Behavioral Health Specialist II - Multiple Locations

Salary : $48,578.94 - $66,763.85 Annually
Location : Throughout Riverside County
Job Type: Regular
Job Number: 26-57745-02-JC
Department: Behavioral Health
Opening Date: 05/07/2026
Closing Date: 5/25/2026 7:00 AM Pacific


For questions regarding this position, please contact the Recruiter listed in the Supplemental Information section.

ABOUT THE POSITION
* New 5.5% salary differential above base hourly rate*
Applications to this posting will be valid for up to 90 days.

The Riverside University Health Systems - Behavioral Health and Medical Center/CHC department(s) are currently recruiting for multiple Behavioral Health Specialist II positions throughout Riverside County. As positions become available, the recruiter will review applications and refer applicants on an individual basis should they meet the department's requirements. This posting will be used to fill Behavioral Health Specialist II vacancies throughout multiple regions of Riverside County. An updated resume and transcripts/degree must be uploaded at time of application in order to be considered for any positions.
Applications to this posting will be valid for up to 90 days.


The County of Riverside's - Riverside University Health System-Behavioral Health Department is seeking to fill Behavioral Health Specialist II positions, located throughout Riverside County, CA The most competitive candidates will possess case management and experience working in a Mental Health System.


As positions become available, the recruiter will review applications and refer applicants on an individual basis should they meet the department's requirements.


The work schedule for these positions may vary depending on the departments needs.


The certification list generated from this recruitment will be used to fill multiple mission-critical Behavioral Health Specialist II vacancies that may occur in the coming weeks throughout Riverside County.

*5.5% salary differential above base hourly rate only applies to the Behavioral Health Roles*


Meet the Team!
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
• Interviews consumers to team with mental health professionals in determining the needs of individuals or groups on a walk-in/telephone basis; responds to potential suicide or other emergency telephone calls; describes basic services to consumers; discusses goals and objectives of proposed treatment plans and establishes contract with consumer; assists consumer in recognizing and solving conditions in the consumer's environment which may contribute to mental health problems; as part of a team, counsels individual consumers and groups to develop social adjustment skills and to increase client resolution of identified problems.
• Visits clients, individually or as part of a team, in a variety of living situations to help assess the mental health needs of individuals and families; places consumers who may have difficulty caring for themselves into an appropriate care or treatment facility; visits consumers to observe progress, provide counseling, gather data, and to report significant changes in the consumer's condition to designated professional staff.
• Refers consumers to appropriate resources and/or makes appointment with behavioral health professional(s) for diagnosis and evaluation; assists the consumer, family, and other concerned individuals in filing for and obtaining various kinds of assistance such as financial, housing, or legal; monitors consumer services to insure that a continuum of services is available.
• Gathers data from consumer/family interviews, past records, other information, to gain understanding and verification of previous disorders and treatment episodes; refers consumer to physicians for medication, observation, and treatment; advocates for the client; consults with other individuals and groups regarding services available within the Mental Health Department and specific needs of particular consumers.
• May provide direction to volunteers interested in performing services in Riverside County behavioral Health programs; acts as a liaison between the Mental Health Department and other agencies, departments, organizations, and community groups; May act as an agency representative to community organizations.
• Schedules or assists in the scheduling of needed transportation for consumer services; maintains records and writes reports and summaries for consumer records or other documentation including care status, care reviews, case management plans, summaries, and reports; prepares correspondence and special reports as necessary; attends in-service workshops and training.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPTION I

Education: Completion of 30 sem./45 qtr. units in psychology, sociology, or related behavioral science coursework from a recognized college.

OPTION II

Experience: Six months of experience as a Behavioral Health Specialist I with Riverside County.

OPTION III

Experience: One year of experience equivalent to Behavioral Health Specialist I with a California County Mental Health Agency or private Mental Health care facility.

Knowledge of: Basic principles and practices involved in improving mental health; laws, rules, and regulations governing a public mental health agency; behavioral health programs and services available to the community and their functions; principles and techniques of individual and group counseling; interviewing and problem solving methods.

Ability to: Work effectively with a wide variety of different agencies, organizations, and individuals; Interview clients, recognize the relevant and significant facts, and take appropriate action pertaining to behavioral health needs; implement a treatment plan and monitor a client's progress toward established goals; understand and evaluate psychological, cultural, and social factors affecting behavioral patterns; interpret agency programs and policies to clients, the general public, and agencies/organizations; apply laws, rules, and regulations governing a public mental health agency in specific situations; communicate effectively in verbal and written form.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Application Status

To confirm your application was received or check on the status of your application, log-in to click on your name in the upper right corner, and click on "Applications & Status."

Sign Up for Job Alerts

Go to click on "Careers," click on "County Job Openings," and click on "Subscribe to Job Alerts" icon.


For questions regarding this recruitment:
Contact Jesus Colin at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. Please allow 1-2 business days for a response to general inquiries.
APPLICATION INFORMATION

Veteran's Preference
The County has a Veterans Preference Policy applicable to new hires. To qualify, attach the required documents to your job application. Documents include a copy of your (or your spouse's) Member-4 Form DD-214 indicating dates of service. For spousal preference, and as applicable, the following documents: a copy of your marriage certificate, spouse's death certificate, a letter of spouse's disability and/or letter of service-related death (if available) from the U.S. Veteran's Administration. For privacy reasons, it is recommended that you remove your social security information from the document(s). A Human Resources Representative will review the materials and determine if you qualify for veterans' preference. For complete details and documentation requirements, please review the Veterans Preference Policy, C-3 here:
Reasonable Accommodations
The County of Riverside is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter for the position noted above. For additional information and/or to obtain the appropriate form for requesting a reasonable accommodation, please visit the Disability Access Office web page located at:
Proof of Education
If using education to qualify or when requested by the recruiter, upload a copy of any license(s), official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your NeoGov account at the time of application and before the closing date. Official or unofficial transcripts will be accepted.

If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services () or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. ().
Work Authorization Requirement
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. The County of Riverside does not participate in visa sponsorship programs, including H1-B visas, and will not provide sponsorship for any employment-based visas.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The County of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the County of Riverside to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.
Pre-Employment
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment). A pre-employment physical examination and background check may be required.
Probationary Period
As an Approved Local Merit System, all County of Riverside employees, except those serving "At Will," are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, County Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Temporary and Per Diem employees serve at the pleasure of the agency/department head.
General Information
Current County of Riverside and/or current employees of the hiring department may receive priority consideration. Qualified candidates may be considered for future County vacancies.
Job postings may close without notice based on application volume. Submit your complete application by the recruitment close date; no late applications are accepted. Ensure all relevant experience/education is reflected on your application/resume, as a failure to demonstrate position requirements may disqualify applicants. A description of job duties directly copied from the job classification or job posting will not be considered.
Please read and follow any special application instructions on this posting. Click the ' Apply ' link located on this page to submit your application. For additional instructions on the application process, examinations, Veteran's preference, pre-employment accommodation or other employment questions, please refer to our web site,
If you are experiencing technical problems, you may contact the governmentjobs.com applicant support desk Monday through Friday, 6 am to 5 pm Pacific Time at View email address on click.appcast.io or toll-free View phone number on click.appcast.io.
MEDICAL/DENTAL/VISION INSURANCE: A choice of different medical, dental and visions plan are available to elect. The County provides a Flexible Benefit Credit contribution as governed by the applicable SEIU Memorandum of Understanding to contribute towards the cost of these plans.

Note: Employees on assignment through the Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) receive different benefits. See the list
MISCELLANEOUS RETIREMENT : County of Riverside has three retirement Tiers through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS).

• Tier I (Classic Member - Formula 3% @ 60): Applicable to current and former County of Riverside local miscellaneous employees hired prior to 08/24/2012 and did not withdraw CalPERS contributions. The employee contribution is eight (8%) percent.
• Tier II (Classic Member - Formula 2% @ 60): Applicable to local miscellaneous employees 1) hired after 08/23/2012 through 12/31/2012; 2) Previously employed with another CalPERS contracting public agency or a reciprocal retirement system, with a break in service of less than six months between the separation date with the previous employer and the appointment date with the County of Riverside. The employee contribution is seven (7%) percent.
• Tier III (PEPRA New Member - Formula 2% @ 62): Applicable to CalPERS local miscellaneous new members hired on or after the implementation of the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) which took effect January 1, 2013. Effective July 1, 2023 employee contributions are 7.25% and will increase to 7.75% effective July 1, 2024.

A new member is defined as any of the following:

1. A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who has no prior membership in any California Public Retirement System.
2. A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who was a member with another California Public Retirement System prior to that date, but who is not subject to reciprocity upon joining CalPERS.
3. A member who first established CalPERS membership prior to January 1, 2013, and who is rehired by a different CalPERS agency after a break in service of greater than six (6) months.

CalPERS refers to all members that do not fit within the definition of a new member as "classic members".

Contribution rates are subject to change based on the County of Riverside annual actuarial valuation.
Note:

This summary is for general information purposes only. Additional questions regarding retirement formulas can be sent to or by calling the Benefits Information Line at View phone number on click.appcast.io,
Option 2.

If you have prior service credit with another CalPERS agency or within agencies, please contact CalPERS at View phone number on click.appcast.io to determine which retirement tier would be applicable to you. CalPERS is governed by the Public Employees' Retirement Law. The Retirement Law is complex and subject to change. If there's any conflict between this summary and the law, the law will prevail over this summary.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Voluntary employee contribution with a choice between two 457 deferred compensation plan options.

VACATION ACCRUAL (Bi-Weekly Accrual):

0 < 3 year = 80 Hours (10 Days)

4 < 9 years = 120 Hours (15 Days)

10 or more years = 160 Hours (20 Days)

Maximum Vacation leave accumulation is 480 hours.

SICK LEAVE: Four (4) hours Sick Leave accrual per pay period with unlimited accrual.

HOLIDAYS: Normally 12 paid holidays per year.

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE: Allowed 5 days (3 days are County paid; 2 additional days can be taken from accrued Sick Leave balance).

BASIC LIFE INSURANCE: Equal to one times annual base salary not to exceed $50,000 of term life coverage. Premiums are paid by the County. Additional Supplemental Life plan is available for employee purchase.

DISABILITY:
Employees contribute to State Disability Insurance (SDI), which provides wage replacement benefits for individuals who are unable to work due to non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. SDI also includes Paid Family Leave Benefits. The wage replacement rate is determined by current law, offering 60-70% of the wages earned during the SDI eligibility period.
Additionally, employees receive employer-paid Long-Term Disability Benefits, which cover 66.67% of pre-disability earnings, up to a maximum of $10,000 per month. There is a 365-day waiting period before these benefits become active. Employees may coordinate these benefits with other available leave balances to receive up to 100% of their regular pay.

POST RETIREMENT MEDICAL CONTRIBUTION: A monthly contribution is made by the County towards retiree health insurance offered through the County as governed by the applicable SEIU Memorandum of Understanding.

OTHER: There may be other benefit provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding. Please contact the recruiter listed on the job posting directly for more information.
01


Select the answer that best describes your current driver's license status:

• I have a valid California driver's license.
• I am able to obtain a valid California driver's license.
• I currently have a valid out-of-state driver's license, and I am able to obtain a valid California driver's license.
• I do not have and/or I am not able to obtain a California driver's license.

02


What is the highest level of education you have from an accredited college or university with major course work in sociology, social/human services, psychology, or other behavioral sciences?

• None of these
• At least 30 semester or 45 Qtr units
• At least 60 semester or 90 Qtr units
• At least 90 semester or 135 Qtr units
• At least 120 semester or 180 Qtr units
• I have my Associates Degree
• I have my Bachelors Degree
• I have my Masters Degree
• I have my Doctorate Degree

03


Are you open to working at a detention center or probation population?

• Yes
• No

04


How many years of experience do you have working with detention or probation population?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 to 2 years of experience
• 2 to 3 years of experience
• 3 to 4 years of experience
• 4 or more years of experience

05


How many years of full-time experience do you have performing non-licensed services that included providing support, encouragement and advocacy for consumers in a mental health, health care, or other social services agency/organization?

• Six months, to less than one year
• One year, but less than two years
• Two years, but less than three years
• Three years, but less than four years
• Four years, but less than five years
• Five years, but less than six years
• Six years or more

06


How many years of experience do you have equivalent to Behavioral Health Specialist I with a California County Mental Health Agency or private Mental Health care facility.

• No experience
• At least six months, but less than one year
• One year, but less than two years
• Two years, but less than three years
• Three years, but less than four years
• Four years or more

07


How many years of experience do you possess as a Behavioral Health Specialist I as an employee of the County of Riverside?

• No experience
• At least six months, but less than one year
• One year, but less than two years
• Two years, but less than three years
• Three years, but less than four years
• Four years, or more

08


How many years of experience do you have providing case management services in a health or human services field?

• No experience
• At least six months, but less than one year
• One year, but less than two years
• Two years, but less than three years
• Three years, but less than four years
• Four years, or more

09


Do you fluently read, speak, and write in Spanish?

• Yes
• No

10


Please select the locations you are willing to work at:

• Southern Region (Elsinore, Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee) of Riverside County
• Mid-County Region (Beaumont, Banning, Hemet, San Jacinto) of Riverside County
• Western-County (Riverside, Corona, Norco, Moreno Valley, and surrounding cities) of Riverside County
• Desert locations (Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indio, Coachella, and surrounding cities) of Riverside County

11


Are you a former or current County of Riverside employee?

• Yes
• No

12


How many years of experience providing outreach and resources for mental health services?

• No Experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• One year but less than 2 years of experience
• 2 years but less than 3 years of experience
• 3 years but less than 4 years of experience
• 4 years but less than 5 years of experience
• 5 years or more of experience

Required Question