Behavioral Health Specialist IV - Riverside Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention

Posted: Wednesday, 20 May 2026
Valid Thru: Friday, 19 June 2026
Index Requested on: 05/20/2026 14:17:14
Indexed on: 05/20/2026 14:17:14

Location: Riverside, CA, 92501, US

Industry: Advertising and Public Relations
Occupational Category: 13-0000.00 - Business and Financial Operations
Type of Employment: FULL_TIME

County of Riverside is hiring!

Description:

The Riverside University Health System (RUHS) - Behavioral Health Department is currently recruiting for a Behavioral Health Specialist IV position in Riverside.

The Behavioral Health Specialist IV is the advanced journey-level classification in the Behavioral Health Specialist series and reports to a supervisory or mid-level manager. Incumbents work collaboratively with behavioral health professionals in providing client treatment services by assisting clients with accessing appropriate community resources, providing education and information to the community, and offering support, encouragement, advocacy, and related services to help clients cope with immediate situations without attempting to modify or change the consumer's personality structure.

Responsibilities for this position include meeting with clients, conducting screenings, maintaining accountability of charts and documentation, meeting regularly with supervisors, and ensuring that daily clinic operations and activities are followed appropriately. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate the ability to effectively oversee clinic operations in the absence of the supervisor. This position will require driving and travel throughout Riverside County.

Candidates must hold a current certification as an Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Counselor issued by an approved certifying body, such as CCAPP or CADTP.

Schedule: 9/80, Non-Payday Fridays off

Meet the Team! Riverside University Health System - Behavioral Health is a leading provider of mental health and substance use services in Riverside County. With a dedicated team of professionals, including psychiatrists, clinicians, peer specialists, and paraprofessionals, RUHS-BH serves over 45, 000 individuals annually.

We are committed to delivering culturally competent, evidence-based care across all ages. Our programs, including Mental Health Services, Substance Use Services, and the Public Guardian's Office, address the diverse needs of our community.

At RUHS Behavioral Health, you'll join a compassionate, innovative team where your skills make a real difference. We offer opportunities for growth, collaboration, and meaningful impact.

If you're passionate about advancing your career while improving mental health in Riverside County, RUHS Behavioral Health is the place for you!

For more information, please visit www.ruhealth.org/behavioral-health• Contact diverse community groups to encourage and support the development of substance abuse education, prevention, and counseling programs.

• Consult with community-based organizations and schools on specific substance abuse-related concerns they may have.

• Assist public and private programs in the development of information and administrative tools necessary to support substance abuse preventive efforts.

• Assist public and private organizations in the development of tools necessary to identify substance abuse problems and provide substance abuse prevention and treatment services.

• Develop individual outlines and guidelines for substance abuse education, counseling and prevention programs; recommend to interested organizations the amount and type of resources necessary to establish effective substance abuse prevention and counseling programs.

• May provide some substance abuse counseling or prevention services as needed.

• Work with community organizations to create a more favorable attitude toward individuals recovering from substance abuse; work with community-based organizations to identify potential sources of funds for substance abuse efforts.

• Write grant proposals; assist in the evaluation of the County's substance abuse consultation services and strategic prevention programs, recommending modifications as necessary; may supervise individuals assigned to special projects. OPTION I Education: Completion of 30 semester or 45 quarter units from an accredited college or university, preferably with coursework in a behavioral science related field. (Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the required education on the basis of one year of full-time experience equaling 30 semester or 45-quarter units of the required education.)

Experience: Two years in a recognized substance abuse treatment program in an administrative, prevention or counseling capacity.

Certificate: Incumbents are required to be certified by the date of hire with an Alcohol and Other Drug certification in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 11833(b)(1).

OPTION IIExperience: Two years in a recognized substance abuse prevention program in an administrative or provider capacity.

Certificate: Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Counselor Certification.

ALL OPTIONSKnowledge of: Basic principles and practices involved in improving behavioral health; laws, rules and regulations governing a public substance abuse agency; substance abuse programs and services available to the community and their functions; principles and techniques of individual and group substance abuse counseling; interviewing and problem solving methods; moderate to complex principles and practices involved in improving behavioral health; laws, rules and regulations governing a Drug Medical Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS) substance abuse agency; substance abuse programs and services available to the community and their functions; principles and techniques of individual and group substance abuse counseling; interviewing and abstract problem solving methods; use the of American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) screening criteria for consumer placement into appropriate levels of care; providing appropriate services for consumers with co-occurring SUD and MH disorders; tenets of providing Trauma Informed Care; medications used in Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) services; laws and ethics involved in the provision of substance use services.

Ability to: Work effectively with a wide variety of different agencies, organizations and individuals; interview clients, recognize the relevant and significant facts, and take appropriate action pertaining to substance abuse's addictive behavior; implement a treatment plan and monitor a client's progress toward established goals; understand and evaluate psychological, cultural and social factors affecting behavioral patterns; interpret agency programs and policies to clients, the general public and agencies/organizations; apply laws, rules and regulations governing a public substance abuse agency in specific situations; communicate effectively in verbal and written form; match multidimensional severity and level of function with type and intensity of service; provide integrated services; write clear and concise policies and procedures for use in programs' Policies and Practices Manual; use technology (telephone, telehealth, zoom, MS Teams) to provide direct services to consumers; provide services in a culturally competent manner with cultural humility.

Other Requirements:
Possession of a valid California Driver's License may be required. For questions regarding this recruitment Contact the recruiter, Nicole Prado: nprado@rivco.org, (951) 955-2552 with any questions regarding this recruitment. Please allow 1-2 business days for a response to general inquiries.

Responsibilities:

Please review the job description.

Educational requirements:

  • high school

Desired Skills:

Please see the job description for required or recommended skills.

Benefits:

Please see the job description for benefits.

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