Behavioral Health Specialist I/II - Alcohol & Drug (SUD)

Job Description:

Behavioral Health Specialist I/II - Alcohol & Drug (SUD)

Description

About the Opportunity

***This recruitment may close at any time. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.***

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
Behavioral Health and Recovery Services is committed to behavioral health principles that are responsive to substance use disorders. Our scope of services includes, but is not limited to, inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services, substance use disorder services, behavioral education and prevention; public guardian functions and advocacy. We offer these services throughout Stanislaus County at Behavioral Health and Recovery Services managed sites and partner with community agencies, as well as other County departments.

ABOUT THE POSITION
Stanislaus County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Behavioral Health Specialist I/II. The entry-level position performs under supervision while the experienced, journey-level position performs with much greater independence. Applicants who have lived experience as a consumer of Behavioral Health & Recovery Services or a family member of a loved one who is/was a consumer of Behavioral Health & Recovery Services are encouraged to apply.

This position provides a variety of para-professional counseling services to clients, recommends appropriate referrals, maintains community liaisons to ensure adequate services are made available to clients, provides facilitation for a variety of client- focused specialty groups, and as part of the treatment team, establishes and implements treatment plans. Behavioral Health Specialists work under supervision and may be assigned to regional teams, residential or inpatient facilities and various outpatient programs. Performs field visits to those under care and supervises subordinates.
This recruitment will serve to fill multiple full-time and part-time recruitments within Behavioral Health & Recovery Services.

Join our team and receive a bonus worth up to $10,000 or 21 additional days of leave time. Employee Choice Bonus Plan Details

APPLICATION DEADLINES & TENTATIVE EXAM DATES
All exam dates are tentative and subject to change. Oral Examinations are anticipated during the listed week.

• Application deadline: April 20, 2026 | Oral Examination: Tentatively, April 27, 2026
• Application deadline: May 11, 2026 | Oral Examination: Tentatively, May 18, 2026

To learn more about the Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Department,visit https://www.stancounty.com/bhrs/

SPECIALIZATIONS
Candidates in the Behavioral Health Specialist (BHS) classification may be appointed to specialize in the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) area. These positions support the community in SUD prevention services and supportive services. Behavioral Health Specialists may be assigned to residential facilities, regional teams, various outpatient programs and community-based prevention programs. This role may perform field visits to those under care, may supervise subordinates, and perform related duties as assigned.

State of California - Health and Human Services Agency, California Code of Regulations requires:

• All non-licensed and non-certified individuals providing counseling in a substance use disorder (SUD) program licensed and/or certified by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) shall be registered to obtain certification as a SUD counselor with one of the certifying organizations currently approved by DHCS.

Typical Tasks

• Provide a variety of highly skilled mental health, SUD and supportive services to a varied caseload of members.
• Provide a variety of highly skilled alcohol/drug services to a varied caseload of clients;
• Interview clients to screen/access their alcohol/drug use to determine their service needs;
• Interview clients to screen, and determine their service needs, including evaluating risk factors;
• Participate in diagnostic and evaluative staff conferences for cooperative planning and treatment;
• According to department standards and policies, prepare daily records, summarize progress of treatment for clients and keep these records current;
• Consult with other agencies, law enforcement and community service providers to exchange applicable information, identify services, and discuss referrals;
• Speak to public and/or agency groups, to provide education that reduces stigma;
• Act as a lead-worker or directs the work of others and offers training when needed;
• Advocate for and assist clients in accessing and receiving services;
• Accompany clients in court, and/or transport clients in County vehicles;
• Provide case coordination and treatment planning and evaluation;
• Meet regularly with clients and coach them in developing age-appropriate social skills;
• Assist in establishing clients' eligibility for Medi-Cal or other benefits and advocates for continuation of benefits;
• Facilitate the admission/discharge of clients to the County's acute psychiatric hospital or alcohol and drug residential program, when necessary; and
• Interact productively within a multidisciplinary team to provide holistic case management services.
  

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education/Experience)

KNOWLEDGE

• Principles of drug/alcohol addiction and recovery theories;
• Relapse and relapse prevention;
• Risk factors for drug/alcohol abuse;
• Intervention strategies and techniques;
• The principles and techniques of group, family and individual counseling;
• Behavioral Health programs, community resources, and other public agencies;
• The principles and techniques of risk assessment and treatment;
• Harm reduction;
• Recovery principles; and
• Collaborative networks, agencies and community services such as peer support networks.

SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Prepare concise written alcohol/drug assessments and social histories;
• Provide a variety of highly skilled alcohol/drug services, to a varied caseload of clients at multiple site locations;
• Provide services that facilitate clients in their transition to alcohol and drug-free living and facilitate the recovery process;
• Effectively interview clients while developing and maintaining the confidence and cooperation of individuals and their families;
• Plan, organize and conduct structured groups and classes;
• Assess client's needs and develop effective treatment plans, constantly modeling compassion and respect;
• Respond appropriately to crisis situations involving clients, making accurate interventions and taking effective action independently;
• Relate directly with community organizations, schools, parent groups;
• Supervise others and/or delegate responsibilities, when assigned;
• Communicate verbally and write concise case reports; and
• Maintain and track records of assigned clients.

We recognize your time is valuable, please only apply if you meet the following required qualifications.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SPECIALIST I
PATTERN I

• Fifteen (15) units of college credit* in a related field; AND
• Four (4) year’s experience in crisis intervention, group/family/individual counseling or in a psychiatric inpatient setting or drug/alcohol treatment and recovery program.

PATTERN II

• LVN or Psychiatric Technician license or 30 units of college credit* in a related field; AND
• Three (3) years experience in crisis intervention, group/family/individual counseling, or a psychiatric inpatient setting or drug/alcohol treatment and recovery program.

PATTERN III

• Bachelors of Arts degree in a related field; AND
• Two (2) years responsible experience in crisis intervention, group/family/individual counseling, or a psychiatric inpatient setting or drug/alcohol treatment and recovery program.

PATTERN IV

• Master's degree in a related field such as Counseling, Psychology or Social Work.

*California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (CAADAC) and/or National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) hours can be considered in meeting this educational requirement.
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SPECIALIST II
IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE PATTERNS

• One (1) year of experience as a Behavioral Health Specialist I, or the equivalent, in order to qualify for the Behavioral Health Specialist II level; AND
• BLS CPR for Healthcare Providers.

Proof of education is required for verification purposes at the time of application. Applicants who are unable to submit proof of education must call (209) 525-6112 to make other arrangements before 5:00 pm on the final filing date. Failure to submit proof or make other arrangements before the final filing date deadline will result in disqualification.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
In addition to the minimum qualifications, applicant screening will focus on the following desirable qualifications. Please list any of these qualifications you may have within the "Duties" section of the online application.

• Substance Use Disorder registration and/or certification with one of the certifying organizations that meets the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) regulations; OR
• One (1) year of relevant work experience related to Substance Use Disorder services as defined in the tasks above.

Application and Selection Procedures

APPLICATION PROCEDURES/FINAL FILING DATE Applications cannot be submitted later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Make your online application as complete as possible so a full and realistic appraisal may be made of your qualifications. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Attaching your resume and cover letter are an optional feature for those who wish to do so in addition to completing the required application. Information on your resume and cover letter will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application. The online County application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications.

EXAMINATION PROCESS
Most County recruitments consists of the steps detailed below and are governed by Merit Principles. The examination process ensures that all applicants are given the same opportunity to gain employment within Stanislaus County.

• Application Review and Screening. Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on.
• Written Examination. Applicants will be invited to participate in a written exam that tests knowledge for the position.
• Oral Examination. Applicants are invited to a panel interview in which they will be evaluated by County subject matter experts.
• Eligible Lists. Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification. Eligible lists are effective for six months but may be extended up to eighteen months.

GENERAL INFORMATION Unless otherwise provided, this position is part of the Classified Service of the County and is assigned to the Community & Health Services bargaining unit for labor relations purposes.
Individuals who are in a full-time classification position are required to serve a twelve-month probationary period, which may be extended an additional six months, for a total of eighteen months.

The Job Task Analysis provides information detailing the physical and functional demands of the classification. For the complete job task analysis, visit the Risk Management website athttp://www.stancounty.com/riskmgmt/under the "Disability" tab.
Incumbents may also be subject to overtime, standby, callback, weekend, holiday and shift assignments as identified in their MOU (Memorandum of Understanding). Part-time extra-help is a provisional classification where permanent status may not be obtained. This position is subject to overtime, standby, shift, and callback assignments and will perform related duties as assigned. This position is non-benefited except for participation in a 401a program with Nationwide. Note: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, part-time and full-time vacancies throughout Stanislaus County.

RECRUITMENT ACCOMMODATIONS Arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities and religious convictions. Applicants requiring testing accommodations are required to complete and submit the Testing Accommodations Request Form prior to the test administration date. Special arrangements for religious convictions should be included in the "Additional Information" section of the application form.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Pass County-paid pre-employment job-related background investigation.
• Perform job duties in a manner assuring a safe working environment for oneself and others.
• Maintain confidential information according to the legal standards and/or County regulations as required.
• Some positions may be required to possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License and meet County insurability requirements.

APPLICATION AND/OR EXAMINATION APPEAL RIGHTS Application and/or examination results may be appealed by applicants presenting facts alleging irregularity, fraud and/or error in application screening or in exam scoring. Appeals must be in writing and submitted to the Chief Executive Officer within seven (7) days after the examination results are emailed.

DISCLAIMER
Stanislaus County reserves the right to revise the examination plan described in this flyer to better meet the needs of County service. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The information contained in the bulletin is information which sets forth a general summary of benefits for this respective position. This information is not legally binding. The benefits and other information regarding this position may be found in the Stanislaus County Code, the Stanislaus County Personnel Policies manual, or in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding(s), and such information prevails over information contained in this flyer. Questions regarding this bulletin may be directed to the Stanislaus County Chief Executive Office/Human Relations.

Benefits associated with this position can be found at Benefits Summary.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

Salary:

$54,870.40 - $76,252.80 Annually