Mental Health Clinician

Job Description:

Mental Health Clinician

Description

Description/Special Instructions

The City of Elk Grove is currently accepting applications for

MENTAL HEALTH CLINICIAN

$7,000 SIGNING BONUS* AND RELOCATION ASSISTANCE!

*50% paid upon hire, with the remainder paid at the completion of the probationary period.

This position can earn up to $108,788.40 - $145,801.95 annually with a 5% holiday in lieu incentive.

Please view the “benefits” tab for a complete listing of the City’s excellent benefits package.

The City of Elk Grove is seeking a Mental Health Clinician to join the Police Department. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic and empathetic professional who thrives in high-pressure environments. This individual will demonstrate a strong ability to collaborate with law enforcement officers as part of the Crisis Intervention Response Team (CIRT) to respond to residents in mental health crises. They will have expertise in crisis intervention, clinical assessment, and community-based care to connect individuals with the resources they need while mitigating further escalation.

This role is ideal for someone with both clinical expertise and a deep understanding of the complexities of working alongside law enforcement. The ideal candidate will not only provide immediate mental health support but also proactively engage with the community, enhancing mental health education and crisis prevention efforts. They will approach their work with empathy, professionalism, and a commitment to building trust between law enforcement, residents, and service providers. This person will be instrumental in shaping proactive strategies that improve public safety outcomes by addressing the intersection of mental health and policing. This is an overtime-eligible position.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline (subject to change)

Filing Deadline: February 13, 2026, by 11:59 PM

Oral Board Interviews: February 26, 2026 (virtual)

Selection Interviews: March 5, 2026 (in-person)

Why work for the City of Elk Grove? Proud Heritage. Bright Future.

Community Profile
Elk Grove is a vibrant, family-friendly community of approximately 178,124 people in the Sacramento, California region, located 14 miles south of the State Capital and 60 miles east of the Bay Area. Elk Grove is a young, ethnically diverse, modern city that was incorporated in 2000. Elk Grove has low crime, excellent schools, over 100 community parks and 28 miles of trails, plentiful dining and shopping options, numerous annual events and festivals, and over 270 sunny days per year.

Representative Duties

DEFINITION

Under direction, plans, organizes, and coordinates social services for those experiencing mental health crisis in the community; provides crisis intervention, clinical assessment, and referrals to members of the public and department employees; coordinates social service programs with other departments, agencies, organizations, and community groups; educates department and community members in crisis management and mental health issues; and plans, develops, and implements mental health programs to alleviate the sources and effects of crime related to mental health issues.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction fro m assigned management or supervisory personne l . Exercises n o direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This journey level classification is responsible for independently perform ing professional mental and behavioral health clinician duties i n support of the programs and activities of the Police Department . Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Responds with law enforcement to calls for service involving mental health crisis.
  
• Undertakes case evaluations on a diverse client population for the purpose of assessing problems and determining appropriate types of services, safety planning and treatment efforts.
  
• Provides comprehensive range of support services to community members by providing resources, emergency assistance , and making referrals to other agencies.
  

• Reviews information from written reports, in-person interviews, and officers in the field to assess an individual's risk level and makes recommendations for appropriate responses and services.
  
• Provides support and guidance to law enforcement staff concerning victim advocacy, juvenile and adult crime, domestic violence, chemical dependency, and other services as needed; may respond to emergency callouts.
  
• Acts as liaison with client groups and community organizations.
  
• Collaborates with other social service agencies to develop, plan, and implement special studies designed to establish policies and protocols and enhance social services provided by the County.
  
• Interprets and applies rules, regulations, policies, procedures, laws, and court orders, and explains them to staff, clients, the public, and other agencies.
  
• Provides leadership in the utilization of social work concepts and methodologies; acts as resource specialist and program consultant in field of expertise .
  
• Assists in staff development programs by reviewing current literature, participating in individual or group seminars, training workshops or classes and by the preparation and presentation of instructional or other training methods.
  
• Prepares reports, correspondence and memoranda, documents professional research and case studies.
  
• Prepares and maintains accurate and complete case records.
  
• Completes home visits as required .
  
• Performs related duties as assigned.
  

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of crisis intervention, counseling, and social service programs including but not limited to mental health, substance abuse services and treatment, homelessness, family system counseling and victim advocacy.
  
• Principles, program provisions and requirements, and applicable procedures of criminal justice, victim-witness, multi-disciplinary review, and domestic violence systems and programs.
  
• Social casework principles and practices including group work and community organization.
  
• Available social services, including behavioral health, mental health, financial and housing assistance , counselling services, alcohol/drug addiction recovery, food/clothing, and other similar resources for the homeless population.
  

• Crisis intervention techniques.
  
• Applicable laws, rules and regulations governing the field of public welfare.
  
• Modern office procedures, methods, and personal computer use.
  
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
  
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned division.
  
• Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.
  
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
  
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
  
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging concepts and principles, including their significance in organizational dynamics and the functioning of the City and their impact on fostering innovation and collaboration.
  
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  
• Current equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
  

Ability to:

• Communicate tactfully, diplomatically, and objectively with a diverse group of individuals in often-stressful situations involving clients with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, temperaments, and mental capabilities.
  
• Work in stressful, emotional, and confrontational situations.
  
• Perform professional social services including but not limited to family system counseling and victim advocacy.
  
• Conduct independent risk and mental status assessments.
  
• Refer individuals to appropriate social service programs.
  
• Develop appropriate treatment plans for a variety of client needs and situations.
  

• Identify emerging trends related to crime and mental health issues.
  
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with clients, fellow employees, other agencies, and the public.
  
• Prepare clear and concise records, reports, correspondence, and other written material.
  
• Maintain confidentiality of information.
  
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
  
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
  
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
  
• Engage with a diverse public and workforce, facilitating inclusive service delivery, and implementing equitable city policies.
  
• Establish, maintain , and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  

Education and Experience:

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in social work, psychology, counseling, or a closely related field and t wo (2) years of full time (or the equivalent of full time) post graduate experience working in the social work or counseling field with strong emphasis on social services, resources and referrals, victim advocacy, family management casework or delinquent behavior intervention.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain by the time of appointment, an appropriate , valid California driver’s license. This requirement may be waived for individuals who are unable to obtain a driver’s license due to a disability.
  
• Possession of one of the following valid professional mental health therapy licenses issued by the State of California at the time of application submission. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).
  
• Must have the ability to successfully complete a comprehensive background and psychological examination prior to appointment.
  

Retired Annuitants:

This is a regular full-time position. Retired Annuitants are not eligible for appointment to this position under Government Code Sections 7522.56, 21224, 21227, and 21229. Retired CalPERS members may apply only if they are planning to voluntarily reinstate from retirement.

Employment Sponsorship:

This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship or any other type of employment-based visa sponsorshi p.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.? Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required .? Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.? Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.? Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities who are qualified to perform essential functions of a position or positions within this classification.?

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Indoor and outdoor environment; travel from site to site; when visiting sites the incumbent may be required to walk-on uneven and slippery surfaces, be exposed to noise and dust, inclement weather conditions, and potentially hostile environments; incumbents may be required to work odd and irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays and have the ability to respond to urgent matters and emergency situations.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Employees may be expected to work overtime, and non-traditional hours, including weekends , evenings, and holidays as required .
  

The information listed above is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. The City of Elk Grove is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and professionalism. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, should special accommodations be necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Department at (916) 478-2230. City of Elk Grove participates in E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires.



Closing Date/Time: 2/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$103,608.00 - $138,859.00 Annually