Behavioral Health Specialist

Salary : $86,985.60 - $104,428.48 Annually
Location : Santa Maria, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-5193-01 (O)
Department: County Health Department
Opening Date: 03/19/2026
Closing Date: 4/6/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Description
SALARY
$41.82 - $50.21 Hourly
$86,985.60 - $104,428.48 Annually
Bilingual Allowance, when applicable
We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Behavioral Health Specialist to join our team. In this role, you'll provide evidence-based interventions within our primary care clinic, providing a comprehensive range of trauma-informed evidence-based clinical services to people with alcohol and other drug-related problems, mental health, and/or co-occurring conditions. This position will be specifically working with patients participating in Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) alongside a multidisciplinary team including the physician, nurse, medical assistant, and alcohol and drug service specialist.

County of Santa Barbara Health is accepting applications to fill one (1) Full-Time, Limited Term* Behavioral Health Specialist, available as either a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Psychologist. This position is based at the Santa Maria Health Care Center in Santa Maria.

NOTE: We are also accepting applications to establish one employment list that will be used to fill current and future Full-Time, Part-Time, Extra Help and 1414** vacancies in multiple locations including Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc. Please select ALL departments and locations you would like to be considered for initial employment.

*Limited Term: The duration of this appointment is limited to a period not to exceed three (3) years; but is subject to annual review by the Commission to ensure the temporary or limited term nature of such appointment remains appropriate based on business operational needs and/or resources.

**CSR 1414 (Leave of Absence): This recruitment is to fill a position vacated as a result of a leave of absence (CSR 1414) and the duration of the appointment shall be subject to the return of the individual who is on leave. A person who is appointed to a position under CSR 1414 may be able to transition into a regular position in the classification without reapplication or re-testing, depending on the performance of the appointee and the needs of the department.

Visa Sponsorship: Please note this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.
BENEFITS: The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits. Click on the Benefits Tab above or to view more information.

In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards for an advanced vacation accrual rate

The County may provide reimbursement for reasonable relocation expenses, and, at the discretion of the CEO, can provide flexible relocation assistance, housing and student loan offsets, cash incentives, and/or vacation and sick leave pre-accruals in the interest of attracting the best talent to the organization.

NOTE: May be eligible for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program, Perkins Loan Cancellation and/or National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program under the National Health Service Corps (NHSC).
THE POSITION:

Under general direction, the Behavior Health Specialist (BHS) provides evidence based and trauma-informed mental health and behavioral health treatment including assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy, as well as care coordination and referrals; provides education and develops behavioral change plans for patients; performs related duties as required.

The BHS is embedded within the primary care clinic of the Primary Care and Family Health (PCFH) division. The BHS clinician, under general direction, provides trauma-informed, evidence-based mental health and behavioral interventions within the primary care Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program; they collaborate closely with the MAT program treatment team.
THE DEPARTMENT:

County of Santa Barbara Health (County Health): Founded in 1925, our mission is to improve the health of our communities by preventing disease, promoting wellness and health equity, while ensuring access to needed health care, and maintaining a safe and healthy environment. Our vision of "healthy people, healthy community, healthy environment" is made possible through our team of over 500 professionals. With an annual budget of $98.7 million, we serve more than 440,500 residents across Santa Barbara County through a wide range of innovative public health programs and services.

The Department's range of responsibilities includes:

• Investigating disease outbreaks
• Conducting health education campaigns
• Inspecting food establishments
• Working with high-risk mothers and children
• Operating health clinics for the underserved
• Staffing medical shelters during emergency evacuations
• Caring for our four-legged friends through our animal control program and many other programs and services.

For more information, please visit:
The IDEAL CANDIDATE will possess:

• Experience in an integrated healthcare setting;
• Passion for serving uninsured, under-insured, and low-income populations;
• The ability to speak, read and write in Spanish and/or a Mixtec dialect (preferred);
• Strong clinical skills in addressing co-occurring mental health and substance abuse issues, including assessment, evidence-based therapy, and referrals as needed;
• Familiarity with psychological interventions in co-occurring substance use and trauma treatment including MI, EMDR, TF-CBT, and/or Seeking Safety;
• Ability to effectively work with diverse patient populations, utilizing medical interpreters when necessary;
• Excellent problem-solving skills, flexibility, and ability to multitask in a busy medical clinic environment;
• Proficiency in administering, scoring, and interpreting screening tools and health-setting instruments;
• Understanding of Recovery Models in mental health;
• Experience in structured quality improvement methods;
• Experience with Electronic Health Records.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
Behavioral Health Specialist is the journey-level professional classification for Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT), and Clinical Psychologists. Incumbents provide professional mental health services in a Primary Health Care setting using time-limited, evidence-based interventions to support patients addressing behaviors that impact health.
Examples of Duties

1. Conduct biopsychosocial assessments to identify substance use and co-occurring mental health needs. Assess readiness for change and stage of recovery. Develop diagnostic impression using DSM-5 criteria
2. Provide individual counseling using trauma-informed evidence-based approaches (e.g., EMDR, CBT, MI, ACT, Seeking Safety). Provide counseling specific to MAT adherence, stigma, and managing cravings or triggers.
3. Respond to crises such as suicidal ideation, overdose risk, or acute withdrawal symptoms. Conduct risk assessments and coordinate emergency care or safety planning as needed.
4. Collaborate with case managers and external providers to connect clients to housing, employment, legal aid, detox, residential treatment, or medical care.
5. Refer clients to higher or lower levels of care based on ongoing assessment.
6. Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings with clinicians, physicians, nurses, and case managers.
7. Works in partnership with other clinical staff (medical assistants, nurses, nutritionists, health care practitioners, and physicians) to provide needed behavioral health services to patients. Provides education to the clinic staff on behavioral health issues, as well as consultation on tips for successful care management and patient facilitation. May offer clinic-wide training(s) based on areas of interest or expertise related to integrated behavioral health topics.
8. Documents in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) all clinical activity presenting diagnostic and interview findings, clinical evaluations, and recommendations. As a member of a team, reviews diagnosis and treatment plans of clinic staff and consults with Primary Care Providers and other care team members regarding a plan of care for patients.
9. Participates in program evaluation and/or performance improvement activities.
10. Maintains expected productivity and billing practices for services.

Employment Standards

1. Possession of a valid license as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) issued by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences; OR
2. Possession of a valid license as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) issued by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences; OR
3. Possession of a valid license as a Psychologist issued by the California Board of Psychology.

NOTE: Professional Licensure: Applicants must possess licensure in their profession from the or at the time of application.

Additional Requirements: For specific positions, possession and maintenance of a valid California Driver's License and the ability to meet automobile insurability requirements of the County or the ability to provide suitable transportation needs may be required.

Background Investigation: Finalists for positions in this class will be required to pass a pre-offer, job-related background investigation.

Knowledge of: specialized evidence-based interventions and treatments for general behavioral health problems (e.g., depression, anxiety, substance abuse problems) and areas of physical health that impact behavioral health (e.g., chronic pain, obesity and diabetes); consultation and liaison skills; medical literacy, as demonstrated by familiarity with common medical terms, front-line psychiatric medications, understanding of medical culture, and previous experience as part of interdisciplinary treatment teams.

Ability to: work effectively as part of interdisciplinary teams to effectively and efficiently provide clinical services using behavioral health techniques (e.g., chronic disease management, weight management, tobacco cessation, stress management, etc.); develop coherent treatment strategies that are problem-focused and solution oriented; integrate, collaborate and communicate diagnostic and treatment recommendations with team on behavioral health issues; prepare and present clear and concise oral and written reports; make sound, professional assessments in a compressed period of time; collaborate effectively with a diverse client and family population with unique backgrounds and needs; establish compassionate but professional relationships with clients.

Bilingual - Speaking, Reading, and Writing Preferred: The ability to converse, ready, and write fluently in English and Spanish is preferred. Note: You must self-certify on your application that you are fluent in English and Spanish. Hiring departments may test you on your fluency. If you do not demonstrate sufficient fluency, your name may be withheld from future certifications that require bilingual skills, in accordance to Civil Service Rules.

Supplemental Information
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

1. Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
2. Supplemental Questionnaire Rating. Responses to the required supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by the responses to these questions. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the Supplemental Questionnaire Rating to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule 6. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the examination, rank on the employment list, and duration of the employment list.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE POINTS: Veteran's preference credit is applicable for this recruitment (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans). To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of: (1) honorable discharge from active military service; or, (2) discharge from a military or veterans' hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or, (3) completion of education or training funded by a Federal Educational Assistance Act. No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability.

To receive veteran's preference points, you must: (1) select the Veteran's Preference Points box on the employment application form, (2) submit a copy of your Form DD214 and supporting materials to the Human Resources Department on or before the examination date, and (3) pass all phases of the examination process. The preference points will be added to your final test score.