The County of San Luis Obispo Behavioral Health Department is hiring Behavioral Health Specialists for various opportunities in the Prevention and Early Intervention programs, specifically community-based wellness promotion and education as part of the Friday Night Live youth development program and school-based early intervention counseling as part of middle and high school Student Assistance Programs.

Temporary assignments reflecting school schedules are available for this position.

Friday Night Live
The Specialist will be responsible for providing behavioral health youth development activities, alcohol and drug education, school and community-based prevention campaigns, suicide prevention education, public activity support, and service delivery to schools and program participants, including youth, families, and the public.

Behavioral Health Specialists assigned to Friday Night Live facilitate culturally relevant positive and inclusive youth development experiences with students, while engaging the community as partners in wellness and health promotion. This may include public speaking, event coordination, high-energy youth activities, computer, and communication skills. 

School Counseling

The Specialist will be responsible for providing behavioral health screening, counseling, and referrals, alcohol and drug education, mental health wellness promotion, and service delivery to schools and program participants, including youth, families, educators, and the public.
 
Behavioral Health Specialists assigned to secondary school counseling are required to work in interdisciplinary teams, provide individual and group counseling, screening and referral, and work with community and parents to promote health and wellness on campus. This includes culturally relevant and inclusive services for a diverse school population.
 
 
All prevention and early intervention Specialists develop and implement wellness activities which address mental health and substance abuse issues. This position requires work in all areas of the County and is based on a flexible schedule with limited weekend and evening work an expectation.
To view the complete job description, BH Specialist I - click hereTo view the complete job description, BH Specialist II - click hereThe eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future permanent, temporary, limited term, or substitute vacancies.

• Specific experience in behavioral health prevention, education, activity management, or wellness promotion.
• Understanding of substance use prevention, health and mental wellness promotion, community organization, education, youth development, curriculum development, activity management, or school-based activities.
• An ability to work with populations with varying (universal, selected, and indicated) levels of risk.
• A capacity to work interdependently (individually and on a team), and produce measurable results.
• Computer, publicity, speaking, media, marketing, or other communication skills.
• Upbeat, energetic, and flexible in presenting to and engaging youth, families, schools personnel, and the community.

Minimum Qualifications: 
A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes:
Behavioral Health Specialist I:
Either A: Bachelor's degree a human social services/sciences or related health field;
Or B: Two (2) years post-secondary education in a human/social services or related health field and two (2) years experience in providing behavioral health prevention/counseling services; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience in education, recreation, social, human, or behavioral sciences or a related field;
Or C: High school diploma or equivalent AND four (4) years experience in other social service/substance use/mental health agency or related field;
Or D: Licensed Psychiatric Technician, Licensed Vocational Nurse, or Registered Nurse AND two (2) years experience in other social service/substance use/mental health agency or related field;
Or E: Current certification as a drug and alcohol treatment certificate or equivalent AND two (2) years experience in providing counseling/prevention services to persons with substance use related problems, or experience in other social service, substance use, or mental health agency services.
 
Behavioral Health Specialist II:
Either A: Master's degree program in a counseling or related field
Or B: Bachelors degree in a human social services/sciences or related health field, and two (2) years of experience in providing behavioral health prevention/counseling services;
Or C: Two (2) years post-secondary education in a human/social services or related health field and Four (4) years experience in providing behavioral health prevention/counseling services; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in education, recreation, social, human, or behavioral sciences or a related field;
Or D: High school diploma or equivalent and a Licensed Psychiatric Technician, Licensed Vocational Nurse, or Registered Nurse, or a drug and alcohol treatment certificate or equivalent, AND four (4) years experience in providing behavioral health prevention/counseling services;
Or E: two years of experience as a Behavioral Health Specialist I, or equivalent.
The School Counseling position requires B.H. Specialist candidates to be licensed, licensed-track (associate/intern), or registered intern/certificated addiction treatment counselor. Qualifying examples include Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, Registered Alcohol & Drug Technician (RADT), or Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor (CATC).
If applicable, licensure must be held at time of application and maintained throughout employment.
Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. To apply for this position, click "apply" at the top of this page. Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.
An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.
Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at ha.humanresources@co.slo.ca.us. Confidential inquiries are welcomed.For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at www.slocounty.ca.gov. 

"Effective June 23, 2024, the compensation for this position will increase by 2.5%. This is a bargained across the board increase for this job classification.