Behavioral Health Worker I

Definition and Class Characteristics

Interested in joining a fast-paced work environment filled with caring professionals dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable community members experiencing behavioral health and/or substance use disorders? The Nevada County Behavioral Health Department is currently hiring Behavioral Health Workers to support client success!

We are currently seeking Behavioral Health Workers (BHWs) for the Nevada County Behavioral Health Department HOME Team.

Please be sure to apply for all levels (BHW I, II, and III) which you may be qualified for.

Examples of Duties

Behavioral Health Workers (BHWs) are often referred to as 'Case Managers' and perform a variety of duties depending on which unit / division they are assigned to. You will have the opportunity to specify which unit / division you are interested in working with on your application, or indicate 'No preference' if you wish to be considered for opportunities in all units / divisions.

• Behavioral Health Workers in Adult Behavioral Health provide client-centered care coordination and support for adults experiencing mental health or co-occurring needs. They help clients stabilize and work toward recovery by connecting them with therapy, psychiatry, housing, benefits, and community resources. Through outreach and ongoing engagement, case managers assist clients in navigating services, monitor progress toward goals, and collaborate with clinical teams and partners to promote safety, stability, and overall well-being.
  
• At Children’s Behavioral Health , our Behavioral Health Workers provide individual, family, and group services that support children and families in building skills, achieving goals, and improving overall well-being. They connect clients and families with community resources and supports while teaching important life skills such as social skills, healthy recreation, independent living, anger management, and other skills that promote positive development and success.
  
• HOME (Homeless Outreach and Medical Engagement) Team Behavioral Health Workers provide intensive, client-centered wraparound services to individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, helping them achieve stability and improved quality of life. Through outreach in shelters, day centers, encampments, and community settings, case managers connect clients to housing navigation, medical and mental health providers as well as substance use treatment services.
  
• Substance Use Disorder (SUD Team) Behavioral Health Workers serving as Substance Use Disorder Care Coordinators provide care coordination, individual support, and group services to help clients achieve recovery goals and improve overall well-being. They connect clients with treatment, housing, benefits, and community resources while teaching skills that support relapse prevention, healthy decision-making, and sustained recovery.
  

Education and Experience Required

Equivalent to the completion of twelfth grade and experience working in a social work, behavioral health or substance abuse program dealing with individual's emotional and mental problems. Completion of college course work from an accredited college or university in psychology, social work, counseling or related field is preferred.

Our full-time staff members enjoy an extensive benefit package including but not limited to a generous leave program, 11 standard holidays and 3 floating holidays, CalPERS retirement, medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses, and a deferred compensation plan including 401(a), 457(b), and Roth options. Nevada County is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program (https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service) through the Department of Education. And because we care about work-life balance, we also offer flexible schedules and telework options to our staff depending on program needs!

Why Nevada County?

Because here, your contribution, your worth, your ideas, all have a place. We thrive on transparent and ongoing communication through employee newsletters, social media and hosted sites. We strive to be the best version of ourselves through continuous improvement. We learn and grow as a team. Great discoveries happen when people from a diverse set of backgrounds come together. Best of all, you make a difference in the lives of our community every day. Bring your whole self to our place.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Read the full job description here.

Benefits Guide

The Benefits Guide is a comprehensive document for employees of the County of Nevada. Information contained in this summary of benefits is not a binding document. Refer to specific unit summaries and agreements (MOUs) for additional benefit information.
Health Insurance
The County sponsored plan is the PERS Gold PPO, but you can also choose plans from providers such as Anthem, Blue Shield, and PORAC (if you are a member) to suit your needs.
Health Insurance Plans

• Anthem Blue Cross Select HMO
• Anthem Blue Cross Traditional HMO
• Blue Shield CalPERS Access+ HMO
• Blue Shield Trio HMO
• Kaiser HMO
• PERS Gold PPO (County sponsored plan)
• PERS Platinum PPO
• PORAC (Available to PORAC members only)

Flexible Spending Accounts
The County offers employees the option to contribute to a pre-tax medical FSA and dependent Care FSA.
Life Insurance
Voya is the County's life insurance provider. We offer the following products through Voya:

• Basic Accidental Death and Dismemberment
• Basic Term Life
• Optional Accidental Death and Dismemberment plans
• Optional Dependent Term Life
• Optional Term Life

Dental & Vision Insurance
Nevada County employees can opt to receive dental and vision insurance without opting for health insurance coverage as well. This will give employees more flexibility to match their choice of insurance plans to their specific needs. Ameritas Dental is the dental provider offered through Nevada County and Ameritas VSP Vision Care is our vision care provider.
Retirement
The County is a member of the CalPERS retirement system and also provides the opportunity for voluntary contributions to a 457 deferred compensation account through Nationwide by way of pre-tax and Roth payroll deductions.

CalPERS Miscellaneous Tiers: Tier 1 (Classic-former employee originally hired on or before 12/13/12 and are returning to Nevada County) 2.7% @ 55 Tier 2 (Hired by a CalPERS employer between 12/14/12-12/31/12 and coming to Nevada County with less than 6 months between separation from former CalPERS employer and hire date with Nevada County) 2%@60 Tier 3 (Hired by first CalPERS employer on or after 1/1/13 or having a break in service of more than six months between another CalPERS employer and Nevada County) 2%@62

CalPERS Safety tiers: Tier 1 (Classic-former employees originally hired on or before 12/13/12 and are returning to Nevada County) 3% @ 50. Tier 2 (Hired by a CalPERS employer between 7/2411-12/31/12 and coming to Nevada County with less than 6-months between separation from former CalPERS employer and hire date with Nevada County) 3% @ 55. Tier 3 (Hired by any CalPERS employer on or after 1/1/13) 2.7% @ 57. We encourage you to visit the CalPERS home page, www.calpers.ca.gov , to search related information about the retirement plans noted here so that you fully understand what your retirement formula means to you.

NEVADA COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Any information on this page or documents and links are subject to change without notice.

Nevada County Human Resources Department

950 Maidu Avenue, Nevada City, CA 95959 (530) 265-7010 option 2

Human.resources@nevadacountyca.gov

www.nevadacountyca.gov

Closing Date/Time: 7/10/2026 8:00 AM Pacific

County of Nevada

530-265-7010 Show more