See Behavioral Health Specialist 1.

Interviews and counsels patients/residents; and assists patient/resident to improve adjustment to institution/residential treatment facility and to effect rehabilitation and recovery. Provide behavioral health interventions to promote rehabilitation and recovery.

This is the journey level of the series. Under general supervision, positions at this level are required to perform tasks such as: implementation of behavior management procedures and/or crisis intervention; specific security/safety duties; and current policies and procedures. Position assignments follow established guidelines, policies, procedures, and work methods. Work is reviewed for compliance with guidelines, policies, and procedure.

Counsels with and advises patients/residents, to assist in improving personal outlook, institutional and social adjustment;

Interviews patients/residents, to secure and compile personal data and social history;

Assists Social Worker with contacting families and assists persons and their families in coordinating with other agencies and organizations;

Compiles and prepares reports on individual's progress, reactions, and overall adjustment; makes or assists in making recommendations on treatment, training and release of individuals;

Assists with facilitating groups to promote recovery;

Instructs the patient in adapting to the recreational and community environment;

Assists in securing resources and equipment for assigned area;

Facilitates improvement of social, cognitive, emotional and physical functional abilities;

Assists with treatment planning;

Attends treatment conferences;

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge of: principles and practices of interviewing; individual and group behavior; social and economic factors; laws and rules related to institutional care, custody and treatment.

Ability to: interview effectively, evaluate persons or situations and adopt a proper course of action; speak and write effectively; establish and maintain successful professional relationships with others.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

One year as a Behavioral Health Specialist 1.


Satisfactory completion of two years of college, preferably with emphasis in one of the social sciences or two year’s experience in a psychiatric or mental health, or health care setting.


Equivalent education/relevant experience.

Revises minimum qualifications, title change January 1, 1967
Revises minimum qualifications May 4, 1970
Revises minimum qualifications October 16, 1975
New class code: (formerly 35450) effective July 1, 2007.
Base range salary adjustment adopted 6/30/2017, effective 7/1/2017.
Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.
Revised title, previously Institution Counselor 2; revised class series concept, definition, distinguishing characteristics, typical work, knowledge and abilities, desirable qualifications; adopted June 23, 2025; effective July 1, 2025.