Within the Departmental of Social and Health Services, this series is responsible for the care of children, youths and adults in an inpatient psychiatric hospital or residential treatment facility setting. Positions in this series are responsible for modeling and implementing evidence-based practices, counsels, documenting patient/resident behaviors and progress, and managing a caseload of patients/residents.

In a training capacity, receives instruction in and performs basic casework services in Behavioral Health Administration facilities.

This is the entry level of the series serving in an in-training capacity. Positions at this level are required to learn and complete basic duties under close supervision of a higher-level Behavioral Health Specialist or assigned supervisor.

Incumbents are tasked with progressively more responsible duties as they gain experience and complete assigned training activities such as: implementation of behavior management procedures and/or crisis intervention; specific security/safety duties; and current policies and procedures.

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 with compiling and preparing reports on individual's progress, reactions, and overall adjustment; makes recommendations on treatment, training and release of individual;

Assists with providing learning opportunities for patients/residents to practice skills that will assist them in the recovery process;

Assists with providing psychosocial interventions to individuals and groups of patients/residents;

Attends and participates in treatment meetings;

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 care, custody, and treatment.

Ability to: Effectively assess and evaluate persons or situations and adopt a proper course of action; speak and write effectively; establish and maintain successful personal 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.

Satisfactory completion of two one years of college preferably with emphasis in one of the social sciences,


One year's experience in working with individuals in a psychiatric or mental health, or health care setting.

Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

New class Effective January 1, 1967
Revises minimum qualifications May 4, 1970
Revises minimum qualifications October 16, 1975
New class code: (formerly 35440) 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.
Revise title, formerly Institution Counselor 1; Add class series concept; revise definition, distinguishing characteristics, typical work, desirable qualifications; adopted June 23, 2025; effective July 1, 2025.