Mental Health Counselor

Mental Health Counselor I - Bilingual (English/Spanish) Preferred at Santa Cruz County Office Of Education Salary Pay Range $37.68 - $47.69 Per Hour Add'l Salary Info Based on the 2026-2027 Classified Salary Schedule (salary range placement depends on relevant education/experience). Length of Work Year: 40 hours per week/ 10 months per year/ 1 FTE Employment Type: Full Time About The Employer The Santa Cruz County Office of Education is committed to ensuring all students have the educational opportunities they need to thrive. We offer a wide range of services and programs geared at supporting our 10 public school districts and expanding educational opportunities and outcomes for over 37,000 students who call Santa Cruz County home. We envision an impactful educational community where everyone feels they belong and have the resources, relationships, and skills to thrive. Our mission is to create an equitable educational system that fosters growth, opportunities, and well-being for all. We work alongside partners in Santa Cruz County’s educational community to build BRIDGES — Belonging, Relationships, Innovation, Data-informed decision-making, Growth mindsets, Excellence, and Sustainability — to equity in education. The Santa Cruz County Office of Education is an equal opportunity employer. Job Summary This position will be assigned to the Career and Adult Learning Services (CALS) department and will support the Career Advancement Charter (CAC) programs: Under general direction, provides prevention and early intervention services that support the behavioral health and well-being of children and youth. Behavioral health and related services may include wellness promotion and education, screening, care coordination, individual and group support, and crisis referral. This position operates as part of a care team and under the direction of a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credentialed or licensed professional. Exercise no supervision over County Office staff. Travel across the county to different sites will be a requirement of this position. Requirements / Qualifications Please read the complete job description. Education: Completion of a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related field from an accredited college or university. Experience: Two years of experience in a government agency, community-based organization, educational or healthcare setting is desirable. License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver’s license and appropriate vehicle operation insurance. Comments and Other Information Benefits: Employees assigned to this schedule are entitled to receive vision, dental and medical coverage for the employee and their dependents. Employees have a choice between various medical plans. Each plan may have an employee premium contribution amount for which the employee can utilize a tax sheltered Section 125 Plan. The COE contribution is prorated based on FTE. Retirement benefits are accrued through the Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS). CalPERS members are required to pay their portion of the retirement plan. The employee also receives long-term disability insurance and life insurance. For more information please review the Classified Summary of the Benefits Administration Page on the Santa Cruz County Office of Education website or read it on the link to the right under Links Related to this Job. The Santa Cruz County Office of Education provides an Associate Degree stipend of $375, a Bachelor’s Degree stipend of $750, a Master’s Degree stipend of $1,500, a Doctorate Degree (no Master's) of $1,500 or a Doctorate Degree (with Master's) of an additional $400 per year for eligible employees. Degree stipend is prorated based upon full time equivalent. Links Related To This Job Classified Benefits Summary, 10-1-25 View Other Job Desc. / Ess. Elem. CalPERS Links Not all postings qualify for CalPERS. Informational Only. CalPERS Retirement Benefits #J-18808-Ljbffr