Behavioral Health Specialist

Salary : $86,985.60 - $104,428.48 Annually
Location : Santa Maria, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-5193-01 (O)
Department: County Health Department
Opening Date: 03/19/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


Description
NOTICE OF CHANGE:
This recruitment will remain open until filled.
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis with the first review on 04/07/26
SALARY
$41.82 - $50.21 Hourly
$86,985.60 - $104,428.48 Annually
Bilingual Allowance, when applicable
We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Behavioral Health Specialist to join our team. In this role, you'll provide evidence-based interventions within our primary care clinic, providing a comprehensive range of trauma-informed evidence-based clinical services to people with alcohol and other drug-related problems, mental health, and/or co-occurring conditions. This position will be specifically working with patients participating in Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) alongside a multidisciplinary team including the physician, nurse, medical assistant, and alcohol and drug service specialist.

County of Santa Barbara Health is accepting applications to fill one (1) Full-Time, Limited Term* Behavioral Health Specialist , available as either a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Psychologist. This position is based at the Santa Maria Health Care Center in Santa Maria.

NOTE: We are also accepting applications to establish one employment list that will be used to fill current and future Full-Time, Part-Time, Extra Help and 1414** vacancies in multiple locations including Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc. Please select ALL departments and locations you would like to be considered for initial employment.

*Limited Term: The duration of this appointment is limited to a period not to exceed three (3) years; but is subject to annual review by the Commission to ensure the temporary or limited term nature of such appointment remains appropriate based on business operational needs and/or resources.

**CSR 1414 (Leave of Absence): This recruitment is to fill a position vacated as a result of a leave of absence (CSR 1414) and the duration of the appointment shall be subject to the return of the individual who is on leave. A person who is appointed to a position under CSR 1414 may be able to transition into a regular position in the classification without reapplication or re-testing, depending on the performance of the appointee and the needs of the department.


Visa Sponsorship: Please note this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.
BENEFITS : The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits. Click on the Benefits Tab above or to view more information.


In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards for an advanced vacation accrual rate

The County may provide reimbursement for reasonable relocation expenses , and, at the discretion of the CEO, can provide flexible relocation assistance, housing and student loan offsets, cash incentives, and/or vacation and sick leave pre-accruals in the interest of attracting the best talent to the organization.


NOTE: May be eligible for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program , Perkins Loan Cancellation and/or National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program under the National Health Service Corps (NHSC).
THE POSITION:

Under general direction, the Behavior Health Specialist (BHS) provides evidence based and trauma-informed mental health and behavioral health treatment including assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy, as well as care coordination and referrals; provides education and develops behavioral change plans for patients; performs related duties as required.

The BHS is embedded within the primary care clinic of the Primary Care and Family Health (PCFH) division. The BHS clinician, under general direction, provides trauma-informed, evidence-based mental health and behavioral interventions within the primary care Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program; they collaborate closely with the MAT program treatment team.
THE DEPARTMENT:

County of Santa Barbara Health (County Health): Founded in 1925, our mission is to improve the health of our communities by preventing disease, promoting wellness and health equity, while ensuring access to needed health care, and maintaining a safe and healthy environment. Our vision of "healthy people, healthy community, healthy environment" is made possible through our team of over 500 professionals. With an annual budget of $98.7 million, we serve more than 440,500 residents across Santa Barbara County through a wide range of innovative public health programs and services.


The Department's range of responsibilities includes:

• Investigating disease outbreaks
• Conducting health education campaigns
• Inspecting food establishments
• Working with high-risk mothers and children
• Operating health clinics for the underserved
• Staffing medical shelters during emergency evacuations
• Caring for our four-legged friends through our animal control program and many other programs and services.

For more information, please visit:
The IDEAL CANDIDATE will possess:

• Experience in an integrated healthcare setting;
• Passion for serving uninsured, under-insured, and low-income populations;
• The ability to speak, read and write in Spanish and/or a Mixtec dialect (preferred);
• Strong clinical skills in addressing co-occurring mental health and substance abuse issues, including assessment, evidence-based therapy, and referrals as needed;
• Familiarity with psychological interventions in co-occurring substance use and trauma treatment including MI, EMDR, TF-CBT, and/or Seeking Safety;
• Ability to effectively work with diverse patient populations, utilizing medical interpreters when necessary;
• Excellent problem-solving skills, flexibility, and ability to multitask in a busy medical clinic environment;
• Proficiency in administering, scoring, and interpreting screening tools and health-setting instruments;
• Understanding of Recovery Models in mental health;
• Experience in structured quality improvement methods;
• Experience with Electronic Health Records.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
Behavioral Health Specialist is the journey-level professional classification for Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT), and Clinical Psychologists. Incumbents provide professional mental health services in a Primary Health Care setting using time-limited, evidence-based interventions to support patients addressing behaviors that impact health.

Examples of Duties

1. Conduct biopsychosocial assessments to identify substance use and co-occurring mental health needs. Assess readiness for change and stage of recovery. Develop diagnostic impression using DSM-5 criteria
2. Provide individual counseling using trauma-informed evidence-based approaches (e.g., EMDR, CBT, MI, ACT, Seeking Safety). Provide counseling specific to MAT adherence, stigma, and managing cravings or triggers.
3. Respond to crises such as suicidal ideation, overdose risk, or acute withdrawal symptoms. Conduct risk assessments and coordinate emergency care or safety planning as needed.
4. Collaborate with case managers and external providers to connect clients to housing, employment, legal aid, detox, residential treatment, or medical care.
5. Refer clients to higher or lower levels of care based on ongoing assessment.
6. Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings with clinicians, physicians, nurses, and case managers.
7. Works in partnership with other clinical staff (medical assistants, nurses, nutritionists, health care practitioners, and physicians) to provide needed behavioral health services to patients. Provides education to the clinic staff on behavioral health issues, as well as consultation on tips for successful care management and patient facilitation. May offer clinic-wide training(s) based on areas of interest or expertise related to integrated behavioral health topics.
8. Documents in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) all clinical activity presenting diagnostic and interview findings, clinical evaluations, and recommendations. As a member of a team, reviews diagnosis and treatment plans of clinic staff and consults with Primary Care Providers and other care team members regarding a plan of care for patients.
9. Participates in program evaluation and/or performance improvement activities.
10. Maintains expected productivity and billing practices for services.

Employment Standards

1. Possession of a valid license as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) issued by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences; OR
2. Possession of a valid license as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT ) issued by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences; OR
3. Possession of a valid license as a Psychologist issued by the California Board of Psychology.

NOTE: Professional Licensure: Applicants must possess licensure in their profession from the or at the time of application.

Additional Requirements: For specific positions, possession and maintenance of a valid California Driver's License and the ability to meet automobile insurability requirements of the County or the ability to provide suitable transportation needs may be required.

Background Investigation: Finalists for positions in this class will be required to pass a pre-offer, job-related background investigation.


Knowledge of: specialized evidence-based interventions and treatments for general behavioral health problems (e.g., depression, anxiety, substance abuse problems) and areas of physical health that impact behavioral health (e.g., chronic pain, obesity and diabetes); consultation and liaison skills; medical literacy, as demonstrated by familiarity with common medical terms, front-line psychiatric medications, understanding of medical culture, and previous experience as part of interdisciplinary treatment teams.

Ability to: work effectively as part of interdisciplinary teams to effectively and efficiently provide clinical services using behavioral health techniques (e.g., chronic disease management, weight management, tobacco cessation, stress management, etc.); develop coherent treatment strategies that are problem-focused and solution oriented; integrate, collaborate and communicate diagnostic and treatment recommendations with team on behavioral health issues; prepare and present clear and concise oral and written reports; make sound, professional assessments in a compressed period of time; collaborate effectively with a diverse client and family population with unique backgrounds and needs; establish compassionate but professional relationships with clients.

Bilingual - Speaking, Reading, and Writing Preferred: The ability to converse, ready, and write fluently in English and Spanish is preferred. Note: You must self-certify on your application that you are fluent in English and Spanish. Hiring departments may test you on your fluency. If you do not demonstrate sufficient fluency, your name may be withheld from future certifications that require bilingual skills, in accordance to Civil Service Rules.

Supplemental Information
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS :

1. Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
2. Supplemental Questionnaire Rating. Responses to the required supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by the responses to these questions. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the Supplemental Questionnaire Rating to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule 6. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the examination, rank on the employment list, and duration of the employment list.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE POINTS: Veteran's preference credit is applicable for this recruitment (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans). To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of: (1) honorable discharge from active military service; or, (2) discharge from a military or veterans' hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or, (3) completion of education or training funded by a Federal Educational Assistance Act. No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability.


To receive veteran's preference points, you must: (1) select the Veteran's Preference Points box on the employment application form, (2) submit a copy of your Form DD214 and supporting materials to the Human Resources Department on or before the examination date, and (3) pass all phases of the examination process. The preference points will be added to your final test score.


REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS : The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of accommodation needed from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.


County of Santa Barbara Health (County Health) requires all employees working in direct contact with patients or clients in a high-risk environment to comply with the County Health Employee Immunizations policy. This can be accomplished by providing documentation of immunizations, submitting laboratory immune titers demonstrating adequate immunity, or obtaining required vaccinations. A list of requirements, based on the specific program, will be sent at the time an offer letter is presented to the selected candidate(s) and initial documentation will be required at this time.

Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. The appointee may be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.

Disaster Service Workers: Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a longstanding practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis with the first review on 04/06/26 ; postmarks not accepted. Applications and job postings can be obtained 24 hours a day at
Farrah Medrano, County Health Talent Acquisition Lead -
Retirement Plans

• Generous County Defined Benefit Plan
• Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans
• For more information on our retirement plans, please visit: and

Health Benefits

• Choice of dental, vision and medical plans. In addition to the Benefit Allowance noted above, the County contributes toward medical premiums and dental premiums
• On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members
• Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits
• Available Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more!
• For more information on our health benefits, please visit:

Paid Time Off

• Vacation Leave 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment
• Sick Leave 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement
• Paid Holidays based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit, link below)
• Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM) up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting
• For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below)

Miscellaneous Benefits

• County Paid Term Life Insurance
• County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
• Childcare and Employee Discounts
• Relocation Assistance may apply
• Flexible work schedule may apply
• For more information on all of these benefits, please visit:

Compensation Summary

• To view the Compensation Summary specific to the bargaining unit for this position (link to full Memorandum of Understanding also available at bottom of the summary), please visit:

*This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.
01



IMPORTANT INFORMATION - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY When completing your application and supplemental questionnaire, please pay close attention to the selections you make in the following areas: • Types of positions you're willing to accept (e.g. regular, temporary, seasonal)• Types of work (e.g., part-time, full-time)• Locations where you're willing to work (e.g. Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Lompoc)• Bilingual skills (e.g. Spanish speak)• Departments you're interested in working Why does this matter? If you successfully pass the Supplemental Questionnaire Rating, you are placed on the large employment list. Your rank is based on your exam score, preference points (if applicable), and the number of candidates on the list. When a department has a vacancy, we will filter the employment list based on the specific needs of the hiring department, and the work preferences selected on your application. For example, if County Health has a full-time opening in Santa Barbara, only the top 10 ranked candidates who selected County Health, Santa Barbara, and full-time work will be sent to the department for further consideration. This is your only opportunity to make these work type selections-double-check your preferences before submitting your application.

• I have read the following statement and accept the conditions.

02



Veteran's Preference Points: Is your DD214 attached? (Eligibility is five years from the most recent qualifying veteran's experience. There is no time limit for veterans with 30% or more disability.)

• Yes, I have attached my DD214 to be considered for Veteran's Points.
• No, I do not qualify for Veteran's Points.

03


The current vacancy is in Santa Maria for Full-Time employment. Please make sure you check the locations and work schedules on your application that you want to be considered for current and future vacancies.

• I understand.

04


Please indicate which of the following language(s) you are fluent and your level of proficiency. The current vacancy require bilingual English/Spanish or English/Mixteco speak, read and write abilities. Please select all that apply.

• Spanish-Speak Only
• Spanish-Speak and Read
• Spanish-Speak, Read and Write
• Mixteco-Speak Only
• Mixteco-Speak and Read
• Mixteco-Speak, Read, Write
• I AM NOT bilingual in Spanish nor Mixteco.

05


To be considered for this position your application must CLEARLY state how you meet the requirements under EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS on the Job Bulletin or you will not be considered for this position. If you are unsure, go back and review your application before continuing. Which Employment Standard did you clearly state on your application?

• Possession of a valid license as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) issued by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
• Possession of a valid license as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) issued by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
• Possession of a valid license as a Psychologist issued by the California Board of Medical Examiners.
• I DO NOT possess either license and understand I will not be considered for this role.

06


If you selected that you possess "a valid license in..." for the question above, please list the license name, number, and expiration date below. If you did not select this option, please type "N/A".
07


The following questions are a Civil Service Examination .The Civil Service Examination for this recruitment is a Supplemental Questionnaire Rating . Please read each question carefully as this examination will determine your placement on the employment list. Responses to these questions will be used as a weighted, scored selection device.Evaluators will not have access to your application (including work history and education), application supporting materials (e.g. resumes, cover letters, transcripts), or any previous responses in your supplemental questionnaire. They will only have the information provided in each of your responses below.For information on protest procedures, refer to Civil Service Rules 612 and 613:

• I understand the only information I provide in the response boxes below will be evaluated and used to determine my score and rank on the employment list.

08


How many years of experience do you have working as a licensed behavioral health professional?

• 5 or more years of experience
• 4 years up to 5 years of experience
• 3 years up to 4 years of experience
• 2 years up to 3 years of experience
• 1 year up to 2 years of experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• I DO NOT have this experience.

09


Have you participated in developing treatment plans for individuals with behavioral health needs? If so, can you provide an example of a treatment plan you have contributed to?NOTE: Full details of this experience/position(s) should be on your completed application.

• Yes, I have independently contributed to developing treatment plans for clients.
• Yes, I have assisted in developing treatment plans under supervision.
• I DO NOT have experience being involved in treatment planning.

10


Have you previously worked in a role that involved providing mental health services or support to children and adolescents (ages 5 - 17)? If so, how many years? NOTE: Full details of this experience/position(s) should be on your completed application.

• 3 or more years of experience
• 2 years up to 3 years of experience
• 1 year up to 2 years of experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• I DO NOT have this experience.

11


Have you ever been involved in crisis intervention situations or provided support to individuals experiencing mental health crises? If so, how many years?NOTE: Full details of this experience/position(s) should be on your completed application.

• 3 or more years of experience
• 2 years up to 3 years of experience
• 1 year up to 2 years of experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• I DO NOT have this experience.

12


How many years of experience do you have working in an integrated care system?

• 3 or more years of experience
• 2 years up to 3 years of experience
• 1 year up to 2 years of experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• I DO NOT have this experience.

13


Do you have experience in case management, including assessing clients' needs, developing treatment plans, and coordinating services? If so, how many years?NOTE: Full details of this experience/position(s) should be on your completed application.

• 3 or more years of experience
• 2 years up to 3 years of experience
• 1 year up to 2 years of experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• I DO NOT have this experience.

14


How many years of experience do you have providing services to the underserved and economically disadvantaged populations such as: homeless patients, patients with mental health issues, and the economically disadvantaged? NOTE: Full details of this experience/position(s) should be on your completed application.

• 3 or more years of experience
• 2 years up to 3 years of experience
• 1 year up to 2 years of experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• I DO NOT have this experience.

15


Please select the statement below that best describes your experience working with Electronic Health Records (EHR):

• I have experience working with Epic
• I do not have experience working with Epic, but have experience with a different Electronic Health Records System.
• I DO NOT have any experience working with Electronic Health Records.

Required Question