Behavioral Health Worker I/II

Summary

This classification is scheduled to receive a 5% COLA effective July 2026.

The Butte County Department of Behavioral Health is currently hiring for positions at Crisis Service program, Quality Management, and the Psychiatric Health Facility. Candidates will be considered for all work units.

The Butte County Department of Behavioral Health Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF) has an opening for the position of Full-Time Behavioral Health Worker I and II. This is a locked inpatient facility that provides short-term inpatient care to adults in psychiatric crises. Duties include but are not limited to assisting patients with daily activities, performing crisis intervention, observing and charting vitals, and picking up meals for the patients.

This position offers a 15% site differential in addition to invaluable learning and growth for developing professionals.

DEFINITION

Under immediate or general supervision, provides non-professional nursing care and support; partners with behavioral health or substance abuse clients to assist them in achieving recovery; delivers routine recovery focused behavioral health and case management support services; advocates for decreasing stigma associated with mental illness and/or substance abuse; promotes a culture of safety; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

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

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Behavioral Health Worker I: This is the entry-level classification in the Behavioral Health Worker series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine Behavioral Health support 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. Position at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the position at the Behavioral Health Worker 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 Worker II: This is the journey-level classification in the Behavioral Health Worker series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Behavioral Health Worker I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgement 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.

Positions in the Behavioral Health Worker class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the II level may be filled by advancement from the I level; progression to the II level 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 II level.

Essential Job Functions

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.

• Assists patients with personal hygiene activities, documents client activities of daily living, response to interventions and significant behavior changes.
• Observes and charts vital signs and weights; collects samples for routine lab tests; and ensures that the treatment rooms are set up for examinations and treatments.
• Assists in verbal and physical de-escalation of patients acting out; manages patient assaultive behavior and, as directed, assists other treatment staff with placing patients who are an immediate danger to themselves or others in seclusion and/or restraints. May perform routine contraband checks.
• Establishes, maintains, and co-facilitates a therapeutic relationship with clients and acts as a role model in maintaining a hopeful and positive attitude in problem solving and coping with the disabilities associated with mental illness.
• Performs crisis intervention, in person and over the phone, to provide support and assistance in problem resolution and coordinates or arranges for the provision of needed services.
• Admits and discharges patients as assigned including completing all associated documentation.
• Participates as an interdisciplinary team member and provides input via reporting observations, concerns or changes in behavioral or physical condition.
• Performs facility or house cleaning and other household living tasks for behavioral health patients.
• Transports patients to and from doctor visits and personal or necessary appointments; may assist with performing routine vehicle maintenance.
• May assist with pick-up and meal service delivery to patients.
• Provides safe, effective and efficient implementation of direct care in accordance with established policies, procedures and standards of care while protecting clients from behavior that could damage themselves or others.
• Adheres to the confidentiality standards of the Privacy Act of 1974 (U.S.C. § 552a), as amended.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

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 issues that may have a bearing on service provision.
• Basic medical and nursing terminology and concepts related to basic behavioral health care.
• Community resources providing assistance to clients with behavioral health or substance abuse issues.
• Business arithmetic.
• Record keeping principles and practices.
• Household management and personal care activities.
• 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:

• 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.
• 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 completion of the twelfth (12th) grade; and

Behavioral Health Worker I: None.

Behavioral Health Worker II: One (1) year experience in patient care services equivalent to Behavioral Health Worker I.

Certifications and Licenses:

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

  
  

• Depending on area of assignment, may be required to obtain and maintain a valid CPR and basic life support certification.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in out-patient, clinics, jails or juvenile facilities and standard office settings; use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various County and meeting sites; frequently stand and walk between work areas; frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 40 pounds.
• Vision to observe client behavior 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

• Employees work in an office, out-patient, clinic, jail, juvenile facility or locked psychiatric facility environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• Employees may interact with clients with behavioral disorders/erratic and assaultive behavior, including those which require emergency crisis intervention.
• 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 a 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.

Teamsters-General Unit Benefits Summary

THESE BENEFITS DO NOT APPLY TO EXTRA HELP EMPLOYEES

Public Safety Dispatcher Pay:
POST Dispatcher Certificate: 2.5% Communication Training Officer, 3.5% Intermediate, 4.5% Advanced.

Salary Step Increases:
The beginning salary and the top of the salary range are usually shown on the job announcement. Upon satisfactory service, salary increases of approximately 5% may be given annually until the top of the salary range has been attained.

Longevity Pay: 2.5% at 10 years, 2.5% at 15 years, 2.5% at 20 years, for a total 7.5% after 20 years of service.

Boot Allowance:
$200.04 for each year, paid in monthly installments. Effective January 3, 2026, the $200.04 boot allowance set forth above shall expire, and all members of this Unit shall be eligible for a work boot/footwear reimbursement up to $275.00 annually. For eligible classifications only.

Holidays:
13 paid holidays per year.

Vacation:
0-4.99 years: 15 days/yr.; 5-9.99 years: 20 days/yr.; 10-19.99 years: 25 days/yr.; 20+ years: 27 days/yr.

Sick Leave:
96 hours of sick leave are earned each year with no maximum accrual.

Bereavement Leave:
Maximum of 40 hours for each occurrence in the immediate family.

Health Plan including Dental Insurance and Vision Insurance:
Coverage under the Butte County Health Plan is for employees and their eligible dependents. Depending upon the plan selected by the employee, the County contributes a substantial amount of the total cost of the complete health package, which consists of medical, vision, and dental insurance. Currently, the amount the County contributes for family coverage is $1342.00/month. For those employees who have health coverage from other sources, and who elect to not participate in the Butte County Health Plan, the County offers a monthly taxable Cash-Back allowance. The current of the taxable Cash-Back allowance is $550.00 per month (prorated for less than fulltime employees).

Teamsters General Unit Employee Medical Insurance Plans and Rates

Life Insurance:
The County provides $25,000 in life insurance with additional coverage available at a minimal cost.

Retirement:
The County is in the Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) coordinated with Social Security.

"Classic Members"- 2% @ 55. Final compensation based on Single Highest Year. Employee responsible for full 7% employee share effective 1/1/2013.

"New Members" to PERS- 2% @ 62. Final compensation based on Highest Three-Year Average. Employee responsible for one half (1/2) the normal cost of the CalPERS Pension.
"New Member" is defined by law (PEPRA) as an "1) individual who has never been a member of any public retirement system prior to 1/1/2013 or 2) An individual who becomes a member of a public retirement system for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who was previously a member of a public retirement system, but who was not subject to reciprocity. or 3) An individual who was an active member in a public retirement system and who, after a break in service of more than six months, returned to active membership in that system with a new employer

Deferred Compensation:
The County offers a 457 Deferred Compensation program. Deposits into this plan are strictly voluntary and are made through a payroll deduction on a tax-deferred basis. The County does not make contributions to the employees' Deferred Compensation accounts.

Disability Insurance:
For short-term disability, the County participates in California State Disability Insurance (SDI) fund. County employees are also covered by an employee-paid long-term disability program. The long-term disability insurance benefit is 60% of the disabled employee's biweekly wage.

Flexible Spending Program:
County employees can elect to participate in a Flexible Spending Program. This program allows employees to use pre-tax dollars to pay for certain health care and/or dependent care expenses. In addition, employees can choose to have their portion of the monthly Health Plan premium withheld from their checks on a pre-tax basis as well. Generally, employees who participate in the Flexible Spending Program have less taxes withheld for their payroll checks than if they had elected not to do so.

Tuition Reimbursement:
Up to $500/year.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
The County of Butte provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their eligible dependents. The EAP offers confidential, professional counseling services.
Refer to specific labor agreements (Teamsters-General) for additional benefit information.

BUTTE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Any information on this page or links is subject to change without notice.

Butte County Human Resources Department
3 County Center Drive, Oroville, CA 95965
(530) 552.3552

Comments, please email: personnel@buttecounty.net

• Level I
• Level II
• None of the above

• computer data entry
• work in health care
• basic housekeeping duties
• medical terminology
• direct in-person customer service and interaction
• client charting
• basic clerical/secretarial duties
• assisting clients with basic hygiene needs
• the observation and the performance of safety checks on clients
• taking and recording client vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation, temperature and weight
• work with clients who have functional impairment related to mental illness, emotional disturbance or substance abuse
• physical or mechanical restraint of clients
• use of an electronic health records system
• none of the above

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Some college
• Associate's degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree or higher
• None of the above

• I am interested in Regular Help positions.
• I am interested in Extra Help positions

• Butte County Website
• Butte County Human Resources Social Media
• CareersInGovernment.com
• County Employee
• Craigslist.com
• Facebook
• Friend or Relative (word of mouth)
• GovernmentJobs.com
• Handshake
• Indeed.com
• Job Fair
• Job Interest Card - GovernmentJobs.com
• Linkedin
• Newspaper - Paper or Online
• Departmental Email
• Radio
• Magazine
• Billboard
• Other

• Yes
• No

• Level I
• Level II

Required Question