Behavioral Health Specialist - Santa Barbara County, CA

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.