Job Details

Salary : $58,246.24 - $69,316.00 Annually
Location : Santa Barbara, Lompoc, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-1201-02 (O/BW)
Department: Behavioral Wellness
Opening Date: 11/09/2026
Closing Date: 11/24/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Description
Salary Range: $28.00 - $33.33 Hourly

Bilingual allowance, when applicable

Are you passionate about making a difference in behavioral health and supporting others on their recovery journey? The Behavioral Wellness Department is seeking dedicated individuals to fill two (2) Bilingual (English/Spanish) full-time Peer Support Specialist Trainee positions, with one (1) vacancy in Santa Barbara and one (1) vacancy in Lompoc. The selected candidates will be required to travel between operational sites in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc as part of their regular duties.

We are also accepting applications to establish one employment list for current and future full-time, part-time, extra help (temporary) and 1414* Peer Support Specialist Trainee vacancies in multiple locations which include Santa Barbara, and Lompoc for the Behavioral Wellness Department. Therefore, you must check the Individual Location(s) on the application and work types where you would be willing to accept an assignment for current and future employment. If you qualify for this position and pass the required selection steps, your name may be sent to the hiring managers of the programs where you have expressed interest in working.

*1414 vacancies may occur as a result of a leave of absence (Civil Service Rule 1414), and the duration of the appointment shall be subject to the return of the individual who is on leave. A person who is appointed to a position under Civil Service Rule 1414 may be able to transition into a regular position in the classification without re-application or re-testing, depending on the performance of the appointee and the needs of the department. The 1414 position is eligible for Full-Time benefits.

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.

THE POSITION:

Under direct supervision, provide information, support, assistance and advocacy for clients and/or caregivers/family members of clients of behavioral health services (mental health and co-occurring substance use disorder). Incumbents in this class provide training, support, encouragement, and related duties to assist clients and family/caregivers in coping with immediate situations. Incumbents in these classes work within a system of interdisciplinary departmental teams and will provide feedback and perspective to the behavioral health system relative to the impact and effectiveness of the services provided.

This is the entry-level classification in the Behavioral Wellness Peer Specialist series. Incumbents may advance to the Peer Certified Support Specialist classification by successfully completing the Peer Support Specialist Certification Program, demonstrating satisfactory performance, and meeting the minimum qualifications of that classification. The certification program may be completed while serving in the trainee role.

Current Vacancies: The two current vacancies are part of the Community Engagement team, with a focus on outreach, engagement, and education related to First Episode Psychosis (FEP). If interested in the current vacancies, please ensure you select the appropriate program option on question 9 of the supplemental questionnaire.

The First Episode Psychosis (FEP) program provides specialized, coordinated services for individuals experiencing the early signs or first episode of psychosis. The program follows California's Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) model, supported by Early Psychosis Intervention California (EPI-CAL), the state's designated Center of Excellence (COE) for this evidence-based practice.

The goal of the FEP program is to identify psychosis early, engage individuals in treatment as quickly as possible, and provide coordinated, recovery-oriented services that help people remain connected to their families, education, employment, and communities.

Peer Support Specialist Trainees assigned to the Community Engagement team will provide outreach, engagement, and education within the community to increase awareness of First Episode Psychosis, help individuals recognize early signs and symptoms, and connect individuals and families with appropriate resources, including the FEP program when needed.

La CLAVE is an evidence-based mental health outreach program and public health campaign designed to help the Latinx community identify symptoms of serious mental illness, specifically psychosis, and seek early professional treatment. Individuals selected for these positions will receive specialized training in FEP and La CLAVE to support their community outreach, education, and engagement efforts.

Bilingual: Bilingual - Speaking, Reading, and Writing Required: The ability to converse, read, and write fluently in English and Spanish is required. Note: You must self-certify on your application that you are fluent in English and Spanish. Hiring departments may test you on your fluency. If you do not demonstrate sufficient fluency, your name may be withheld from future certifications or removed from the employment list, in accordance to Civil Service Rules. Proficiency in Mixteco is highly desirable, but not required

The Ideal Candidate for the Behavioral Wellness Department:

• Has lived experience, or is a parent, guardian, caregiver or family member of someone with a behavioral health, alcohol or substance use disorder
• Is willing and able to share that experience with consumers to build credibility and empathy and to model recovery and real-life coping strategies
• Has experience serving people with severe and persistent mental illness
• Builds strong working relationships with diverse people and works well with all staff levels and contracted agencies
• Uses sound judgment in answering questions, releasing information, and weighing the consequences of decisions and recommendations
• Contributes to and documents client biopsychosocial evaluations, assessments and written plans of care
• Is computer literate for electronic health record documentation
• Recognizes and reports medication effects and side effects, and signs of substance intoxication or withdrawal
• Educates clients and families about the client's disposition and helps incorporate discharge planning into care

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.

For more information, please visit:
Examples of Duties
Depending on the area of assignment, duties may include, but not limited to, the following:

1. Provides personal lived experience of behavioral health related to recovery and resiliency to the people served in the behavioral health system of care.
2. Supports the work of PEER Certified Support Specialists in informing, training, and empowering clients and families/caregivers of clients who directly or indirectly receive behavioral health services.
3. Attends and participates in special events, conferences, workshops and trainings within the mental health system and in the community.
4. Assists individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges, including first-episode psychosis, and their family members in identifying their needs, accessing available resources, and navigating support services.
5. Serves as a role model for clients.
6. Supports the appropriate acceptance and understanding of social and cultural factors in the provision of behavioral health services.
7. Provide community members perspectives and information on services offered within Behavioral Wellness and how to access services and support.

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:

A high school diploma or GED equivalent; AND,

1. Experience interacting with behavioral health services or their systems of care; or
2. 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: Incumbents must complete CalMHSA Peer Support Specialist training within the first year of hire.

Driver's License: A valid California Class C Driver's License may be required at the time of appointment depending on programmatic needs.

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

Ability to: learn and work effectively within the behavioral health system; advocate for and represent the client perspective; understand cultural and social factors that influence behavior; communicate behavioral health services and processes to clients, families, caregivers, and support systems; build and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations; gather and document accurate information; understand the needs of diverse individuals and families affected by behavioral health conditions; and connect clients with appropriate community resources and support services

Working Conditions: Will have occasional contact with clients who become hostile or violent and may be required to drive long distances in varying weather conditions

Supplemental Information
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

• Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
• Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking: Candidates' response to the required supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the employment list will be determined by their responses to the supplemental questionnaire. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 12 qualified candidates.

Applicants must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive written notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE POINTS: Veteran's preference credit is applicable for this recruitment (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans). To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of: (1) honorable discharge from active military service; or, (2) discharge from a military or veterans' hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or, (3) completion of education or training funded by a Federal Educational Assistance Act. No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability.

To receive veteran's preference points, you must: (1) check the Veteran's Preference Points box on the employment application form, (2) submit a copy of your Form DD-214 to the Human Resources Department on or before the closing date, and (3) pass all phases of the examination process. The preference points will be added to your final test score.

Recruiters will communicate with applicants 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.

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.

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.
• The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of accommodation needed from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: 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.
APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: 11/24/2026 at 4:59 PM PST. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sbcounty

Favian Fernandez -
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

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

02

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?

• A high school diploma or GED equivalent AND, experience interacting with behavioral health services or its systems of care.
• A combination of training, education, and 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

03

If you selected option 2 for the preceding supplemental question #2, "A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent...," then please describe in detail how your combined training, education and experience qualifies you for this position. If you did not select that option, type 'N/A.'
04

Please describe your experience interacting with behavioral health services or its systems of care. If you do not have this experience, please type 'N/A.'
05

Available positions may include Full-time (40 hours per week), Part-time (less than 40 hours), or Temporary work. Please select what type(s) of employment you are willing to accept.

• Full-time (40 hours per week)
• Part-time (less than 40 hours per week)
• Temporary/Extra Help
• None of the above

06

Per the position description, "Incumbents will have occasional contact with clients who may become hostile and/or violent. Incumbents may be required to drive long distances under varied weather conditions." Are you willing to work under these conditions?

• Yes
• No

07

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Please read carefully, Individuals with lived experience, OR who are the parents, guardians, caregivers and/or family members living with individuals with a behavioral health, alcohol and/or substance use disorders and willingness and ability to effectively disclose that experience to consumers in order to establish credibility and empathy and provide examples of recovery and real-life strategies for dealing with mental illness.

• I have "lived experience" and am willing to disclose experience to consumers.
• I am a parent, guardian, caregiver and/or family member living with individuals with a behavioral health, alcohol and/or substance use disorders and am willing to disclose experience to consumers.
• I do NOT have this experience.

08

Veteran's Preference Points: is your DD214 attached? (Eligibility is five Years from the most recent qualifying veteran's experience. There is no time limit for veterans with thirty percent of more disability).

• Yes, I have attached my DD214 to be considered for Veteran's points.
• No, I do not qualify for Veteran's points.

09

The following are the Available Programs within Behavioral Wellness Department and a brief description of job duties associated with the position. After reading each description, select all the Program(s) you are interested in working in to be considered for a current or potential future vacancy. The current vacancies are in the First Episode Psychosis (FEP) program.

• Adult Outpatient Services: These positions work as part of the treatment teams at the Santa Barbara Adult Outpatient Clinic, Santa Maria Adult Outpatient Clinic, and Lompoc Adult Outpatient Clinic. Experience/training in the following areas: Working with adults living with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI); adults with severe, complex Co-Occurring disorders (SPMI and Alcohol/substance abuse); older adults; providing case management linkage and advocacy for clients- specifically for housing, benefits, medical service needs, vocational/educational support; rehab/skill building assistance for clients - specifically in areas of social skills, daily living (ADL) , money management, use of community services; screening , evaluation, and treatment planning; Providing individual and group rehab and skill building service; crisis intervention services; Recovery Model; work with Consumer/Peer employee/co-workers; field based or outreach services; services for homeless.
• Alcohol and Other Drug Services: Working with individuals of all ages experiencing a Substance Use Disorder or youth in the prevention setting. Be a part of a multi-disciplinary team promoting recovery from addiction through outreach services, sharing of experience, linkage, advocacy, group facilitation, support with treatment plan activities, and recovery support services. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of and experience in recovery from Substance Use Disorders, prevention, and experience providing outreach services including presentations.
• Assisted Outpatient Treatment: The Santa Barbara Assisted Outpatient Treatment Program (AOT) also known as Laura's Law provides outreach and engagement as a means of motivating individuals with mental illness who struggle with voluntary treatment to build trust and rapport with AOT staff. The goal is to assist individuals who are meeting AOT criteria and most at risk in the community to be connected to services and receive effective treatment. With AOT, outpatient treatment is a mandate for individuals. After 90 days of engagement, individuals may be referred to the court-ordered process. For this reason, our County's Homeless Services and Justice Alliance Teams work closely with AOT and refer individuals frequently that they come in contact with. Under AOT, the team of health care and service providers work with the judge and the individual to keep them on track with health care and treatment. The team meets together once a week to discuss open cases, new referrals and next steps.
• Children's Outpatient Services: These positions work as part of the treatment teams at the Santa Maria Children's Outpatient Clinic, Lompoc Children's Outpatient Clinic, and Santa Barbara Children's Outpatient Clinic serving children, teens, and Transitional Age Youth by providing individual, family and or group rehab and skill training. Experience/training in the following areas: Understanding of the impact of trauma in children, teens, and Transitional Age Youth Family Systems knowledge; Screening , Evaluation and Treatment planning; Providing Individual, Family, and/or Group rehab and skill training; work with children or teens involved with gangs or juvenile probation; work with children in the foster care system and collaboration with Child Welfare Services; work with schools, children in Special Education or with IEP; Crisis Intervention with children; other relevant experience.
• Crisis Services: The Crisis Services program consists of three different roles: Mobile Crisis, CriCrisis Services: The Crisis Services program consists of three different roles: Mobile Crisis, Crisis Clinic and Access Screener. The Mobile Crisis role involves responding in the community as a team with a partner to address behavioral health crisis situations in our community. As a member of the Mobile Crisis team, staff are trained to assist in de-escalation of the situation, conduct crisis evaluations, provide safety planning and referrals/linkage, and conduct follow-up outreach and engagement services to community members in need. The Crisis Clinics are staffed with multidisciplinary teams who provide behavioral health support to community members who are discharged from hospital discharged from inpatient psychiatric hospitals or following an Emergency Department visit that involved a behavioral health crisis. As a member of the Crisis Clinic team, staff may be responsible for conducting mental health assessments, rehabilitation and therapeutic treatment, case management services and linkage to longer term services.
• Familiar Faces Program: The mission of the Familiar Faces Program is to conduct daily outreach and engagement, facilitate the expedited identification, assessment, and linkage of Familiar Faces clients to supportive services within the City of Santa Barbara and surrounding areas (Goleta, Isla Vista, etc) for the pilot phase. This includes building rapport and relationships based on trust, with the goal of implementing coordinated intervention plans for the priority population. In addition, the team will help broker access to services and community supports through intensive engagement and a "warm hand-off" approach, and ensure that each client is tracked throughout the entire engagement process for continuity of care, ensuring case is not passed through until the individual has been contacted by the service provider and enrolled in services, as necessary.
• First Episode Psychosis (FEP) program: provides specialized, coordinated services for individuals experiencing the early signs or first episode of psychosis. The program follows California's Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) model, supported by Early Psychosis Intervention California (EPI-CAL), the state's designated Center of Excellence (COE) for this evidence-based practice. The goal is to identify psychosis early, engage individuals in treatment as quickly as possible, and provide coordinated, recovery-oriented services that help people remain connected to their families, education, employment, and communities. The role of the FEP Peer Community Engagement Specialist will be to provide outreach, engagement and education within the community on First Episode Psychosis and how to get connected tor resources.
• Juvenile Justice MH: Experience/training in Trauma Informed and Evidence Based treatments to youth and their families in Santa Barbara County Juvenile Probation institutions, including Juvenile Hall, Los Prietos Boys Camp, and out of custody probation centers. Staff also conduct evaluations for the Juvenile Court and liaise between Juvenile Justice partner agencies including DCFS, Public Defender, District Attorney, Law Enforcement (Probation, sheriff, and Police), Courts, CBO's, and Behavioral Wellness children's clinics to ensure linkage to appropriate services in the community. Working in this program will require an awareness and understanding of the operations of Family/Juvenile court systems, group homes, shelter care, and detention facilities; including work in maximum-security facilities for children requiring candidates pass an FBI background check, which includes live scan. Must be willing to work flexible hours. An additional 5% pay for this position.
• Santa Barbara Adult/Older Adult Full-Service Partnership (FSP): Full Service Partnership (FSP) programs are intensive service programs for consumers experiencing and/or at risk of hospitalization, homelessness or incarceration. FSP staff work together as part of a multidisciplinary team meeting together daily to discuss the work of the day and needs of the clients/program, providing services to clients primarily in a community setting (up to 75%). The FSP team is focused on being client-centered and recovery-driven and sees each client as a partner and participant in developing a care coordination plan that is focused on wellness and recovery. The team does whatever it takes to support the client in their recovery journey. The treatment team is available 24/7 through on-call to provide crisis services to clients as needed and work closely with the crisis teams. FSP services are also provided to support clients as they transition to a lower level of care. Services include: community-based services, culturally and linguistically supportive services, medication support, peer support, co-occurring services/support, counseling, case management, and other services as appropriate.I am not interested in programs within the Behavioral Wellness Department.

10

I understand my responses to the following supplemental questions will be used as a weighed, scored selection device that will determine my ranking on the employment list for this job. For information on protest procedures for the supplemental questionnaire, please see Civil Service Rules 612 and 613:

• I understand.

11

How many years of experience do you have providing Peer support services? Internship(s), volunteer experience, and/or part-time experience is applicable. (Full details of this experience/position(s) should be on your completed application).

• 3 or more 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

12

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

• Behavioral Health Treatment Setting
• Alcohol & Drug Treatment Setting