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The Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo is seeking qualified and experienced candidates for the position of Child Custody Recommending Counselor.
  
The Child Custody Recommending Counselor will provide mediation services and child custody recommending counseling as required by California Family Code section 3160 et seq, and will conduct investigations and prepare reports as provided in California Family Code section 3110 et seq and Family Code section 7851 and 9001.  The candidate hired for the position will work in any court department and must be able to travel to any court location in the county.
 
Our ideal candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• An understanding of cultural diversity issues.
• Energy and dedication with an appreciation of the diverse communities served by the Superior Court.
• Experience working with families and children.
• Recent job history working with clients who may have limited English literacy skills. Oral and written proficiency in English, as well as bilingual skills in Spanish, Filipino, Mandarin, or Cantonese are preferred.
• Understanding of adult psychopathology and the psychology of families.
• Knowledge of the effects of drug and alcohol abuse on families and best practices for treatment.
• Experience working with parents in crisis to help them focus on the best interest of their children. 
• Ability to use communication and problem-solving skills to assist parties who may be in high conflict.
• Ability to assist the court in making child custody orders that are best for children.

 
Additionally, the ideal candidate will have an LCSW, LMFT, MSW, MFT, or PhD license issued in California and/or additional qualifying post-degree experience.
  
The court serves a diverse community, so bilingual skills are desired for this position.

Our mission is to apply the law fairly to protect individual freedom and to promote the welfare of the people. Please visit http://www.sanmateocourt.org/ for more information on our organization.

Examples Of Duties:

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Providing mediation and, when required, recommendations to the Court in unresolved custody and visitation matters.
• With parental consent, consulting with involved professionals regarding a family. Testifying in court as required.
• Preparing clear, concise, and accurate written reports to the Court in a timely manner. Providing community referrals as needed.
• Educating parents regarding mediation and parenting plans that are in the best interests of children.
• Assisting the Court in determining the appropriateness of stepparent adoptions; and declaring a minor Free from Custody and Control (FCC).
• Performing related duties as assigned.

NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.

Qualifications:

Experience and Education: As required by the Family Code and the California Rules of Court, applicants for positions in this classification must have the following minimum qualifications:

• Experience: Two years of experience in counseling or psychotherapy, or both, preferably in a setting related to the areas of responsibility of the family conciliation court and with the diverse population to be served.
• Education: A master's degree in psychology, social work, marriage, family, and child counseling, or other behavioral sciences substantially related to marriage and family interpersonal relationships.

Knowledge of:

• Adult Psychopathology, family psychology, child development, child abuse, the effects of divorce on children, the effects of domestic violence on children, child custody research, and clinical issues relating to children.
• Domestic violence issues as described in Family Code Section 1816. 
• Principles and techniques of family mediation.
• Crisis intervention techniques. 
• Cultural diversity issues.
• Community resources for client referral.
• Laws, rules, regulations, policies, and legislation related to Court operations and functions, particularly those related to family law and court mediation.
• Ethical standards which promote fairness and encourage trust in the mediation process.

Skill/ Ability to:

• Prepare well written, thorough reports, which include information regarding a family from various professional sources.
• Assess the mental health needs of children.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties, including fellow employees, members of the judiciary, behavioral specialists, service providers, and the public.
• Learn the Federal, State, and local regulations and guidelines related to assigned duties. 
• Perform the full range of the assigned duties with minimal supervision.

Application/Examination:

Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply.  Current employees of the Superior Court of California in the County of San Mateo with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in classified regular, probationary, extra-help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score.
 
The examination process will consist of an application screening (pass/fail) based on the candidate's application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%).

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. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, 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 https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire. 
 

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Final Filing Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025, by 11:59 PM PST
Application Screening: November 17-19, 2025
Civil Service Panel Interview: December 1 and/or 2, 2025

Applications are being accepted for the position of Crisis Response Clinician I/II with the South San Francisco Police Department.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2025 AT 5:00 PM, OR UPON RECEIPT OF THE FIRST 100 ONLINE APPLICATIONS, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST.

THE CITY OFFERS AN ATTRACTIVE BENEFIT PACKAGE, AS WELL AS CALPERS RETIREMENT PLAN AND SOCIAL SECURITY PARTICIPATION.

THE DEPARTMENT

The City of South San Francisco has 85 sworn and 37 civilian positions. The Department’s philosophy is one of participative management, with a high degree of emphasis on training and education. It employs team and community-oriented policing and problem-solving concepts and recognizes the importance of staying contemporary with technological advances. The Department acknowledges that the responsibility for public safety and the quality of life in our neighborhood is a responsibility shared with the whole community. 

A new state-of-the-art Police Department building and 9-1-1 Communications Center was built at 1 Chestnut Avenue, across the road from the former police building. The new Police Building includes a large training room for defensive tactics, a dedicated indoor firearms range, and progressive construction incorporating the latest in Police Station design concepts.  The 9-1-1 Communications center has the latest communications and dispatching technologies to provide improved service and response to South San Francisco residents. 

SSFPD Recruitment Video

THE POSITION

Under general supervision within the Police Department, responds to active crisis calls in collaboration with law enforcement and provides field and office based crisis intervention, behavioral health assessments and counseling, psychoeducation, outreach and engagement, transitional case management, consultation, and quality assurance review of assigned cases; works collaboratively with community service providers, behavioral health agencies, and law enforcement to connect individuals to appropriate resources; and performs related work as required or assigned.

This classification is uniquely distinguished by its principal responsibility to co-respond with law enforcement to emergency calls within the City that involve suspected mental health or behavioral health concerns. This integrated response model ensures a coordinated approach to crisis situations designed to improve outcomes for individuals experiencing psychological distress.

Employees in this position operate with a high degree of independence, judgment and initiative within established departmental policies and procedures. While this position does not include direct supervisory responsibilities, the clinician may provide guidance and training to other personnel, community partners or service providers. Incumbents receive general supervision from a Police Lieutenant and administrative direction from a Police Captain within the Police Department’s Services Division.

A Crisis Response Clinician I is in a pre-licensed status, has completed some of the requirements and must practice under supervision while working towards full licensure. A Crisis Response Clinician II is a licensed clinician who has completed all requirements for professional practice, including education, supervised hours, and exams and can practice independently. A Clinician I shall, upon receipt of the requisite licensure with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences or California Board of Psychology, be advanced to a Clinician II.

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

 

Qualifications

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 https://jobs.smcgov.org/ 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 PENINSULA HEALTH CARE DISTRICT:
Peninsula Health Care District (PHCD) is a political subdivision of the State of California, and a California Special District serving the healthcare needs of more than 200,000 mid-Peninsula residents. Founded in 1947, PHCD serves the communities of San Bruno, Millbrae, Burlingame, Hillsborough, San Mateo, and Foster City by supporting the unique health and wellness priorities of our Peninsula communities, and safeguarding access to health services, today and in the future. PHCD fulfills its commitment to the community through oversight of District assets and infrastructure, planning for future health care needs, and investing taxpayer dollars in local health-focused organizations and programs. For more information: https://peninsulahealthcaredistrict.org/

ABOUT ALLCOVE:
allcove™ https://allcove.org/ is a youth drop-in center model that has evolved from the Head Space Program in Australia and Foundry Program in British Columbia, Canada. PHCD is working closely with Stanford’s Center for Youth Mental Health and Well Being (CYMHWB) leadership who have been instrumental in defining the model for California and successfully influencing the State of California Mental Health Services & Oversight Accountability Commission (MHSOAC) to provide start up grants for five pilot centers around the State. PHCD was successful in securing one of those 4-year grants. Here is the link to the State’s initiative
link: https://mhsoac.ca.gov/initiatives/allcove-youth-drop-in-centers/

GENERAL PURPOSE:
Under the direction of the allcove San Mateo leadership team, the allcove™ Peer Specialist engages with allcove youth, provides peer-to-peer support services, and supports outreach efforts to youth and the community, promoting visibility, access and encouraging participation in allcove.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS POSITION, CLICK JOB PDF OR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.

Title: Protective Services Workers

Application Deadline: October 21, 2023

Compensation: $103,714 - $132,314/Yearly

Protective Services Workers play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of children and families. They engage in case planning, risk assessments, and deliver vital support services.

Essential Duties but Not Limited:

• Family Partnership: Collaborate with families, communities, and service providers to form a supportive team addressing the safety, health, and well-being needs of children, youth, and families.
• Assessments: Conduct comprehensive assessments of safety, risk, and protective capacity using designated tools, taking appropriate actions to ensure child safety.
• Case Management: Maintain case information using computerized case management systems and develop behavioral case plans in collaboration with families and stakeholders.
• Support Services: Connect families with a range of services and empower them to implement case plans effectively.
• Education: Counsel and educate youth, families, caregivers, and partners on Child Welfare processes, legal requirements, and departmental policies.
• Community Engagement: Build community partnerships and educate organizations about Family and Children’s Services.
• Professional Development: Stay updated on policies, initiatives, and best practices through training and participation in work groups.
• Compliance: Ensure assigned cases meet compliance standards and testify in court as required.
• Placement Support: Monitor children placed in homes, ensuring their needs are met and facilitating mandatory parental visits and appointments.
• Documentation: Prepare clear and timely written correspondence, electronic records, and court reports in compliance with agency procedures.

Special Requirements:

• Ability to drive outside of San Francisco, climb stairs for home visits, lift objects up to 40 pounds.
• May be required to work after standard hours for emergency response shifts, including nights and weekends.

                                                                                                                                                                      Apply Now!

Who We Are

At the San Francisco Human Services Agency, we believe in a San Francisco where everyone has the opportunity and support to achieve their full potential.  We are comprised of the Department of Benefits and Family Support, and the Department of Disability and Aging Services, and are united by our commitment to deliver essential services that support and protect people, families, and communities.

From financial, nutritional and employment support to child and adult protective services, health care coverage, affordable childcare, and in-home services for older adults and persons with disabilities, our team lends support for all in need.

Our Commitment to Racial Equity

As we work towards our vision of an inclusive San Francisco, we embrace our responsibility to root out systemic racism by creating services and a workforce which reflect the lived experiences and strengths of the people we serve. We are committed to fostering a work environment where our differences are celebrated and everyone has what they need to thrive--no matter their race, age, ability, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or country of origin. Click here to learn more about what this commitment looks like in action.

Role Description

As a Clinical Psychologist for the County Adult Assistance Program(CAAP), you will conduct professional-level work in screening and assessing CalWORKS and CAAP clients to identify and document disabling mental health conditions and associated functional limitations that enable them to qualify for Social Security Benefits.

Essential Duties Include:

• Conducts screening and assessment of clients with mental health related complaints, collateral interviews with primary care and behavioral health staff, and medical records review to support clients’ application for Social Security Benefits.
• Selects, administers, scores, and interprets appropriate psychological tests of intelligence, personality, aptitude, achievement, interest and other specialized areas and conducts diagnostic clinical interviews with emotionally disturbed, mentally ill, chemically dependent, and intellectually disabled adults to assess their impairments to provide medical evidence in support of clients’ application for Social Security Benefits as needed.
• Prepares psychological reports presenting diagnostic findings, interview findings, functional assessments, clinical evaluations, and recommendations for the Clients’ SSI eligibility.
• Reviews and evaluates psychological, psychiatric and/or neuropsychological data and case material.
• Provides education, consultation, and information to community providers, and CAAP’s multi-disciplinary team on adult adjustment problems, mental illness, chemical dependence, culturally relevant services, and other topics related to SSI eligibility.
• Supervises psychology interns and subordinate clinical staff not including class 2574 Clinical Psychologist; conducts staff training programs both within the clinic or unit and for line agency personnel.