Behavioral Health Therapist Trainee

Kern County; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bilingual eligibility noted

Job summary

Kern County is seeking a Behavioral Health Therapist Trainee to join its public health team in California. The position requires a bachelor’s degree and enrollment in a qualifying graduate program for licensure as an associate clinical social worker, AMFT, or professional counselor.

Within 90–180 days, the incumbent must obtain the specified master’s degree and maintain associate registration. Travel and state-wide eligibility may be required; background checks apply.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and enrollment in a graduate program leading to eligibility for registration with the State of California as an Associate Clinical Social Worker, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, or an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor.
• Within 90 days, acquire a Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Sociology or Psychology and obtain/maintain an associate registration.

Skills

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Education

Bachelor’s degree & enrollment in grad program for licensure (Associate LCSW/AMFT/ACounselor)

Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Sociology or Psychology within 90 days

Job description

Position Information

Examinations: Appraisal (Weight 100%): of training, education, experience, interest and personal fitness for the work based on any combination of the following: Investigation, oral exam and/or rating of application. Applicants must attain at least a 70% score on each phase of the examination process.

Minimum Qualifications / Employment Standards

Bachelor’s degree and enrollment in a Marriage and Family Therapist, Clinical Social Work, Counseling, Sociology or Psychology graduate program at an accredited college or university leading to eligibility for registration with the State of California as an Associate Clinical Social Worker, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, or an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor.

Degree required

Within one 90 days of employment, Behavioral Health Therapist Trainee appointees must acquire a Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Sociology or Psychology. Within 180 days of hire incumbents must obtain and maintain a current and valid associate registration with the State of California. Failure to maintain a current and valid registration may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

About Kern County

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.

Additional Information

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.