Behavioral Health Education Specialist I/II

The eligible list established by this recruitment process may be used to fill current and future vacancies on a regular, full-time, part-time, temporary (Extra Help) and/or Sunset basis. For terms and conditions concerning Extra Help with Butte County, see Section 6.13c of the Butte County Personnel Rules.

THE SUNSET POSITION SET TO END June 30, 2026. An allocated position that is limited in duration to a particular period of time, usually because the funding source for the position is not ongoing. Sunset positions have the same privileges and benefits as any other regular help County position. For terms and conditions concerning the appointment of a Sunset employee, see the 2019 Adopted Personnel Rules

Note: A training and experience evaluation may be utilized to determine an applicant's ranking among qualified candidates. Based upon information provided in this application including responses to supplemental questions, an applicant's education, training and experience (full-time equivalent) may be evaluated. Applicants should provide thoughtful and thorough responses to supplemental questions as they play an important role in this recruitment process.  All qualifying work experience that is described or included in responses to supplemental questions MUST also be included and detailed in the "Work Experience" section of this application. 

"See Resume" is not an acceptable response for any supplemental question. 

FLSA: Non-Exempt

DEFINITION

Under immediate (Behavioral Health Education Specialist I) general (Behavioral Health Education Specialist II) supervision, provides outreach services and promotes community awareness of behavioral health issues; educates Butte County citizens on health issues, and assists in accessing community services; may coordinate the work of other staff; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives immediate (Behavioral Health Education Specialist I) general (Behavioral Health Education Specialist II) supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel.  Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Behavioral Health Education Specialist I: This is the entry-level classification in the Behavioral Health Education Specialist series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine  behavioral health education activities. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and complex; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Behavioral Health Education Specialist II-level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. 

 Behavioral Health Education Specialist II: This is the journey-level classification in the Behavioral Health Education Specialist series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Behavioral Health Education Specialist I-level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.  This class is distinguished from the Behavioral Health Education Specialist III in that the latter performs the more complex work assigned to the series, such as leading programs.

Positions in the Behavioral Health Education Specialist class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the II-level may be filled by advancement from the I-level; progression to the next level in the series is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the next level in the class series.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics.  The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

Some duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed in a learning capacity for entry-level (I Level) positions.

• Conducts community outreach programs, workshops and discussion groups to promote health education, risk reduction and healthy behavior; organizes and participates in community events.
• Educates the public on health and healthy behavior, mental health disorders, drug and alcohol issues; informs community of services available through the county and other community resources; prepares and delivers presentations on assigned topics.
• Distributes informational brochures and other materials to the public, students, community health programs and support groups; promotes community events and outreach activities; selects and orders informational and educational literature.
• Coordinates and facilitates youth activities and awareness programs; provides safe learning environment for adolescents; presents crime, drug, alcohol and tobacco prevention programs; provides opportunities for leadership, advocacy and community involvement.
• Updates and maintains a variety of files, records, and other documents; gathers and compiles data for management reports; maintains appropriate records and prepares reports as directed.
• Refers clients to professional counseling; listens to clients' physical and psychological needs; documents information and provides recommendations for medical and community services.
• Provides health information, education, and referral services; motivates clients to act promptly for treatment; assures compliance with department policies and procedures.
• Conducts family violence prevention activities; assesses allegations of violence, abuse and neglect and refers to the appropriate agency; maintains the rights of individuals as identified by the Welfare and Institutions Code.
• Coordinates activities for the Drop-In Center including monthly calendar, scheduling and planning outings, activities, craft projects, food menus and other duties.
• Compiles and maintains records, reports and statistical information; attends and participates in meetings with managers and others to evaluate program outcomes.
• Adheres to the confidentiality standards of the Privacy Act of 1974, {U.S.C. § 552A} as amended.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and techniques related to facilitating groups and activities and care of the mentally ill. 
• Methods and techniques of caring for clients who require behavioral and substance abuse treatment. 
• Cultural, social, health and behavioral health issues affecting the client population. 
• Community ethnic and/or socio-economic demographics. 
• Risk factors associated with the use of drugs, alcohol, unsafe sex and other actions which negatively impact healthy living. 
• Techniques for handling clients with multiple difficulties and options available to address them. 
• Principles and practices of harm reduction to lessen the negative social and/or physical consequences associated with various human behaviors. 
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.
• Community resources and service providers which can be accessed by clients. 
• Methods and techniques of conducting interviews to elicit important information from clients. 
• Principles of instruction, education and training. 
• Principles of active listening. 
• Research practices.
• Basic medical and nursing terminology and concepts related to basic behavioral health care. 
• Business arithmetic. 
• Record keeping principles and practices. 
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

 Ability To:

• Conduct interviews and assessments with people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds; and respond to client situations by taking effective action. 
• Utilize community resources effectively to assist clients. 
• Respond sensitively to the needs of people from a variety of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.  
• Perform a range of health screening tests. 
• Educate and counsel clients on appropriate behaviors which lead to more healthy lifestyles. 
• Provide support for clients in out- or in- patient settings. 
• Assist in verbal de-escalation and management of assaultive behavior. 
• Respond promptly to patient emergency situations, as directed by treatment staff. 
• Facilitate group recreational activities. 
• Work well with special population clients, maintain appropriate boundaries, identify and nurture strengths, and support their right to make independent decisions when possible. 
• Serve a wide range of clients, including culturally diverse populations. 
• Update client records, document actions, and complete other paperwork in a timely manner.  
• Establish and maintain patience, discretion and a high level of professionalism.
• Research problems to find and apply alternative solutions. 
• Maintain accurate case records, files and reports. 
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments. 
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

 Equivalent to an Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in behavioral health, health education or a related field; and 

Behavioral Health Specialist I: One (1) year of behavioral health or health education experience.

Behavioral Health Specialist II: Three (3) years of increasingly responsible behavior health or health education experience.

 Certifications and Licenses:

• A position assigned to this class may require possession of a valid California Driver's License.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen. 
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. 
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. 

 WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office and field environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. 
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.  

 EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED

• Equipment utilized includes motor vehicle, personal computer, fax machine, and standard office equipment.

 Disaster Service Worker

All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.