BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST II

State-operated mobile crisis services provided by the Crisis Assessment Stabilization Team (CAST) are delivered through Northern, Central Valley, and Southern State-Operated Stabilization Training Assistance Reintegration (STAR) homes. CAST provides services to individuals at risk of displacement from their family home or out-of-home placement, offering on-site assessments, in-home training, and support after Regional Centers have exhausted other crisis services. The team operates statewide, delivering timely crisis intervention while collaborating with community partners to promote long-term mental health and well-being.

Effective July 1, 2025, State employees are subject to a 3% salary reduction in exchange for five hours per month of Personal Leave Program time.

About the role

This position involves ongoing interaction with individuals with developmental disabilities and severe psychiatric and behavioral conditions at STAR residences and in community settings, including homes, hospitals, or psychiatric facilities. The role may include exposure to communicable diseases, blood-borne pathogens, medicinal preparations, and other clinical nursing environment conditions. Responsibilities also include office-based tasks, public interaction, and travel to STAR/CAST locations and Department headquarters. Reassignment to STAR residences or projects may occur to meet operational needs. Work may involve extended hours, varying shifts, travel, and possible overnight stays.

Candidates must be California residents at the time of appointment and hold lawful authorization to work in the United States. The Department does not sponsor employment visas for this position.

Responsibilities

• Provide on-site assessments, in-home training, and support to individuals experiencing crisis after other services have been exhausted.
• Work collaboratively with community partners to promote long-term mental health and well-being.
• Travel to various locations, including STAR/CAST sites and Department headquarters, with possible overnight stays.
• Participate in meetings, conferences, and public interactions.
• Adapt to reassignment as needed to meet operational demands.
• Work extended hours or varying shifts to deliver behavioral services.

Requirements

• Valid Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification from the National Behavior Analyst Certification Board. If eligible for certification, have applied for BCBA and be within one month of receiving it. Include the expected certification date on your application.
• Pass a drug screening, background investigation, and medical clearance prior to hiring.
• Demonstrated knowledge of positive behavioral supports, trauma-informed care, coaching skills, person-centered practices, and less restrictive behavioral techniques.
• Ability to implement behavioral programs.
• Physical capability to lift over 25 pounds, including pushing, pulling, bending, stooping, squatting, carrying, kneeling, twisting, and reaching at or above shoulder level.
• Maintain sufficient strength, agility, endurance, and sensory ability to perform job duties.

Qualifications

• Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities (e.g., autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability), severe behavioral conditions (e.g., aggression, self-injurious behavior, property destruction, elopement), and psychiatric conditions (e.g., psychosis, mood disorders, PTSD, suicidal ideation).
• Ability to maintain endurance during emergency or high-stress situations without compromising personal health or the safety of others.

Pay

$7,145.00 - $9,342.00 per month. New state employees will be hired at the minimum salary of the classification or the minimum of the alternate range, if applicable.

Benefits

As a state employee, you and your family will have access to medical, dental, and vision insurance benefits, as well as retirement benefits. Eligibility may vary based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base, and length of appointment. Additional benefits may be outlined in employee collective bargaining contracts. For more information, visit the CalHR Benefits Website and the CalPERS Health Benefit Summary.