assessment, evaluation, and psychotherapy, with a focus when appropriate on harm reduction therapeutic interventions and support services for clients in need of, or currently receiving, substance abuse therapy and treatment.
Additional duties include developing and implementing activities related to substance abuse prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation, as well as performing other related work. The position also involves providing social work services to non-therapy clients in support of other on-staff social work case managers.
The Position
The position will be embedded at the Public Health, Policy and Planning Edison Clinic at the San Mateo Medical Center, and possibly one morning per week at the Fair Oaks Health Center, with clinic hours Monday through Friday.
This position will engage individuals with a range of mental health and substance use disorders to provide a range of services and supports, including but not limited to, diagnosis of issues to be focus of clinical attention, including substance use and other behavioral health needs; screening/assessing clients' needs using assessment criteria to determine medical necessity and identification of key clinical interventions; determination of stage of change; and engaging clients by using Motivational Interviewing and Harm Reduction practices.
The provider will provide therapy for primary case load, and as a backup also provide case management services, including transportation, client advocacy, client-driven treatment planning, and care coordination with other care providers; navigation of medical and mental health services, including medication assisted treatments; assisting clients with enrolling into benefits, including health coverage for which they are eligible; participate in a multidisciplinary team; use clinical consultation care coordination meetings; and partner with key referral sources and other service providers including but not limited to, San Mateo Medical Center (SMMC) Emergency Department (ED), Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES), and Primary Care and Specialty Clinics, BHRS clinics and programs, Substance Use Disorder treatment providers, including Palm Avenue Detox, shelters, Probation, and Correctional Health.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will have significant knowledge, skills, experience, and training in providing therapy as well as case management; assessing and evaluating adult clients with mental health and substance use issues; determining appropriate referrals and recommending treatment plans; documenting in electronic medical records; establishing appropriate clinical relationships; and demonstrating strong understanding of confidentiality and ethics.
Three years of experience in clinical social work, psychotherapy, or a related field, particularly with diverse populations affected by mental health and substance use issues is highly desirable.
Additionally, the successful candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Experience and Background:
- Experience working with adults with co-occurring behavioral health and medical conditions, in emergency services, the criminal justice system, or with adult populations relevant to the position is beneficial.
- Ability to work independently while demonstrating strong collaboration skills with multiple partner agencies is essential.
Knowledge Areas:
- Principles, philosophy, practices, materials, trends, and literature related to:
- Alcohol and other drug disorders
- Mental and emotional illness
- Personality disorders and associated challenges
- Various models of addiction, with a specific focus on harm reduction therapy and interventions
- Individual, group, and community behaviors
- Prevention methods and treatment procedures for alcohol and drug disorders
- Social aspects of drug, alcohol, mental, and emotional issues
- Techniques and dynamics of both group and individual counseling
Systems and Services Knowledge:
- Scope and activities of internal and external health and human services systems
- HIV care systems in San Mateo County
- Procedures for accessing a wide variety of community and governmental services and resources
Technical and Interpersonal Skills:
- Techniques and dynamics of assessment and engagement
- Understanding of social and psychological needs, behavioral patterns, and treatment options for individuals affected by substance use
- Interviewing techniques, including maintaining confidentiality
- Problem-solving methodologies and motivational interviewing techniques
- Counseling principles, including group facilitation
- Case management processes
- Strategies and resources available for effective client referral
NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.
Qualifications
Note: The level and scope of the knowledge, skills and abilities listed below are related to job duties as defined under Distinguishing Characteristics.
Knowledge of:
- Current philosophy, principles, and practices for services to clients with serious mental illness.
- Individual, group and family psychodynamics as they relate to adults or children.
- Psychological diagnostic methods and terminology.
- Personality development from infancy through adulthood.
- Human and health services systems in the County including private agencies and other community resources.
Skill/Ability to:
- Provide treatment to adults, children or adolescents with various mental disabilities ranging from serious mental illness to dysfunctional behavior patterns, including victims of sexual or physical abuse.
- Set realistic treatment goals and facilitate their attainment.
- Evaluate the degree of mental disability or emotional distress of patients/clients.
- Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
- Provide consultation and technical assistance to agencies, schools and other organizations.
- Work collectively within a multi-disciplinary team.
Education and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:
Master's degree in Social Work, Social Welfare or a closely related field.
Licensure/Certification:
- Psychiatric Social Worker I: Registration with the Board of Behavioral Examiners as an intern. An individual hired in this classification must become licensed within six years from the date of employment as a Clinical Social Worker issued by the State of California.
- Psychiatric Social Worker II: Current California license as a Clinical Social Worker.
Special Requirements:
- Individuals in this classification assigned to an on-site school program are required to meet any specialized requirements (i.e., Pupil Personnel Services credential) as stipulated by federal and state laws and regulations.
- Individuals assigned to Canyon Oaks Youth Center, must have the ability to complete 40 hours of mandated training annually.
Application/Examination
Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra-help/limited term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.
The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: pass/fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%) which may include a performance exam. Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in County of San Mateo, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.
IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button.If you are not on the County's website, please go to to apply. Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted in addition to the standard County employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required application materials. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.
Tentative Recruitment Schedule
Application Deadline: Continuous
About the County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse communities.
The County of San Mateo is committed to advancing equity in order to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.
The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion at all levels.
HR Analyst: Ximena Burns (042425) (Psychiatric Social Worker I/II - G040/G035)
Please visit for a complete listing of all benefits for this classification.
Benefits are offered to eligible employees of the County of San Mateo. All benefits are subject to change.
As an additional benefit, the County offers extensive training and development programs designed to improve skills and enhance career opportunities. Most programs are offered on County time at no cost to you.
County employees are also covered by the federal Social Security system and earn benefits for retirement based on salary and time worked.
01
IMPORTANT: Applicants for this position are required to submit responses to the supplemental questions below. Your responses will provide detailed information about your background and experience related to this position. This information will weigh heavily in the application screening by the subject matter experts and will also be used in the selection process. Answer the questions completely, paying attention to the multi-parts of the questions. While being thorough and detailed, also be concise. Your strategic use of language as well as neatness, clarity of expression, attention to detail, proper use of grammar and the ability to follow instructions will be considered in the evaluation process. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for your responses.Please acknowledge that you have read and understand these instructions by checking the box below:
- I have read and understand these instructions.
02
This position requires either a current California license as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or current registration as an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW). Do you possess a current California license as a Clinical Social Worker or current registration as an Associate Clinical Social Worker? (Please include your license or registration number on the Certificates & Licenses section of the application. A "No" answer will disqualify you from this recruitment.)
- Yes
- No
03
Describe your experience working with people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. What was your role and what services did you provide?
04
Describe your experience working with multi-disciplinary clinical teams. What was the specific clinical environment, the role you played, and how did you facilitate successful outcomes for individuals and the larger population?
05
How do you work to engage your clients/patients in trusting relationships giving complex medical and life circumstances. What strategies do you employ to maintain boundaries with clients?
06
Fluency (speak, read, write) in Spanish is required to be eligible for this position. Are you fluent in Spanish? (A "No" answer to this question will disqualify you from this recruitment.)
- Yes
- No
Required Question