Licensed Mental Health

Salary: $109,179.20 Annually
Location : County of San Diego, CA
Job Type: Regular - Full time
Job Number: 26510201
Department: Health & Human Serv Agcy
Division: Behavioral Health Services
Opening Date: 01/28/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


Job Summary
The County of San Diego is currently accepting applications for the position of
Licensed Mental Health Clinician

Interested candidates are encouraged to immediately apply. Interviews will be conducted on an ongoing basis.
This position is eligible for hire at $109,179.20 annually.
Future Salary Increases:

** June 2026 - 4.27% increase to base pay (3.5% Across-the-Board + 0.77% Market Adjustment Increase)

** June 2027 - 3.77% increase to base pay (3% Across-the- Board + 0.77% Market Adjustment Increase)
The following additional pay incentives and premiums are available:

** 4% Licensed Mental Health Clinician Classification Premium (applied to time worked)

** 5% Location Premium for San Diego County Psychiatric Hospital

**May be eligible for relocation allowance up to $8,000.
The County of San Diego has an excellent opportunity for Licensed Mental Health Clinicians to provide behavioral/mental health services such as case consultation, individual/group therapy, intake screening, assessment, case management, care coordination, entitlements, diagnose and development of treatment plans, investigations involving adults and minors who are reported to be gravely disabled due to mental illness, and establish/re-establish involuntary mental health treatment through conservatorship. Incumbents may work in a variety of settings including hospital, juvenile detention facilities, outpatient clinics, case management, care coordination, day treatment, linkage to clinical care, discharge planning from a jail setting, and/or community outreach programs. Incumbents may work weekends, evening hours, and possibility for overtime.
The hiring departments have numerous immediate vacancies. Qualified applicants will be invited to schedule an interview time and, if interviewing in-person, should expect to spend at least two hours for the interview and background process. Additional information will be provided prior to the interview. Interview times will be assigned on a first come, first served basis, so if you are contacted for an interview, please schedule as soon as possible. Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical exam approximately 2-3 business days after the interview date.


The current vacancies are with Behavioral Health Services (BHS), Juvenile Forensics, Aging and Independence Services (AIS) Public Administrator/Guardian/Conservator, the Office of the Public Defender, and Child and Family Well-Being; however, the list established from this recruitment may be used to fill vacancies in other divisions/departments.


Behavioral Health Clinics
We welcome you to join the outpatient Behavioral Health Center (BHC) team. If you enjoy helping others in a team oriented, fast paced environment; appreciate challenging and rewarding work with a variety of client populations; and are passionate about serving our community, then the BHC team is for you! In addition to being part of a dynamic team, the County offers generous benefits and employment may qualify you for student loan forgiveness. Immediate openings - apply today to make a difference!

Juvenile Forensics
The Juvenile Forensic Services S.T.A.T. Team provides essential services to youth on Probation, in detention facilities, and within the community. From crisis intervention and assessments to psychiatric evaluations, medication follow-up, and therapeutic support, we address the diverse needs of our young clients. Our primary mission is to provide crucial mental health services, aiding youth during their detention and facilitating a smooth transition back into the community post-release. With a focus on promoting recovery and resilience, our strength-based approach, family focus orientation, and culturally sensitive approach, enables us to be impactful, therapeutic, and create opportunities for the youth to grow. Join a collaborative environment with highly trained Psychologists, Psychiatrists, LCSWs, and MFTs, working in tandem with the San Diego County Probation Department to support youth needs. Make a meaningful impact on youth mental health with Juvenile Forensic Services S.T.A.T. Team!

AIS - Public Administrator/Public Guardian/Public Conservator (PA/PG/PC)
PA/PG/PC conducts investigations involving adults and minors who are reported to be gravely disabled due to mental illness, pursuant to the Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) Act. The Licensed Mental Health Clinician for PA/PG/PC will be responsible for interpreting and applying the LPS Act regarding conservatorship for persons who are gravely disabled and suffering from mental disorders; reviewing and assigning referrals for conservatorship; conducting investigations in compliance with the LPS Act; coordinating and consenting to involuntary mental health and/or medical care, treatment, and placement for clients; coordinating with the Superior Court, County Counsel, and the Public Defender related to LPS legal matters; and acting on behalf of the Public Conservator.
Office of the Public Defender

Incumbents working for the Office of the Public Defender will work collaboratively with Deputy Public Defenders to develop treatment and release plans for a diverse group of clients in custody.

Child and Family Well-Being
The Licensed Mental Health Clinician reports to the Behavioral Health Program Coordinator for Child and Family Well-Being and is responsible for the implementation and delivery of the Comprehensive Secondary Traumatic Stress program within each region/program. Additional responsibilities include providing ongoing support and education to Child and Family Well-Being staff regarding secondary and vicarious trauma and resiliency; designing secondary traumatic stress and resiliency initiatives across the regions and programs; implementing group interventions aimed at mitigating secondary traumatic stress and increasing resiliency and providing individual interventions for secondary traumatic stress as requested; creating and delivering educational trainings related to secondary traumatic stress and resiliency; and remaining abreast of the current literature on secondary and vicarious trauma and child welfare workers.
For more information, please refer to a complete job description of , including essential functions, examples of qualifying education and experience, working conditions, etc.

***Effective September 9, 2022, this hard to recruit position qualifies for the Employee Referral Reward Program. If a current County of San Diego employee referred you to apply for this position, please indicate the employee's name on your job application in the space provided. ***

May be eligible for relocation allowance up to $8,000.

Hiring Process
The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.

• Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews.
• Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
• Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.

If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.
Education and Experience

1. A master's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in counseling, social work, or a closely related field or doctorate degree in psychology; AND,
2. At least two (2) years of full-time, post master's degree experience working in a mental health program providing counseling and crisis intervention, under clinical supervision; AND,
3. Licensure by the State of California as a LCSW, MFT, LPCC, or Clinical Psychologist.

Note:

A National Provider Identification Number (NPI) is required at time of employment.

Blind Applicant Screening
The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, hides a candidate's personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process helps contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.


The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.
Condition of Employment

As part of the County of San Diego's pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
Evaluation
Qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month eligible list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained on their employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you give will be scored using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process, your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.
Accommodation

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job on a case-by-case basis.
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.


Veteran's Preference Policy

The County of San Diego offerspreferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego.


Military Skills Translator

Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help!
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our .
Disaster Worker
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.
Click here to see the Non-Management Benefits Summary
01


Thank you for your interest in applying with the County of San Diego. Please answer the following supplemental questions.

• Yes
• No

02


Are you currently licensed by the State of California as an unrestricted:

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)
• Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
• Clinical Psychologist
• I am not currently licensed by the State of CA in any of the licenses listed above.

03


Please provide your license number and expiration date.
04


Do you have a valid National Provider Identification number (NPI)?
Note: An NPI number is required at the time of employment.

• Yes
• No

05


Do you possess a master's degree from an accredited U.S. graduate school, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, in counseling, social work, or a closely related field or doctorate degree in psychology?

Note: Please submit a copy of your degree or final transcript.

• A copy of my degree/final transcript is attached
• I have requested and will submit my degree/final transcript
• I do not have a master's degree from an accredited U.S. graduate school, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in the areas indicated above

06


Please indicate how many years of full-time, post master's degree experience you have working in a mental health program providing counseling and crisis intervention, under clinical supervision.

Be sure to include this information in the work experience section of your application.

• 23 months of experience or less
• 2 to 3 years of experience
• More than 3 years of experience
• I do not have this experience

07


Do you have experience performing any of the following? Check all that apply.

• Testifying in Court and/or preparing court reports
• Coordinating care with community behavioral health providers
• Collaborating with internal and external agencies and partners
• Training and developing, improving and implementing social and mental health programs and projects
• I do not have experience in any of the areas listed above

08


Please describe your experience for each box selected in Question #7. If you do not have any experience, please indicate with "N/A."
09


Do you have experience working with the populations listed below? Check all that apply.

• Children/Youth
• Adults/Older adults
• Persons determined to be gravely disabled
• Individuals conserved under the LPS Act
• None of the above

10


Do you have experience working with adults/older adults in any of the following areas? Check all that apply.

• Working in the field (i.e. home visits)
• Crisis intervention
• Engaging with clients who may be resistant to mental health treatment and support
• Training or work experience with clients with dementia or related cognitive disorders
• Working in a clinical environment
• Working in an acute psychiatric inpatient setting
• Behavioral Health Clinical Services and Programs
• Treatment Facilities
• I do not have experience in any of the areas listed above

11


Please describe your experience for each box selected in Question #10. If you do not have any experience, please indicate with "N/A."
12


Do you have experience working with children, youth, transitional age youth, adults, and/or older adults in a clinical setting, detentions environment, or inpatient setting in any of the following areas? Check all that apply.

• Clinically evaluating and assessing the nature and extent of an individual's condition using psychosocial case histories, psychological test results and educational assessment tools
• Making clinical assessments, diagnosing and developing treatment plans including coordinating with youth's multi-disciplinary treatment team
• Participating in case conferences with psychiatrists and clinical psychologists and acting as therapeutic team member
• Meeting with clients and family members to interpret and explain the social and emotional factors pertaining to behavioral health issues and the methods of alleviating emotional and environmental problems
• Consulting with community agencies on the identification and management of social and behavioral health issues
• Providing Mental Health services to a juvenile population in a detention facility
• Providing and/or developing interventions that meet criminogenic needs of youth in a detention facility
• Assessing for and providing Substance Use treatment to youth
• Providing Individual, Group, and Family Psychotherapy
• Managing a therapeutic milieu
• I do not have experience in any of the areas listed above

13


Please describe your experience for each box selected in Question #12. If you do not have any experience, please indicate with "N/A."
14


Licensed Mental Health Clinicians may work in a variety of roles and settings including hospital, outpatient, day treatment, and community outreach programs. Please select all areas you are willing to work in.

• Clinical role (Adults)
• Clinical role (Juvenile Detentions)
• Clinical/Administrative role
• Care Coordination
• Case Management
• Outpatient Clinic
• In an acute psychiatric inpatient setting
• Forensic setting with clients or agencies involved in the criminal justice system
• Detentions Facilities

15


Have you used or maintained an electronic health record system?

• Yes
• No

16


Briefly describe your experience using or maintaining an electronic health record system. In your response, please include the following:

1. Name of the electronic health record system
2. Brief description of your experience or knowledge
3. Types of functions performed within the system

If you do not have any experience, please indicate with "N/A."
17


Are you willing and able to work with patients that exhibit hostile, abusive, or aggressive behavior?

• Yes
• No

18


If selected for this position, are you willing to work evenings, weekends, and possibly overtime?

• Yes
• No

19


How did you first hear about this job opportunity?

• San Diego County Website
• Governmentjobs.com
• Mana de San Diego
• Family, Friend, Neighbor
• County Employee Resources Group
• College/University Career Site/Handshake/Diversity Groups
• County Social Media
• Linkedin
• Indeed.com
• Voice and Viewpoint
• Other

20


If you selected "Other" in the question above, please tell us how you first heard about this job opportunity.

Please indicate "N/A" if not applicable.
21


Were you referred by a County employee to apply for this position? Note: effective September 9, 2022, County employees are eligible to earn cash awards for any candidates they refer to hard to recruit positions that are then hired.

• Yes
• No

22


If you responded "Yes" to the above, in the space provided please list the name of the County employee that referred you.
Required Question