Mental Health Worker

The role of this position is to provide constant observation of patients who are gravely disabled, and/or a danger-to-self or others. The Mental Health Worker provides supportive interventions to encourage the safety and well-being of the patient and communicates and participates coordination of care with the multidisciplinary team. Additionally, the Mental Health Worker will provide program support that may include patient, clerical and administrative assistance functions

Apply By Date: September 13, 2025 at 11:59pm. Selection activities may start at any time.

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• High school diploma or equivalent work experience or training.
• 1 year of experience or training in a medical, mental health or social services setting.
• Experience performing administrative support functions in a medical, mental health or social services setting.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills to convey instructions, directions, and patient care information appropriately and accurately.
• Ability to work efficiently and independently in a calm manner when under pressure.
• Intervention skills necessary for working with psychiatric patients.
• Ability to deal with potentially inappropriate behavior in an unstructured setting.
• Ability to organize work to accommodate a rapidly changing environment and patient variability.
• Ability to organize work load and complete assignments in a timely manner.
• Knowledge of potential safety hazards in a jail setting. Verbal skills to elicit cooperation of disturbed individuals.
• Ability to remain calm in a crisis situation. Ability to recognize safety hazards in the environment and take immediate action.
• Verbal communication skills necessary to clearly and concisely receive, elicit, and convey information of a psychiatric, medical, or administrative nature to a variety of individuals within and outside the jail.
• Ability to multi-task and work with frequent interruptions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships in the performance of duties, and to consistently demonstrate professional interpersonal skills, adhering to UCD Principles of Community.
• Knowledge of criminal justice system, including judicial system, state hospital system, forensic mental health networks, Probation, Parole and the Department of Corrections.
• Ability to work in a highly stressful jail setting with incarcerated individuals which may present hazardous conditions, including working in a noisy environment, of a highly restrictive and containing nature
• Must be in good physical health, hear and speak well and effectively communicate in English, orally and in written form.
• Willingness to work under an institutional "No Hostage Policy."
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including holiday and weekends as scheduled and assigned.
• Must be able to work occasional overtime and flexible hours.
• Ability to maintain Sheriff's Office security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associates of Arts or Bachelor's degree in related field (Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice).
• Experience working in jail or correctional setting.

Key Responsibilities

• 65% - PATIENT CARE
• 20% - PROGRAM SUPPORT
• 10% - MAINTENANCE OF SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT
• 5% - PROFESSIONAL GROWTH

Department Overview

Adult Correctional Mental Health (ACMH) is a satellite program of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. The program provides mental health services to incarcerated individuals inside the two Sacramento County jails located at 651 I Street in downtown Sacramento and Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center (RCCC) in Elk Grove.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $26.33-$32.76
• Salary Frequency: Hourly
• Salary Grade: 280
• UC Job Title: HOSP BLANK AST 2
• UC Job Code: 009252
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100
• Shift (Work Schedule): 12 hour NOC shift 18:00-06:30, including weekends
• Location: County Jail and/or Rio Cosumnes Correction Center
• Union Representation: EX-Patient Care Technical
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site
• This position is not an H-1B visa opportunity.

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

* High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
* UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
* Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
* Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
* WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
* On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
* Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
* Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
* Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Sitting - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Ability to work in a highly stressful jail setting with incarcerated inmates which may present hazardous conditions, including working in a noisy environment, of a highly restrictive and containing nature. Must be in good physical health, hear and speak well and effectively communicate in English, orally and in written form. Willingness to work under an institutional "No Hostage Policy." Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including holiday and weekends as scheduled and assigned. Must be able to work occasional overtime and flexible hours. Ability to maintain Sheriff's Office security clearance.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks