Behavioral Health Specialist I/II - Mental Health

About the Department Behavioral Health and Recovery Services is committed to behavioral health principles that are responsive to substance use disorders. Our scope of services includes, but is not limited to, inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services, substance use disorder services, behavioral education and prevention; public guardian functions and advocacy. We offer these services throughout Stanislaus County at Behavioral Health and Recovery Services managed sites and partner with community agencies, as well as other County departments. About the Position Stanislaus County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Behavioral Health Specialist I/II. The entry-level position performs under supervision while the experienced, journey-level position performs with much greater independence. Applicants who have lived experience as a consumer of Behavioral Health & Recovery Services or a family member of a loved one who is/was a consumer of Behavioral Health & Recovery Services are encouraged to apply. This position provides a variety of para‑professional counseling services to clients, recommends appropriate referrals, maintains community liaisons to ensure adequate services are made available to clients, provides facilitation for a variety of client‑focused specialty groups, and as part of the treatment team, establishes and implements treatment plans. Behavioral Health Specialists work under supervision and may be assigned to regional teams, residential or inpatient facilities and various outpatient programs. Performs field visits to those under care and supervises subordinates. Application Deadlines & Tentative Exam Dates Application deadline: April 20, 2026 | Oral Examination: Tentatively, April 27, 2026 Application deadline: May 11, 2026 | Oral Examination: Tentatively, May 18, 2026 Application deadline: June 1, 2026 | Oral Examination: Tentatively, June 8, 2026 To learn more about the Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Department, visit Specializations Candidates in the Behavioral Health Specialist (BHS) classification may be appointed to specialize in the Mental Health (MH) area. Behavioral Health Specialists may be assigned to residential facilities, regional teams, various outpatient programs and community-based prevention programs. Incumbents may perform field visits to those under care and perform related duties as assigned. State of California - Health and Human Services Agency, California Code of Regulations requires: Individuals providing peer support services within an approved DMC-ODS and/or the SMHS delivery system licensed and/or certified by DHCS be registered to obtain certification as a Peer Support Specialist with one of the certifying organizations currently approved by DHCS. Provide a variety of highly skilled mental health and supportive services to a varied caseload of members. Interview clients to screen/access their substance use to determine their service needs; Provide Deputy Public Conservator services. Develop curriculum on various health topics; facilitate MH and support groups. Accompany members in court, and/or transport members in County vehicles. According to department standards and policies, prepare daily records, summarize progress of treatment for members and keep these records current. Act as a lead worker or directs the work of others and offers training when needed. Advocate for and assist members in accessing and receiving services. Communicate with various BHRS departments and other agencies; Build partnerships for positive and healthy youth development. Consult with other agencies, law enforcement and community service providers for coordination or care, identify services, and discuss referrals. Engage community members and local agency partners in planning and coalition development. Engage in compliant and ethical behavior in accordance with County and BHRS policy. Facilitate the admission/discharge of members to the County's acute psychiatric hospital or substance use disorder residential treatment programs when necessary. Formulate specific health education program objectives from broad program goals, assess education and training needs through formal and informal means, and design programs and information to reduce substance misuse and abuse. Interact productively within a multidisciplinary team to provide holistic case management services. Meet regularly with members and coach them in developing age‑appropriate social skills; Assist in establishing members' eligibility for Medi‑Cal or other benefits and advocate for continuation of benefits. Participate in diagnostic and evaluative staff conferences for cooperative planning and treatment. Interview members to screen, and determine their service needs, including evaluating risk factors; Provide case coordination and treatment planning and evaluation. Speak to public and/or agency groups to provide education that reduces stigma. Support MH program compliance with BHRS, State, & Federal regulations, reviews and corrective actions by reviewing, monitoring, tracking, etc. Support MH quality services program with BHRS, State, & Federal standards and requirements. Behavioral Health Specialist I - Mental Health View the job description for a full list of the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Behavioral Health Specialist II - Mental Health View the job description for a full list of the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Requirements We recognize your time is valuable, please only apply if you meet the following required qualifications. Education & Experience All applicants must possess a BLS CPR for Healthcare Providers. BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SPECIALIST I Pattern I Fifteen (15) units of college credit* in a related field; AND Four (4) years experience in crisis intervention, group/family/individual counseling or in a psychiatric inpatient setting or drug/alcohol treatment and recovery program. Pattern II LVN or Psychiatric Technician license or 30 units of college credit* in a related field; AND Three (3) years experience in crisis intervention, group/family/individual counseling, or a psychiatric inpatient setting or drug/alcohol treatment and recovery program. *California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (CAADAC) and/or National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) hours can be considered in meeting this educational requirement. Pattern III Bachelors of Arts degree in a related field; AND Two (2) years responsible experience in crisis intervention, group/family/individual counseling, or a psychiatric inpatient setting or drug/alcohol treatment and recovery program. Pattern IV Master's degree in a related field such as Counseling, Psychology or Social Work. BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SPECIALIST II IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE PATTERNS One (1) year of experience as a Behavioral Health Specialist I, or the equivalent, in order to qualify for the Behavioral Health Specialist II level; AND BLS CPR for Healthcare Providers. Desirable Qualifications In addition to the minimum qualifications, applicant screening will focus on the following desirable qualifications. Please list any of these qualifications you may have within the "Duties" section of the online application. Current or previous consumer of service(s) through Behavioral Health and Recovery Services; An immediate family member of an individual who previously or currently receives services through Behavioral Health and Recovery Services; Individuals/family members who have lived experience with a severe mental health diagnosis or substance use disorder Application Procedures / Final Filing Date Applications cannot be submitted later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Make your online application as complete as possible so a full and realistic appraisal may be made of your qualifications. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Attaching your resume and cover letter are an optional feature for those who wish to do so in addition to completing the required application. Information on your resume and cover letter will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application. The online County application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications. Examination Process Most County recruitments consists of the steps detailed below and are governed by Merit Principles. The examination process ensures that all applicants are given the same opportunity to gain employment within Stanislaus County. Application Review and Screening . Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on. Written Examination . Applicants will be invited to participate in a written exam that tests knowledge for the position. Oral Examination . Applicants are invited to a panel interview in which they will be evaluated by County subject matter experts. Eligible Lists . Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification. Eligible lists are effective for six months but may be extended up to eighteen months. General Information Unless otherwise provided, this position is part of the Classified Service of the County and is assigned to the Community & Health Services bargaining unit for labor relations purposes. Individuals who are in a full‑time classification position are required to serve a twelve‑month probationary period, which may be extended an additional six months, for a total of eighteen months. The Job Task Analysis provides information detailing the physical and functional demands of the classification. For the complete job task analysis, visit the Risk Management website at under the "Disability" tab. Incumbents may also be subject to overtime, standby, callback, weekend, holiday and shift assignments as identified in their MOU (Memorandum of Understanding). Part‑time extra‑help is a provisional classification where permanent status may not be obtained. This position is subject to overtime, standby, shift, and callback assignments and will perform related duties as assigned. This position is non‑benefited except for participation in a 401a program with Nationwide. Note: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra‑help, part‑time and full‑time vacancies throughout Stanislaus County. Recruitment Accommodations Arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities and religious convictions. Applicants requiring testing accommodations are required to complete and submit the Testing Accommodations Request Form prior to the test administration date. Special arrangements for religious convictions should be included in the "Additional Information" section of the application form. General Qualifications Pass County‑paid pre‑employment job‑related background investigation. Perform job duties in a manner assuring a safe working environment for oneself and others. Maintain confidential information according to the legal standards and/or County regulations as required. Some positions may be required to possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License and meet County insurability requirements. Application and/or Examination Appeal Rights Application and/or examination results may be appealed by applicants presenting facts alleging irregularity, fraud and/or error in application screening or in exam scoring. Appeals must be in writing and submitted to the Chief Executive Officer within seven (7) days after the examination results are emailed. Disclaimer Stanislaus County reserves the right to revise the examination plan described in this flyer to better meet the needs of County service. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The information contained in this bulletin is information which sets forth a general summary of benefits for this respective position. This information is not legally binding. The benefits and other information regarding this position may be found in the Stanislaus County Code, the Stanislaus County Personnel Policies manual, or in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding(s), and such information prevails over information contained in this flyer. Questions regarding this bulletin may be directed to the Stanislaus County Chief Executive Office/Human Relations. #J-18808-Ljbffr