Behavioral Health Specialist III - Multiple Locations

Behavioral Health Specialist III Positions

The Riverside University Health System (RUHS) – Behavioral Health Department is currently recruiting for multiple Behavioral Health Specialist III positions throughout Riverside County. Applications submitted to this posting will remain active for up to 90 days. Additional differentials may be available. Candidates are required to be registered or certified at date of application as an Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Counselor and to have a valid Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) certification or registration in accordance with the certification requirements as pursuant to Sections 11755, 11864, 11876 (a), and 11834.50 of the California Health and Safety Code and Sections 9846, 10125 and 10564 of the California Code of Regulations through either the California Consortium of Addictions Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) or the California Association of DUI Treatment Programs or Addiction Counselor Certification Board of California (ACCBC). A valid CA Driver's License is required.

Meet the Team! Riverside University Health System – Behavioral Health is a leading provider of mental health and substance use services in Riverside County. With a dedicated team of professionals, including psychiatrists, clinicians, peer specialists, and paraprofessionals, RUHS-BH serves over 45,000 individuals annually. We are committed to delivering culturally competent, evidence-based care across all ages. Our programs, including Mental Health Services, Substance Use Services, and the Public Guardian's Office, address the diverse needs of our community. At RUHS Behavioral Health, you'll join a compassionate, innovative team where your skills make a real difference. We offer opportunities for growth, collaboration, and meaningful impact. If you're passionate about advancing your career while improving mental health in Riverside County, RUHS Behavioral Health is the place for you! For more information, please visit

Examples of Essential Duties

• Interview, evaluate, and counsel clients relative to alcoholism or drug abuse.
• Refer clients to County operated and/or community treatment facilities (e.g., detoxification centers, hospitals, recovery homes, residential treatment programs, or DUI program providers).
• Provide individual and group counseling sessions for clients and their families affected by substance abuse.
• Participate in joint County-community agency efforts in providing educational and prevention services to control and prevent substance abuse.
• Under direct supervision, monitor and evaluate program providers and determine compliance with program requirements; assist in planning, organizing, coordinating, and implementing program design within the program; assist in resolving crises for clients and their families.
• Participate in substance abuse treatment and prevention programs; conduct community visits to assist substance abuse clients and their families achieve success in the program.
• Monitor client's course after discharge to ensure continuum of care and provide for adjustment.
• Under supervision, may monitor a variety of County and state mandated program providers by conducting site visits and record reviews to ensure compliance with County and state mandates.
• Assist in making preliminary recommendations as to the appropriateness and quality of treatment and prevention services; may analyze new and current legislation on the delivery of program services.
• Provide educational presentations on the abuse of alcohol and other drugs.
• Prepare and maintain records, reports, and correspondence regarding substance abuse cases; maintain records on client case work.

Minimum Qualifications

Option I Experience: One year of providing individual or group counseling to individuals in a substance abuse treatment program/facility, which must have included responsibility for assessing, evaluating and making referrals, either individually or as part of a team led by a substance abuse or medical professional, for substance abuse clients. Certificate: Incumbents are required to be registered by the date of hire with an Alcohol and Other Drug certification in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 11833(b)(1). Option II Certificate: Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Counselor Certification. All options knowledge of basic principles and practices involved in improving behavioral health; laws, rules and regulations governing a public substance abuse agency; counseling techniques applicable to substance abuse treatment and prevention; social, cultural, psychological, and economic factors relating to substance abuse; public agency, community resources, community based support systems, and their functions; use of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) screening criteria for consumer placement into appropriate levels of care; providing appropriate services for consumers with co-occurring SUD and MH disorders; tenets of providing trauma-informed care; medications used for Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) services; laws and ethics involved in the provision of substance use services. Ability to work effectively with a variety of different agencies, organizations and individuals; interview and evaluate clients experiencing substance abuse problems; counsel and guide clients toward independence from substance abuse; assess and monitor program providers and develop recommendations; communicate effectively in verbal and written form; assist in the development and implementation of new ideas, methods and programs related to substance abuse treatment and substance abuse prevention; match multidimensional severity and level of function with type and intensity of service; provide integrated services. Experience: One year providing direct evidence-based prevention services in a recognized substance abuse prevention program. Other Requirements: License: Possession of a valid California Driver's License may be required. An individual who registers as a counselor for the first time on or after July 1, 2025, must complete a minimum of 80 hours of education, including education in the core competency topics as specified in the Health and Safety Code Section 11833(b) within 6 months of registration. Registered AOD Counselors are required to complete continuing education in accordance with the requirements established by their certifying organization. Registered AOD Counselor are required to be Certified AOD Counselor within 5 years of initial registration. Failure to obtain certification may lead to termination.

For questions regarding this recruitment Contact the recruiter, Nicole Prado: View email address on click.appcast.io, View phone number on click.appcast.io with any questions regarding this recruitment. Please allow 1-2 business days for a response to general inquiries.