Job Details

Salary: $26.52 - $31.57 Hourly
Location : Santa Barbara, CA
Job Type: Extra Help
Job Number: 25-5160-01 (O/BW)
Department: Behavioral Wellness
Opening Date: 04/29/2025
Closing Date: Continuous

Description
NOTICE OF CHANGE: This recruitment is now posted CONTINOUSLY until the vacancy is filled.

SALARY

$26.52 - $31.57 Hourly

Special Duty Assignment allowance 10% allowance

Night Shift and Weekend differential

Bilingual allowance when applicable
We are accepting applications to establish one employment list to fill extra help Recovery Assistant vacancies in Santa Barbara's Behavioral Wellness Department Locked In-Patient Hospital Unit.

*Civil Service Rule 905. Extra Help Appointment.An extra help appointment is defined as an appointment made to a non-regular, non-permanent position established on a temporary basis to meet peak loads, unusual work situations, seasonal and recurrent work, intermittent assignments, or emergencies. These positions are exempt from the Provisions of the Civil Service Rules.
THE POSITION:
Under general supervision, assists licensed staff in the delivery of mental health services including but not limited to assistance with activities with daily living, performs unit and patient safety checks, performs vital signs, pick-up and serves meals to persons with severe and persistent mental illness; and performs related duties as required.

Work as a member of the in-patient interdisciplinary team. The candidate may have occasional contact with hostile and violent clients. Additionally, the role may involve long-distance driving in varying weather conditions and the need to work 12-hour shifts. (rotating days, nights, weekends and holidays).

ABOUT THE Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF):

Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF): Incumbents in this class work within a system of interdisciplinary departmental teams and/or contract service agencies providing assessment, prevention, intervention, treatment, and related ancillary support services via an integrated service delivery system to people with alcohol and other drug-related problems, mental illness, and/or co-occurring conditions. An additional 10% pay for this position. This program operates on a 24/7 basis.

The Ideal Candidate will have when working with the Behavioral Wellness Department:

• Ability to develop and maintain sound working relationships with diverse people and personalities
• Work independently, organize and prioritize work, and meet critical deadlines
• Ability to handle multiple tasks with competing priorities
• Open to change and new information and adapt behavior and work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, and unexpected obstacles
• Ability to prepare and write clear and concise documents (e.g., documenting rounds, vital sign, and correspondence)
• Exercises appropriate judgment, analyzing and projecting consequences of decisions and/or recommendations
• Skilled in Implementing interventions of treatment plan
• Demonstrated computer literacy for electronic health record documentation
• Experience providing services to persons with severe and persistent mental illness
• Bilingual skills in English & Spanish and/or Mixteco; desired, but not required

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:
Founded in 1962, it is the mission of the Department of Behavioral Wellness to promote the prevention of and recovery from mental illness and addiction among individuals, families and communities, by providing effective leadership and delivering state-of-the-art, culturally competent services. The Department provides treatment, rehabilitation, and support services to 10,000 clients with mental illness and substance use disorders annually through its professional staff of over 400, in addition to its many contracted Community-Based Organization (CBO) providers. The Department's decisions and service delivery are guided by the following values:

• Quality services for persons of all ages with mental illness and/or substance abuse
• Integrity in individual and organizational actions
• Dignity, respect, and compassion for all persons
• Active involvement of clients and families in treatment, recovery, and policy development
• Diversity throughout our organization and cultural competency in service delivery
• A system of care and recovery that is clearly defined and promotes recovery and resiliency
• Emphasis on prevention and treatment
• Teamwork among department employees in an atmosphere that is respectful and creative
• Continuous quality improvement in service delivery and administration
• Wellness modeled for our clients at all levels; i.e., staff who regularly arrive at the workplace healthy, energetic and resilient
• Safety for everyone

For more information, please visit:

Examples of Duties

1. Provides transportation for patients, within and out-of-county, to destinations such as mental health and medical care facilities, board and care facilities, and court; delivers medications, documents, or personal belongings of patients.
2. Assists patients by explaining the need for and value of services; accompanies and supports patients in performing daily living activities such as showering or grooming.
3. Observes and reports verbally and in writing to licensed staff the behavior and physical state of patients; documents observations of patients and activity with patients in medical charts.
4. Speaks on behalf of patients during interactions with medical service providers and staff at various organizations or businesses; may assist patients in completing online forms and applications.

Employment Standards
In order to be considered for this position, applicants must provide detailed information on their application to demonstrate how they meet the employment standards (minimum qualifications) listed below:

• One (1) year of experience providing services to people with psychiatric, physical, or developmental disabilities; OR,
• A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to the employment standard listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Additional Qualifications:
Driver's License: A valid driver's license may be required at the time of job offer.

Knowledge of: basic English grammar and usage; characteristics of human behavior; and safe driving practices.

Ability to: observe patients, recognize behavior changes, and take effective action; respond supportively, empathetically, and professionally to persons with severe and persistent mental illness; make appropriate decisions within limits of authority; learn basics of behavioral health treatment systems and common signs/symptoms of acute mental illness; learn various community-based services; understand and follow oral and written instructions; interact with a wide range of people; prepare narrative reports and forms; work irregular hours and weekends; read a map; safely drive a vehicle; work independently; use a computer; and learn software programs.

Working Conditions: Incumbents will have occasional contact with hostile and violent clients. Incumbents will be required to drive long distances under varied weather conditions, and work irregular hours.

Background Investigation: Finalists for positions in this class will be required to pass a pre-offer, job-related background investigation.

Supplemental Information
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

Review Applications and Supplemental Questionnaire: Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
Recruiters will communicate with applicant by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

CONDITIONAL JOB OFFER:

• Live Scan and Background Check: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, the selected candidate's appointment is contingent upon successful completion of a Live Scan and background check which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. A Live Scan is electronic fingerprint scanning that is certified by the State Department of Justice. Further instructions about when and how to complete the Live Scan will be included in the offer letter. Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination.

Additional information:

• Fingerprinting for the purpose of a criminal record check as authorized by Section 16501 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code and Section 11105.3 of the California Penal Code may be required for some positions.
• Finalists for positions in this class will be required to pass a pre-offer, job-related background investigation.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.
BENEFITS: For more information on County of Santa Barbara benefits click on the Benefits Tab above or visit:
Additionally, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for retirement reciprocity and time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate.

Statement of Commitment: The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.
Disaster Service Worker: Pursuant to Governmental code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.
APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: This recruitment is posted continuously until all position(s) are filled. First review of applications will be on Tuesday 5/13/2025. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.

Gabriela Huerta, Recruitment Analyst -
Retirement Plans

• Generous County Defined Benefit Plan
• Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans
• For more information on our retirement plans, please visit: and

Health Benefits

• Choice of dental, vision and medical plans. In addition to the Benefit Allowance noted above, the County contributes toward medical premiums and dental premiums
• On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members
• Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits
• Available Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more!
• For more information on our health benefits, please visit:

Paid Time Off

• Vacation Leave 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment
• Sick Leave 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement
• Paid Holidays based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit, link below)
• Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM) up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting
• For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below)

Miscellaneous Benefits

• County Paid Term Life Insurance
• County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
• Childcare and Employee Discounts
• Relocation Assistance may apply
• Flexible work schedule may apply
• For more information on all of these benefits, please visit:

Compensation Summary

• To view the Compensation Summary specific to the bargaining unit for this position (link to full Memorandum of Understanding also available at bottom of the summary), please visit:

*This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.
01

I acknowledge that it is my responsibility as an applicant to provide sufficient information on my application to demonstrate that my education and experience meets the employment standards (minimum qualifications) for this position as detailed in the job bulletin. I further acknowledge that if the County determines that I do not meet the employment standards there will be no opportunity for me to provide additional information regarding my application after the closing date listed on the job bulletin. Therefore, I understand that before submitting a job application, it is important that I review the job bulletin thoroughly and ensure that my application clearly reflects how my education and experience meets the employment standards at the time I submit my application.

• I understand

02

As part of the application process, a completed supplemental questionnaire must be submitted along with the standard application form. Resumes will be accepted, but NOT in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.

• I understand

03

The Human Resources Department communicates with All Applicants through e-mail. Please make sure your email address is entered correctly and it is current. If you feel you are not receiving your emails, please check your spam or junk inbox for our emails. Please check selection process on job bulletin for dates notices will be sent out and dates the information is required to be completed.

• I understand

04

Please make sure you provide your education and work experience on your application. All applicants must meet one of the requirements (minimum qualifications) listed below at the time of application. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide all supporting information on their application, and not on a resume. All information may be verified as true and correct. Please check which employment standard you meet. If you realize you do not meet one of the qualifications listed below or do not provide enough information on how you meet the employment standard you selected; your application will not be accepted.

• I understand

05

To be considered for this position your application must CLEARLY state how you meet each of the requirements under EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS on the Job Bulletin or you will not be considered for this position. If you are unsure, go back and review your application before continuing. Which Employment Standard did you clearly state on your application?

• One (1) year of experience providing services to people with psychiatric, physical, or developmental disabilities.
• A combination of training, education, and/or experience that is equivalent to the employment standard listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
• None of the above - I do not meet the minimum qualifications for this position

06

If you selected option #2 for the preceding supplemental question, "A combination of training, education, and/or experience that is equivalent...," then please describe in detail how your combined training, education and experience qualifies you for this position.
07

Per the position description, "Candidates may have occasional contact with hostile and violent clients, drive long distances under varied weather conditions and work irregular hours," are you willing to work under these conditions?

• Yes
• No

08

The Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF) is a 24/7 In-Patient Unit which requires shift work including holidays, evening, weekend and overnight shifts. Are you willing to work the required schedule listed above, which includes 12-hour shifts, such as 7:00PM to 7:00AM?

• Yes
• No

09

Describe your years of experience working in an In-Patient Facility or Psychiatric Health Facility. Please include the length of employment, the name of the agency(s), the type of agency(s) you worked for and the functions you performed.
10

How many years of experience do you have working in an In-patient Facility or locked Psychiatric Unit?

• 5 or more years of experience.
• 4 years up to 5 years of experience.
• 3 years up to 4 years of experience.
• 2 years up to 3 years of experience.
• 1 year up to 2 years of experience.
• Less than 1 year of experience.
• I do not have this experience.

11

In Question #10, if you answered you have previous work experience in an In-Patient Facility or locked Psychiatric Unit, please select which job functions you performed.

• Completed unit rounds, visualizing each patient and documenting location and activity of each.
• Utilizing a team approach, worked with team members to assist with de-escalation and non-violent crisis interventions to help maintain safety.
• Obtained patient vital signs.
• Provided meal/food service.
• Assisted with Activities of Daily Living (i.e. showering, toileting, dressing, feeding).
• Participated in unit recreational activities/groups; encouraged patient participation in Group Activity Program.
• Provided transportation of patients to obtain other services (i.e. off-site medical appointments, discharge transportation).
• I do not have this experience.

12

I understand that I will be assigned trainings and must maintain all certifications. The following trainings will be assigned: CPR with AED, CPI and ServSafe Food Handler Certification.

• I understand

13

Please select which settings you have experience in or knowledge of (full details of this experience/position(s) should be on your completed application):

• Behavioral Health Treatment Setting.
• Alcohol & Drug Treatment Setting.
• Residential Treatment Setting (i.e. Group Homes, Halfway Houses).
• Peer Support Services Setting.
• Other Type of Treatment Setting.
• None of the above.

14

Behavioral Wellness Recovery Assistants provide the following services to clients. Please select the services you have experience providing (full details of this experience/position(s) should be on your completed application).

• Provide transportation/delivery services for clients.
• Support clients with daily living activities.
• Provide clear explanation of services to clients.
• Speak on client's behalf.
• Observe, report verbally, and document observations of clients.
• Document activities with clients.
• None of the above

Required Question