What are the responsibilities and job description for the BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST I position at Department of State Hospitals?
Department of State Hospitals
BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST I
$6,802.00 - $8,897.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: 7/3/2026
Job Description and Duties
- Organize, plan, and conduct treatment groups.
- Assist in managing patient enrollment.
- Assist in providing written documentation on the patients’ progress and relapse prevention planning.
- Applies and demonstrates knowledge of correct methods in Therapeutic Strategies and Interventions (TSI).
- Assist in the maintenance of a safe and secure environment through response to physical assaults, escape attempts or other major patient disturbance, and assist in the management of the conduct of the patients.
- Provides support to the Program by providing back up assistance.
- Assist the Volunteer Coordinator and Behavior Specialist II as needed to coordinate community volunteers to speak at recovery meetings.
- Computer skills will be necessary for data collection, entry, and monitoring.
- Employ office organizational skills.
- Communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.
Eligibility: To be considered for this career opportunity, applicants must have eligibility by way of one of the following: reachable on a certification list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications specified in the examination bulletin/classification specifications.
If you do not have eligibility, you must take the exam. The examination is a separate process from applying for this vacancy.
Working Conditions
This position requires you to work within the Secured Treatment Area (STA).
Position Details
Department Information
The Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero is a secure public sector hospital providing inpatient forensic services for mentally ill adult males who are court committed throughout the State of California. Located on the central coast of California, the Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero is in the vicinity of destination locations such as San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, and Morro Bay, with easy access to beautiful beaches, serene natural settings and many historical landmarks. We invite you to join our professional and talented workforce.
Department Website: https://www.dsh.ca.gov/Atascadero
Special Requirements
- The position(s) require(s) a Drug Screening be passed prior to being hired.
- The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
- The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 7/3/2026Who May Apply
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
- Other - You MUST provide a copy of your unofficial college transcripts, that include date degree conferred, if applicable, along with your application (STD. 678) to be considered for this position. Higher degrees cannot be accepted without evidence of the lower degree that leads to it. Please ensure that the birthdate and social security number are redacted from the transcripts.
Please note: foreign transcripts MUST include a verification for US equivalency through an independent company. Please redact birthdate and social security number from degree/transcripts.
Benefits
- Medical Benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid Holidays and leave
- Defined benefit retirement program
- Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
- Commute Program
- Employee Wellness Program
- Employee Assistance Program
Additional
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: https://www.dsh.ca.gov/Atascadero
Hiring Unit Contact:
Britney Harris
(805) 468-2047
Britney.Harris@dsh.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:Pearl Melina
(805) 468-2007
Pearl.Melena@dsh.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Additional Information
- Note: Main communication for this position will be through email. Please ensure you have a valid email address on your application.
- Applications postmarked on the final filing date will be accepted.
- Scanned, copied, or faxed applications will not be accepted.
- Applications will be screened and only the most competitive will be offered an interview.
- Any limited-term appointments may transition in to a permanent appointment.
- Selected candidates will be required to submit to a criminal history review utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting.
- This position requires candidates to pass a Medical Evaluation. You will be required to submit to a Medical Evaluation and receive clearance prior to being hired.
- This position requires candidates to take and pass a drug screening test. You will be required to take and pass the drug screening test prior to being hired.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
Salary : $6,802 - $8,897