Supervising Behavioral Health Nurse

Salary: $47.12 - $60.46 Hourly
Location : Eureka, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 25-00208
Department: Department of Health and Human Services
Division: 424 - Mental Health
Opening Date: 03/25/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


DEFINITION
Supervising Behavioral Health Nurse
Job Highlights:

• Provides ongoing clinical supervision to nursing staff, including reviewing assessments, treatment interventions, medication administration practices, and documentation to ensure care is safe, therapeutic, trauma-informed, and compliant with facility policies and regulatory standards.
• Supports, mentors, and evaluates nursing staff; addresses performance concerns; facilitates education and competency development; and promotes a professional, respectful, and accountable work environment in a high-acuity psychiatric setting.
• Oversees medication administration practices; ensures nursing staff adhere to medication orders, consent requirements, and safe administration protocols; monitors for therapeutic effectiveness and adverse reactions; and provides guidance and corrective action as needed to promote patient safety.

Work Location:
This position is located at 720 Wood Street in Eureka, CA.


Work Hours:
A typical schedule for this position is Sunday-Tuesday 0700-1930 (12-hour shift) and Wednesday 0700-1100 (4-hour shift).
This is a continuous recruitment and Human Resources reserves the right to close this recruitment at any time.
DEFINITION
Under general direction, plans, organizes, and directs the day-to-day professional nursing activities and related functions on an assigned shift at the in-patient behavioral health treatment facility, and other County out-patient clinic locations; collaborates with other medical staff and interdisciplinary health treatment teams to evaluate and prepare treatment plans; and performs related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED


Receives general direction from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises direct supervision over professional, technical, and/or administrative support staff.


CLASS CHARACTERISTICS


This is the full supervisory-level class in the Behavioral Health Nurse series that exercises independent judgment on diverse and specialized nursing services in support of the County's in-patient behavioral health facility or out-patient programs with accountability and ongoing decision-making responsibilities associated with the work. Incumbents are responsible for planning, organizing, supervising, reviewing, and evaluating the work of assigned staff and for organizing and overseeing day-to-day nursing, behavioral health, and support services program implementation for hospitalized patients. Employees are responsible for providing professional level support to management in a variety of areas. Performance of the work requires the use of independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTION S (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignment of different positions.

• Oversees the day-to-day treatment administered and operations of the County's behavioral health facility or outpatient clinic on assigned shift.
• Oversees and assesses patients upon admission to unit and makes presentation of physical and behavioral condition findings to attending physicians.
• Accepts report of previous shift and updates new admissions and medications; makes appropriate nursing notes on patients charts and writes medication orders; ensures that patient charts contain accurate and complete documentation.
• Organizes, assigns, directs, reviews, and evaluates the work of assigned staff and/or an interdisciplinary treatment team in the delivery of patient care; maintains a safe and secure environment; serves as case coordinator for assigned patients or clients, as needed.
• Performs end-of-shift narcotics count and maintains records of medications in compliance with regulations.
• Oversees and provides professional nursing care to patients; observes and charts vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration.
• Oversees and provides equipment and supplies required for patient examination or treatment.
• Oversees and administers oral and hypodermic medications and observes and records their effects; obtains and records all orders from physician to facilitate patient treatment.
• Oversees and participates in the preparation of the nursing component of patient treatment plans, including physical assessments on new patients; as a member of an interdisciplinary team, oversees and participates in diagnostic and therapeutic activities.
• Performs crisis intervention, in person and on the phone; manages assaultive behavior and provides general counseling; coordinates or arranges for the provision of needed services, including emergency detention when patient is in danger to self or others.
• Oversees and provides supportive services, including individual, group or family counseling, and various group activities such as exercise and art.
• Confers with medical, behavioral health and inter-agency staff regarding client needs and ways of improving staff's ability to impact on clients.
• Conducts or arranges to have staff conduct case conferences; facilitates decisions on difficult behavioral health cases and problems; and performs chart audits and utilization review.
• Maintains prescribed standards of behavioral health treatment and ensures services are rendered in conformance with policy and procedural guidelines.
• Performs related duties as assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to
perform the essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS


The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge and ability required.


Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of general behavioral health nursing care, as defined by the State of California licensing requirements.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of leadership.
• Principles, practices, and methods of community behavioral health treatment, including interviewing, assessment and family and group counseling.
• Applicable guidelines for laws affecting behavioral health treatment, services, and reporting procedures.
• Medical and behavioral health terminology and first aid methods and procedures.
• Psychotropic medicines, including narcotics, and their effects on patients.
• Standard medical recordkeeping, including patient charting and the processing and maintenance of required documentation.
• Trauma Informed Care model of care and ability to communicate the model to others.
• Principles and alternative approaches to behavioral and emotional disorders and institutional and aftercare programs.
• Methods and procedures for evaluating program quality control and effectiveness of patient treatment.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Ability to maintain a positive culture and to safeguard equity, inclusion, dignity, and respect for all.
• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Assess behavioral and/or emotional health status and develop effective patient treatment plans.
• Perform crisis intervention, manage assaultive behavior, respond promptly to patient emergency situations, and take effective action to control potentially violent incidents.
• Perform utilization review and infection control functions for compliance with standards.
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of behavioral health disorders in children, adults, and families.
• Use clinical judgment to determine if an action needs to be taken.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, patient documents and written correspondence.
• Understand client rights as they relate to treatment options.
• Analyze complex behavioral health problems, evaluate alternatives, and make sound judgments and recommendations for treatment.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, and procedural, guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:


Equivalent to a level of education and course of study, as determined by the State of California Board of Registered Nursing, which would qualify as an accredited program for incumbents to obtain licensure as a Registered Nurse. Typical ways of qualifying would be completion of an associate degree from an accredited educational institution with major coursework in nursing, psychology, or a related field
and

Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in behavioral health nursing with at least one (1) year of charge or lead experience.


Licenses and Certifications

• Must possess a valid US driver's license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver's license following hire date per California DMV regulations.
• Possession of a valid Registered Nursing license issued by the State of California Board of Registered Nursing.
• Possession of a valid CPR/AED certification.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting, or clinical setting, and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and medical equipment; standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required, travel to visit outpatient and rural clinics may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 45 pounds or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
• Vision to assess emergency situations, including medical incidents and to read printed materials and a computer screen.
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office and medical equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Employees work in an office, out-patient, clinic, jail, juvenile facility, or locked behavioral health facility environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• Employees may work outdoors and are occasionally exposed to loud noise levels and cold and/or hot temperatures.
• Employees interact with clients with behavioral disorders/erratic and assaultive behavior, including those which require emergency crisis intervention.
• Incumbents may be exposed to blood and body fluids in performing their assigned duties.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS


Some departments may require pre-employment screening measures before an offer of employment can be made (i.e., background screening, physical examination, etc.).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY
A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County's automated application system at


Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer.


It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.


Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.


Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.
SELECTION PROCEDURE

The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to fill out the application?

• You should allow 30 - 45 minutes to fill out your application.

Can I change my application after submitting it?

• No. Once an application has been submitted, it is final. Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered.

How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?

• You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your governmentjobs.com account at the time of notification. To ensure you don't miss any critical information, we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process. You can also log into your governmentjobs.com account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your application's progress, please contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io.

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?

• Yes, you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways - oftentimes, outside of formal institutions - and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant's qualifications for a position.


If you're excited about this role but your past work experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at View phone number on click.appcast.io so arrangements can be made.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.
OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.
LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver's license.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County's intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.
Please Note: Extra Help positions are non-benefitted but may be eligible to purchase health insurance upon meeting the hours worked requirement under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

RETIREMENT
The County of Humboldt participates in the CalPERS, with both the County and the employee making contributions toward the employee's retirement.

CalPERS Retirement Program:

• Tier I - Prior to 7/5/2012: 2.7% @ 55
• Tier II - Post 7/6/2012: 2% @ 55
• Tier III - Post 1/1/2013: 2% @ 62

Please note that these are the tiers available at the County of Humboldt. Tier determination is made by CalPERS. Please reach out to Personnel if you have questions regarding tier placement.


COMPREHESIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE
Our generous benefits package includes:

• Health Insurance
  • Medical: Multiple plan options available through CalPERS
  • County covers majority of employee premium and contributes to dependent coverage
• Additional Insurance Coverage
  • Dental: Full premium coverage for employees and all dependents
  • Vision: Full premium coverage for employees and eligible dependents
• County-Provided Benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Longevity Pay
  • Educational Reimbursement
  • Deferred Compensation
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Bus Pass Program

Optional Benefits
Employees may elect to purchase additional coverage including:

• Supplemental Life Insurance with guaranteed issuance period at time of hire
• Flexible Spending Accounts

VACATION
1 - 3 completed years of service = 12 days (192-hour cap)
4 - 10 completed years of service = 15 days (240-hour cap)
11 - 15 completed years of service = 20 days (320-hour cap)
16 - 20 completed years of service = 25 days (400-hour cap)
21+ completed years of service = 30 days (480-hour cap)

HOLIDAYS
Employees earn 15 paid holidays per year (specific dates as defined in their specific Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)), including 2 personal holidays.

SICK LEAVE
Employees earn 12 sick days per year with an unlimited cap on sick day accumulation.

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS
The County is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employer.

INCENTIVE PAY
County employees may be eligible for additional incentive pay, such as on-call pay, shift differential pay, locked facility pay, or annual uniform allowance, as defined in their specific MOU.
Please visit the County of Humboldt Human Resources website at for more information on benefits, labor agreements, and job opportunities.
01


This position requires driving on behalf of the County of Humboldt. Do you possess, or can you obtain, a valid California driver's license, prior to your date of hire per California Department of Motor Vehicle regulations?

• Yes
• No

02


This position requires a California Registered Nurse (RN) license.Do you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

03


If you answered yes to questions #2, please provide your license number.
04


Please select the amount of time that most accurately reflects your experience in behavioral health nursing with at least one (1) year of charge or lead experience.

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 - 2 years
• 2 - 3 years
• More than 3 years

05


Please describe your experience in behavioral health nursing with at least one (1) year of charge or lead experience.
06


Please describe your knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and how they apply in a behavioral health setting.
07


Please describe your knowledge of strategies that support psychological safety and accountability in a high-stress behavioral health setting.
08


Any other coursework, training or experience you would like to add that directly relates to this position.
Required Question