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Job description
Behavioral Health Specialist I/II
Stanislaus County 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.
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
Application deadline: June 1, 2026 | Oral Examination: Tentatively, June 8, 2026
To learn more about the Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Department, visit
Questions? We're Here to Help! If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, the recruitment process, or need assistance with your application, please contact the Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Recruitment Team at or
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)
We recognize your time is valuable, please only apply if you meet the following required qualifications. EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE All applicants must possess a BLS CPR for Healthcare Providers.
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 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
Worksite address
modesto, CA, 95351, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.