Behavioral Health Specialist
40 Hours Per Week | Full-Time | Non-Exempt
Santa Barbara County Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) and Safe Parking Program
Licensed or Registered Associate Behavioral Health Clinician to provide behavioral health case management and ongoing supportive services for homeless, formerly homeless, and housed individuals and veterans throughout Santa Barbara County who are experiencing mental health and/or behavioral health challenges. This position also supports collaborative care coordination within a multidisciplinary team. The ideal candidate is an empathetic, compassionate listener who maintains strong professional boundaries.
Description of Assigned Duties and Responsibilities
- Screen and assess clients for psychosocial issues, mental health disorders, and substance use disorders to determine treatment needs.
- Provide client education regarding common mental health and substance use disorders and available treatment options.
- Support and coordinate mental health care with primary care providers and other treatment providers when appropriate.
- Monitor clients in person, at home, or by phone for changes in symptoms, treatment effectiveness, side effects, and complications.
- Provide brief interventions using evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and other clinically appropriate techniques.
- Create mental health and/or substance use treatment plans involving clients, family members, case managers, and interdisciplinary team members as appropriate.
- Provide services in office, community, individual, family, and group settings as identified within the treatment plan.
- Collaborate with community agencies, including Cottage Hospital, Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness, Child Welfare Services, Community Health Centers, Public Health, medical providers, probation departments, and the VA as appropriate and with proper releases.
- Coordinate services with partner organizations to ensure comprehensive, continuous, and effective care.
- Record and enter all relevant client information, interactions, and services into HMIS and other digital platforms according to agency timelines and procedures.
- Provide ongoing education and support to clients and family members as applicable.
- Facilitate referrals to evidence-based behavioral health services when clinically indicated.
- Adhere to ethical standards regarding confidentiality, informed consent, compliance requirements, applicable laws, and agency policies.
- Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation services as needed.
- Maintain client privacy in accordance with HIPAA Privacy Practices.
- Attend assigned internal and external meetings, complete required training, and accurately submit timesheets.
- Perform all related duties assigned by program management.
- Understand the roles within an interdisciplinary team and maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Working knowledge of evidence-based psychosocial treatments and foundational knowledge of psychopharmacology for common mental health disorders.
- Current California licensure as an LCSW, LPCC, or LMFT, or registration with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW), Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC), or Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT).
- Master’s degree in Social Work, Clinical Counseling, Psychology, Family Therapy, or a related behavioral health field from an accredited university.
- Minimum of two years of relevant professional experience preferred.
- Bilingual skills are a plus.
- Experience working with homeless individuals and veterans is strongly preferred.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel required; HMIS experience is a plus.
- Must successfully pass a background check and meet agency insurance requirements for driving authorization.
Work Schedule
Work hours are predominantly Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Some evening and weekend hours may be required to attend community events and/or respond to client crises outside of regular business hours.
Compensation and Benefits
Starting salary ranges from $33.00 to $39.00 per hour, depending on experience and credentials.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits are provided. Employees are also eligible for 403(b) participation with employer matching and generous paid time off.
Position begins immediately. This is not a remote position.
Much of the work will take place throughout Santa Barbara County in community-based settings.
How to Apply
Send your resume, cover letter, and a list of three professional references to hr@sbnbcc.org.
Applicants selected as potential matches for the position will be contacted to schedule an interview.
Equal Opportunity Employer
New Beginnings is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status.