Behavioral Health Specialist

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Behavioral Health Specialist

Salary

$80,706.84 - $96,890.37 Annually

Location

Lompoc, CA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

24-5193-01 (O)

Department

Public Health

Opening Date

04/10/2024

Closing Date

Continuous

Description

Notice of Change: This recruitment will be posted continuously until position(s) are filled

SALARY 
$38.67 - $46.42 Hourly
$80,706.84 - $96,890.37 Annually


We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Behavioral Health Specialist to join our team. In this role, you'll provide brief, evidence-based interventions within our primary care clinic, supporting patients in addressing behaviors impacting their health.
 
The Public Health Department is currently accepting applications to fill one (1) full-time vacancy for a Behavioral Health Specialist, as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Psychologist, to serve at our Lompoc Health Care Center in Lompoc.
 
NOTE: We are also accepting applications to establish an employment list for future Full-Time, Part-Time, Extra Help and 1414* vacancies for Behavioral Health Specialists in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc.
 
*Civil Service Rule 1414. Appointment to Fill Vacancy During Leave of Absence. 1414 vacancies may occur as a result of a leave of absence 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 Civil Service Rule 1414 may be able to transition into a regular position in the classification without re-application or re-testing, depending on the performance of the appointee and the needs of the department.  
Please select the location(s) you would like to be considered for current and future vacancies. If you qualify for this position, pass the required selection steps and are in the area of selection, then your name may be sent to the hiring manager(s) of the vacancy location(s) where you have expressed that you are willing to work.
 
BENEFITS: The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits. Click on the Benefits Tab above or CLICK HERE 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: 
The Behavioral Health Specialist (BHS) is embedded within the primary care clinic of Public Health. The BHS clinician, under general direction, provides brief, evidence-based mental health and behavioral interventions to support patients in addressing behaviors that impact health within the primary care setting; they provide education and develop behavioral change plans for patients; and maintain an active presence on the primary care team.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:  
Behavioral Health Specialist is the journey-level professional classification for Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) 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.
 
The IDEAL CANDIDATE will possess: 
  • Experience in an integrated healthcare setting;
  • Passion for serving uninsured, under-insured, and low-income populations;
  • Strong clinical skills in addressing mental health and substance abuse issues, including assessment, referral, and brief therapy;
  • Familiarity with psychological interventions in preventative healthcare and behavioral medicine;
  • 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;
  • Training and experience in empirically supported treatments applicable to various patients and conditions in medical settings;
  • Experience in structured quality improvement methods;
  • Knowledge of key principles and methods associated with Patient-Centered Medical Homes;
  • Experience with Electronic Health Records.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the County of Santa Barbara Public Health Department
and follow us on Social Media to stay up-to-date. 

Examples of Duties

  1. Provides brief mental health and behavioral interventions (e.g., 1-5 sessions for broad range of concerns) to support patients in addressing behaviors that create health concerns (including but not limited to stress management, alcohol misuse, weight management, and coping with chronic illness); uses self-management/home-based practice interventions to teach patients, families, and staff about care; assists clients and their families in understanding physical or mental health needs and impairments and their response to them, accepting the need for treatment, and working toward the solution of problems, thereby strengthening clients' efforts toward their recovery goals.
  2. Using brief assessments (e.g., PHQ-9, PCL, AUDIT C, etc.), routinely makes assessments on initial consultation and develops treatment around functional outcomes and long-lasting solutions (may include prevention of relapse or morbidity in reoccurring/chronic conditions); triages appropriately and efficiently to specialty mental health services and/or other providers for continuity of care and to assure that clients receive appropriate types of service; further manages the care of clients by assessing and referring them to public and private behavioral health providers and by monitoring their progress.
  3. 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.
  4. Provides education to the Team on Behavioral Health Issues, as well as consultation on tips for successful care management and patient facilitation.
  5. Participates in program evaluation and/or performance improvement activities.

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 Psychologist issued by the California State Board of Medical Examiners. 
NOTE: Professional Licensure: Applicants must possess licensure in their profession from the California Board of Behavioral Sciences or California State Board of Medical Examiners at the time of application.
 
Additional Requirements:  Independent travel is required for some positions in this class. If so, a valid driver's license is required at the time of application. A valid California Class C Driver's License is required at the time of appointment.
 
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.

Supplemental Information

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

  1. Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards. 
  2. Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking. Responses to the required supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and scored. Candidates’ final score and rank on the employment list will be determined by their responses to the supplemental questionnaire. 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 ranking to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. 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 exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.  
 
Veteran’s 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) check the Veteran’s Preference Points box on the employment application form, (2) submit a copy of your Form DD214 to the Human Resources Department on or before the closing date, and (3) pass all phases of the examination process.  The preference points will be added to your final test score.
 
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider, or learning institution.
 
Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.
 
The Public Health Department (PHD) requires all employees working in direct contact with patients or clients in a high-risk environment to comply with the PHD Employee Immunizations policy. This can be accomplished by providing documentation of immunizations, submitting laboratory immune titers demonstrating adequate immunity, or obtaining required vaccinations. A list of requirements, based on the specific program, will be sent at the time an offer letter is presented to the selected candidate(s) and initial documentation will be required at this time.
 
Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. The appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.  
 
Disaster Service Workers: Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.  
 
STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT  
The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization.  The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential. 
 
We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and/or Santa Barbara County ordinances. 
 
We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County’s mission and to embody a culture of “One County, One Future.” Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members. 
 
We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity. 
 
APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: Posted until all positions are filled.  Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com. 
 
Farrah Medrano, Talent Acquisition Lead
 Public Health Department, PHDRecruiter@sbcphd.org

Retirement Plans                                                     

  • Generous County Defined Benefit Plan
  • Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans
  • For more information on our retirement plans, please visit: https://www.sbcers.org/ and http://www.santabarbara457.com
Health Benefits
  • Choice of dental, vision and medical plans. In addition to the Benefit Allowance noted above, the County contributes toward medical premiums and dental premiums
  • On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents 
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members
  • Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits
  • Available Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more!
  • For more information on our health benefits, please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/4012/Health-Benefits
Paid Time Off
  • Vacation Leave 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment
  • Sick Leave 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement
  • Paid Holidays based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit, link below)
  • Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM) up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting
  • For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below)
Miscellaneous Benefits
  • County Paid Term Life Insurance
  • County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Childcare and Employee Discounts
  • Relocation Assistance may apply
  • Flexible work schedule may apply
  • For more information on all of these benefits, please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/4013/24636/WorkLife-Benefits
Compensation Summary

 
*This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.

01
I acknowledge that it is my responsibility as an applicant to provide sufficient information on my application to demonstrate that my education and experience meet the employment standards (minimum qualifications) for this position as detailed in the job bulletin. I further acknowledge that if the County determines I do not meet the employment standards there will be no opportunity for me to provide additional information regarding my application after the closing date listed on the job bulletin. Therefore, I understand that before submitting a job application, it is important that I review the job bulletin thoroughly and ensure that my application clearly reflects how my education and experience meets the employment standards at the time I submit my application.
  • I understand.
02
As part of the application process, a completed supplemental questionnaire must be submitted along with the standard application form. Resumes will be accepted, but NOT in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.
  • I understand.
03
The Human Resources Department communicates with all applicants through e-mail. Please make sure your e-mail address is entered correctly, it is current, and that you check spam filters continuously during the recruitment and selection process to ensure you do not miss required deadlines.
  • I understand.
04
Veteran's Preference Points: Is your DD214 attached? (Eligibility is five years from the most recent qualifying veteran's experience. There is no time limit for veterans with 30% or more disability.)
  • Yes, I have attached my DD214 to be considered for Veteran's Points
  • No, I do not qualify for Veteran's Points
05
The location of the current vacancy is in Lompoc; however, we are also accepting applications to establish a list for future full-time, part-time, extra help and 1414 vacancies throughout the County of Santa Barbara.
Please make sure you check the proper location(s) and work type(s) on your application that you want to be considered for all current and future vacancies. If you meet employment standards, successfully pass the examination and are in the area of selection, your application may only be sent to hiring managers for locations where you indicate you are willing to accept work.
  • I understand.
06
Your application must CLEARLY state how you meet the EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS for this position or you will not be considered. If you are unsure, go back and review your application before continuing. Which Employment Standard did you clearly state on your application?
  • Possession of a valid license as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) issued by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
  • Possession of a valid license as a Psychologist issued by the California Board of Medical Examiners.
  • I DO NOT possess either license and understand I will not be considered for this role.
07
The following supplemental questions are an EXAMINATION that will determine your ranking on the employment list. Please read and answer them carefully. I understand my responses to the following supplemental questions will be SCORED and used as a weighed, scored selection device that will determine my ranking on the employment list for this job. For information on protest procedures for the supplemental questionnaire, please see Civil Service Rules 612 and 613: https://www.countyofsb.org/1444/Civil-Service-Rules
  • I understand.
08
How many years of experience do you have working as a licensed behavioral health professional?
  • 5 or more years of experience
  • 4 years up to 5 years of experience
  • 3 years up to 4 years of experience
  • 2 years up to 3 years of experience
  • 1 year up to 2 years of experience
  • Less than 1 year of experience
  • I DO NOT have this experience
09
Have you participated in developing treatment plans for individuals with behavioral health needs?
  • Yes, I have independently contributed to developing treatment plans for clients.
  • Yes, I have assisted in developing treatment plans under supervision.
  • I DO NOT have experience being involved in treatment planning.
10
Have you previously worked in a role that involved providing mental health services or support to children and adolescents (ages 5 – 17)? If so, how many years?
  • 3 or more years of experience
  • 2 years up to 3 years of experience
  • 1 year up to 2 years of experience
  • Less than 1 year of experience
  • I DO NOT have this experience.
11
Have you ever been involved in crisis intervention situations or provided support to individuals experiencing mental health crises? If so, how many years?
  • 3 or more years of experience
  • 2 years up to 3 years of experience
  • 1 year up to 2 years of experience
  • Less than 1 year of experience
  • I DO NOT have this experience
12
How many years of experience do you have working in an integrated care system?
  • 3 or more years of experience
  • 2 years up to 3 years of experience
  • 1 year up to 2 years of experience
  • Less than 1 year of experience
  • I DO NOT have this experience.
13
Do you have experience in case management, including assessing clients' needs, developing treatment plans, and coordinating services? If so, how many years?
  • 3 or more years of experience
  • 2 years up to 3 years of experience
  • 1 year up to 2 years of experience
  • Less than 1 year of experience
  • I DO NOT have this experience.
14
How many years of experience do you have providing services to the underserved and economically disadvantaged populations such as: homeless patients, patients with mental health issues, and the economically disadvantaged?
  • 3 or more years of experience
  • 2 years up to 3 years of experience
  • 1 year up to 2 years of experience
  • Less than 1 year of experience
  • I DO NOT have this experience
15
Please select the statement below that best describes your experience working with Electronic Health Records (EHR):
  • I have experience working with Epic.
  • I do not have experience working with Epic, but have experience with a different Electronic Health Records System.
  • I DO NOT have any experience working with Electronic Health Records.

Required Question

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