Behavioral Health Therapist I/II

Kern County; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged

Job summary

Kern County is seeking Behavioral Health Therapists I/II in California. The role conducts examinations to evaluate training, education, and fitness for the position within Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services.

Level I requires a Master’s degree with eligibility for licensure; Level II adds Doctorate or waivers and ongoing licensure obligations. Applicants must meet registration timelines, possess a valid CA driver license, and be willing to travel.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in psychology, sociology, counseling, social work or related field.
• Must obtain California intern/associate registration within 90 days and licensure within the Board time frames.
• Level II requires Doctorate in Behavioral Science or licensure waiver; CA license must be maintained.

Responsibilities

• Position works within Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Department.
• Examinations and eligibility assessments to evaluate training, education, experience and fitness for the position.
• Bilingual applicants encouraged; information on examinations and eligibility is provided.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged

Education

Master’s degree in Psychology/Sociology/Counseling/Social Work or related field

Doctorate in Behavioral Science (for Level II) and APPIC internship waiver option

California licensure eligibility (Associate Clinical Social Worker, MFT intern, or LPCC)

Job description

Bi-Weekly Salary: Level I: $2,840.68 - $3,394.88 Level II: $3,467.88 - $4,144.44

Examinations: Appraisal (Weight 100%): Will be conducted for the purpose of evaluating the applicant's training, education, experience, interest and personal fitness for the position. Appraisal can be based on any combination of the following: Investigation, oral exam and rating of the application.

Applicants must attain at least a 70% score on each phase of the examination process.

Minimum Qualifications/ Employment Standards:

Level I: Completion of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university, with a major in Psychology, Sociology, Counseling, Social Work or a related field, and eligibility for registration with the State of California as an Associate Clinical Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist intern or Pre-licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. Within 90 days of hire incumbents must obtain and maintain a current and valid intern or associate registration with the State of California and obtain California licensure within the time period specified by the Board of Behavioral Sciences. Failure to maintain a current and valid registration may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination, OR, Completion of all Psychology doctoral coursework and completion of a Psychology Internship from an Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) program. Pre-doctoral psychology candidates cannot be employed to provide mental health services unless they obtain a waiver from the California Department of Health Care Services, even if registered with the California Board of Psychology. A waiver granted may not exceed five years from the date of employment.

Level II: Completion of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university, with a major in Psychology, Sociology, Counseling, Social Work or a related field, and licensure with the State of California as a Clinical Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) OR completion of a Doctorate Degree in a Behavioral Science from an accredited college or university and eligible for licensing waiver with the State Department of Mental Health. Pre-Licensed Doctoral psychology candidates cannot be employed to provide mental health services unless they obtain a waiver from the California Department of Health Care Services, even if registered with the California Board of Psychology. A waiver granted may not exceed five (5) years from the date of employment. California licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC) must maintain current and valid licensure with the State of California. Failure to maintain a current and valid license may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Driver's License.

Information regarding eligibility for registration with the State of California Licensure.

Full Job Descriptions For: Behavioral Health Therapist I/II

This position works within the Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Department. For more information about the department, please view their website here.

Kern County employees provide opportunities that are purposeful to our community. Every employee and every action contributes to the improvement and strengthening of our county.

Growth Mindset

We always encourage our employees to grow and develop. Kern County has a culture of innovation that allows employees to explore creative and more efficient ways to accomplish their work. We provide access to training and continued professional development in an effort to ensure that our employees have opportunities for career growth.

This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time without notice.

Admittance to the examination will require a valid government issued photograph identification. Applicants who are unable to present proper identification must make arrangements with the Human Resources Division prior to the test date.

A background check may be conducted for this classification.

A background investigation is required of candidates who wish to be considered for correctional medicine assignments. Felony convictions are disqualifying, and some misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying.

Following an offer of employment, you may be required to submit to post offer medical and drug screening tests at County expense.

Note: Incumbents may be required to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends

Bilingual (English/Spanish) applicants are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must submit a bilingual (English/Spanish) certificate before the final filing deadline.

Applicants who wish to be considered for bilingual employment must submit a bilingual certificate issued by the Kern County Human Resources Division or its authorized agent, Bakersfield College.

Access the following website for information about where to obtain a qualifying certificate: https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/academics/career-education/bilingual-testing.html. Employees who occupy positions designated as bilingual are paid dependent upon the required level of proficiency.

This examination will establish an eligible list from which immediate appointment(s) will be made. Other permanent and temporary appointments will be made as needed. Successful candidates will remain on the eligible list for a period of twelve months, unless specified otherwise by the Civil Service Commission. Candidates are encouraged to indicate acceptable geographical locations in which they would accept employment on their application form. Candidates MUST be willing to travel to these locations (areas/district offices).

For more information regarding Kern County's recruitment process, please see our FAQ page.

Kern County is an ADA compliant and an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Amended: 2/11/25, 4/7/25, 8/28/25