Introduction
Living in Placer County from Placer County Video Portal
Placer County is comprised of over 1,400 square miles of beautiful and diverse geography, ranging from the residential and commercial areas of South Placer, through the historic foothill areas of Auburn, Foresthill, and Colfax, and to the County's jewel of the North Lake Tahoe basin. Placer is a great place to live, work, play, and learn! For more information about Placer County, please visit www.placer.ca.gov.
POSITION INFORMATION
Placer County’s Children’s System of Care office in Tahoe is currently accepting applications for Client Services Counselor I and II. These positions provide a broad range of direct services and case management support to individuals and families experiencing difficult life circumstances, emotional stress, or significant life changes. Responsibilities include addressing emotional, behavioral, substance use, and mental health challenges, as well as issues related to homelessness, unemployment, and lack of educational opportunities.
Client Services Counselors also conduct drug testing and supervised visits, monitor and assess client progress, advocate for clients, and connect individuals and families with valuable community resources and support to help them navigate challenges and improve their well-being.
Each level in this job series has different minimum qualifications and examination requirements. To participate in the recruitment at the I level, II level, or both levels, you must complete and submit separate applications and supplemental questionnaires for each recruitment:
- Client Services Counselor - I: #2026-14450-03
- Client Services Counselor - II: #2026-14451-03
The Client Services Counselor - I is a bachelor's degree, entry-level position in the Department of Health and Human Services.
The Client Services Counselor - II is a bachelor's degree, journey-level position in the Department of Health and Human Services.
The eligible list created by this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies within the department for both temporary/extra-help and permanent positions. This recruitment will also be used to fill both open and promotional vacancies in various County departments as they arise, subject to specific position requirements.
BENEFITS
Placer County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees. The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change. Applicants should inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.
Click here to view Placer Public Employees Organization (PPEO) benefits.
For more information regarding the benefits Placer County has to offer, please visit Placer County's Human Resources website.
DEFINITION
To perform a variety of professional case management and direct client services duties; to coordinate and act as liaison with other departmental and community services/resources; and to function as an integral and supportive member of assigned departmental and multi-disciplinary team(s).
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry level class in the Client Services Counselor series. This class is distinguished from the journey level by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series. Employees at this level are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgment on matters allocated to the journey level. Since this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience. Employees work under general supervision while learning job tasks.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from a supervisory/management position and may receive technical and functional supervision from a senior level professional.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Provide counseling and case management to assigned clients on an on-going basis; monitor and document treatment plans and activity strategies, provide linkage and refer clients to other departmental and/or community services and resources, conduct home/work site visits, and monitor and assess client status on an on-going basis.
• Conduct intake and screen applicants for designated services; review investigations and case studies utilized in the determination of the needs and qualifications of applicants/clients; determine appropriate services necessary and/or applicable to most effectively meet client needs.
• Coordinate and oversee clients involved in the learning and performance of designated living/working skills; evaluate and track the level of functional behavior; teach/train clients in appropriate behaviors/skills utilizing a multi-disciplinary team approach; and assist clients with re-entry into the community and/or work place.
• Participate in the development and on-going implementation of treatment plans, activity strategies, and other individualized programs to include behavior modification, basic financial management, social and workplace skills, job search, and other activities necessary for independent living; observe and interact with clients and families, employers, and other involved participants in a defined and professional manner and record observations and interactions.
• Assess applicant/client status and abilities relative to assigned program acceptance, appropriate placement, and/or on-going participation; conduct needs assessments, administer tests, and apply standardized criteria in making determinations and recommendations.
• Identify and report potential crisis situations or, within established procedures, apply appropriate intervention; document activities, behavior, incidents and interactions; be alert to all conditions and situations involving clients; counsel clients and provide positive role model behavior.
• Provide limited crisis intervention or conflict resolution in emergency/stressful situations requiring immediate attention.
• Lead group discussions and interactions regarding assigned program area and activities and the clients' participation in these activities; provide input and act as a resource to clients in a group environment.
• Provide outreach and referral networks to the community, general public, local employers, as well as public and private agencies; conduct training workshops and/or presentations to clients, care providers, community groups and the general public.
• Participate in and contribute to an inter-agency and community networking/referral system; evaluate clients' needs relative to appropriate program referrals; maintain close communication with contract providers, employers, and community service agencies to ensure treatment plan/activity strategies and client needs are being met in a successful manner.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees community resources, clients, and the general public utilizing principles of effective customer service.
• Perform related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.
Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience: Two years of experience performing client services and support functions in a public health/social services environment is desirable.
Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in sociology, psychology, counseling, behavioral sciences or a related field.
Or: Possession of a license issued by the State of California as a Psychiatric Technician.
Applicants receiving their degree outside the United States must submit proof of accreditation by a recognized evaluation agency.
Relevant, equivalent experience (performing the same or similar job requiring similar knowledge, skills, and abilities) may be substituted for the required education as determined by the Human Resources Department.
Required License or Certificate:
May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
• Standard and accepted terminology utilized in designated program areas and its relation to treatment and regulations affecting service provision.
• Techniques used in individual/group care, counseling, and treatment of designated client population, including the multi-disciplinary approach to providing services.
• Crisis intervention and conflict resolution techniques, including management of assaultive behavior; seclusion and restraint philosophy.
• Use of medication in mental health treatment.
• Standard and accepted case management techniques.
• Standard and accepted interviewing and observation techniques and methods.
• Health and human services delivery systems and the multi-disciplinary approach to these systems.
• Standard and accepted English usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar, and basic mathematical calculations.
Ability to:
• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job and observe safety rules; intermittently review work papers, reports and special projects; identify and problem solve situations involving clients; identify safety hazards; locate equipment and supplies; remember clients' names; understand and explain Department policies and procedures to clients, families and the general public.
• On a continuous basis, sit at a desk for long periods of time or while driving; intermittently walk, stand, bend, squat, or kneel while retrieving or returning files, documents and supplies and making copies; walk, stand, bend, squat, kneel, climb, or twist while conducting home/site visits or transporting client; twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; see and hear with sufficient acuity to observe and assess physical condition and living environment of client; and lift moderate weight.
• Assess financial, physical, mental and emotional well-being of applicants or clients.
• Develop adequate and appropriate case plans.
• Effectively interview individuals who may be physically, mentally and/or emotionally impaired or distressed.
• Relate positively to clients; establish trust and rapport; and display empathy.
• Learn how to develop a treatment plan or activities strategy.
• Work cooperatively as part of a team providing services and/or treatment to designated clients.
• Provide effective case management services and learn the community resources available to client population.
• Assess situations involving designated clients quickly and objectively, determine appropriate course of action and respond effectively using a variety of appropriate interventions and approaches.
• Prepare thorough documentation and maintain accurate and systematic records.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Work assigned shift schedule.
• Use a telephone and photocopy machine, routine housekeeping equipment and recreational and athletic equipment.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both in oral and written forms.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
SELECTION PROCEDURE
Written Examination (100%)
The examination evaluates the specific knowledge and abilities required for this classification. The test may include:
- Question Formats: Multiple-choice, true/false, fill-in, matching, or essay.
- Content: Topics directly related to the duties of this role.
Scheduling Note:
After the filing deadline, qualified applicants will receive an email with their assigned exam date, time, and location
CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT
Pre-Hire Requirements
Candidates must complete the following requirements before their start date if an offer is extended:
• DOJ Criminal Background Clearance: Successfully complete a fingerprint-based background check through the California Department of Justice.
• Medical Evaluation: Pass a pre-employment physical, which may include drug screening and/or a psychological evaluation.
• Oath of Office: Subscribe to the constitutional oath or affirmation as required for all public employees by the California Constitution.
• Employment Eligibility Verification: Provide original documents that establish both identity and the legal right to work in the United States, as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Position-Specific Requirements
In addition to the above, some positions may require one or more of the following:
• Age Verification: Provide documentation verifying that you meet the minimum legal age requirements for this position.
• Background Check: Some positions require a background investigation. This may include a credit check, voice stress analysis, polygraph, and/or proof of bonding.
• Law Enforcement: Applicants for law enforcement functions must complete a conviction history questionnaire prior to or during the interview process.
• Medi-Cal Access/Licensing: Applicants with access to Medi-Cal billing software or who are licensed providers must clear the Federal Exclusion List, credentialing, and social security verification.
Failure to clear all requirements may result in an employment offer being withdrawn.
SUBSTITUTE LISTS
Substitute Lists
The eligible list from this recruitment may be used to fill vacancies in similar roles or lower-level positions within the same career series (e.g., journey-level vs. entry-level).
• Interviews: If contacted to interview for a similar role, the hiring department will provide the specific job details before the interview.
• No Risk: Choosing not to interview for a different classification will not affect your standing on the original list for which you applied.
EMPLOYEES OF OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES
Public Agency Eligible List
If you are a current or recent employee of another public agency, you may qualify for an expedited application process. Visit our Employees of Other Public Agencies page to view eligibility requirements, download required forms, and submit an application.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Placer County is an equal opportunity employer committed to a workplace free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. All applicants and employees receive fair and equal consideration in every stage of employment. Employment decisions are based on job‑related qualifications and are not influenced by any protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. Refer to our Equal Employment Opportunity Program and Policy Statement (PDF) for detailed information.
Applicants who need an accommodation during the recruitment or examination process should contact Human Resources at least five working days before the scheduled exam.
Conclusion
Recruitment Contact
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
- Bethany Clinkenbeard, Administrative Technician
- Email: bclinkenbeard@placer.ca.gov
Phone: (530) 530-886-4669
