Behavioral Health Worker I/II

Butte County•Oroville, CA

About The Position

Butte County’s Department of Behavioral Health is recruiting Behavioral Health Workers at Levels I and II for vacancies in various programs. Workers provide non-professional nursing care and support, partner with behavioral health or substance abuse clients in recovery, deliver routine recovery-focused behavioral health and case management support, advocate for reducing stigma, and promote a culture of safety. The work is performed under immediate supervision at Level I or general supervision at Level II; the Level II role performs the full range of duties with greater independence and judgment. The series is flexibly staffed, and advancement from Level I to Level II depends on management approval, satisfactory performance, and meeting the classification’s qualifications. Assignments may include work at the Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF) or the Access Line. At the PHF, workers serve on a locked psychiatric unit as part of a multidisciplinary team, supporting clients in a structured therapeutic setting. Duties include supervising meals, conducting safety checks, helping with admissions and discharges, completing paperwork, and maintaining consistent client interactions using verbal de-escalation. Trained physical interventions may be needed to support de-escalation and safety. Current PHF shifts are PM (2:14 PM–11:45 PM) and NOC (10:45 PM–7:15 AM). The position requires availability for non-traditional hours, including weekends, holidays, early mornings, and evenings, and includes a 15% site differential. The Access Line is an office-based service and the first point of contact for community members who call for help. Staff may connect callers to crisis services and conduct statewide screenings to help members access services. Access Line staff are required to work some holidays; the described office has eight staff. Typical duties across assignments include assisting with personal care and activities of daily living; documenting client activities, interventions, and behavioral or physical changes; observing and recording vital signs and weights; collecting routine lab samples; supporting treatment-room preparation; assisting with crisis intervention and de-escalation; and coordinating services. Workers may admit and discharge patients, participate on interdisciplinary teams, facilitate recreational activities, perform routine contraband checks, help with household tasks and meal service, and transport patients to appointments. They provide direct care according to established policies and standards, maintain confidentiality, and perform related duties as assigned. The Level I salary range is $1,640.00–$2,196.80 biweekly ($20.50–$27.47 per hour). The Level II salary range is $1,811.20–$2,425.60 biweekly ($22.64–$30.32 per hour). This classification is scheduled to receive a 5% cost-of-living adjustment effective July 2027. The eligible list may be used to fill current and future regular full-time, part-time, or temporary Extra Help vacancies. Extra Help may be part-time or non-permanent, with weekly hours varying according to department needs. The recruitment closes upon receiving 50 applications. All employees must complete assigned Disaster Service Worker training and return to work as ordered in an emergency.

Requirements

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.
Behavioral Health Worker I: no prior experience required.
Behavioral Health Worker II: one year of experience in patient care services equivalent to Behavioral Health Worker I.
Knowledge of principles and techniques for facilitating groups and activities and caring for people with mental illness.
Knowledge of methods and techniques for caring for clients requiring behavioral health or substance abuse treatment.
Knowledge of cultural issues that may affect service provision; basic medical and nursing terminology and concepts related to basic behavioral health care; and community resources for behavioral health or substance abuse assistance.
Knowledge of business arithmetic, recordkeeping, household management, personal care activities, customer service, English language usage, and relevant business equipment and software.
Ability to support clients in inpatient or outpatient settings, assist with verbal de-escalation and management of assaultive behavior, and respond promptly to patient emergencies as directed by treatment staff.
Ability to facilitate group recreational activities; maintain appropriate boundaries; identify and nurture client strengths; and support clients’ right to make independent decisions when possible.
Ability to serve culturally diverse populations and work effectively with special-population clients.
Ability to update client records, document actions, and complete paperwork in a timely manner.
Ability to demonstrate patience, discretion, professionalism, clear oral and written communication, computer proficiency, and effective working relationships.
Availability for non-traditional hours, including weekends, holidays, early mornings, and evenings, for applicable assignments.
A position assigned to this class may require a valid California Driver’s License.
Depending on assignment, ability to obtain and maintain valid CPR and basic life support certification.
Ability to complete annual TB testing and required ongoing training for applicable assignments.
Ability to perform the described physical duties, including lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects weighing up to 40 pounds.
County employment requires affirmation of a Disaster Service Worker loyalty oath, completion of assigned related training, and return to work as ordered in an emergency.

Responsibilities

Assist clients with personal hygiene and document activities of daily living, responses to interventions, and significant behavior changes.
Observe and chart vital signs and weights, collect samples for routine laboratory tests, and prepare treatment rooms for examinations and treatments.
Assist with verbal and physical de-escalation; manage assaultive behavior and, as directed, assist treatment staff with placing patients who pose an immediate danger in seclusion or restraints.
Establish and maintain therapeutic relationships with clients and model a hopeful, positive approach to problem-solving and coping with mental illness.
Provide crisis intervention in person and by telephone, support problem resolution, and coordinate or arrange needed services.
Admit and discharge patients as assigned and complete associated documentation.
Participate as an interdisciplinary team member by reporting observations, concerns, and changes in clients’ behavioral or physical condition.
Supervise meals and conduct regular client safety checks in PHF assignments.
Perform routine contraband checks when required.
Facilitate group recreational activities and support clients in inpatient or outpatient settings.
Perform facility or household cleaning and other household living tasks for behavioral health patients.
Transport patients to doctor visits and other personal or necessary appointments; assist with routine vehicle maintenance when needed.
Assist with meal pickup and delivery to patients when needed.
Provide safe, effective, and efficient direct care in accordance with established policies, procedures, and standards of care.
Maintain confidentiality in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended.
Complete required annual TB testing, obtain CPR and CPI certifications, and participate in ongoing annual training as required for the assignment.
Perform related duties as assigned.