Behavioral Health Nurse I/II

Behavioral Health Nurse I/II

Salary

$40.57 - $52.06 Hourly

Location

Eureka, CA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

25-00285

Department

Department of Health and Human Services

Division

424 - Mental Health

Opening Date

07/07/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

DEFINITION

Behavioral Health Nurse I/II

Department of Health & Human Services

Are you interested in making a difference? If so, please consider joining our dedicated team at the Department of Health & Human Services!

Job Highlights:

• Assesses patients upon admission to unit and makes presentation of physical and behavioral condition findings to attending physicians.
• Provides professional nursing care to patients; observes and charts vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration.
• Provides equipment and supplies required for patient examination or treatment; observes and records patient reactions and behaviors and explains procedures.
• Administers oral and hypodermic medications and observes and records their effects; obtains and records all orders from physician to facilitate patient treatment.
• Participates in the preparation of the nursing component of patient treatment plans, including physical assessments on new patients, as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team; oversees and participates in evaluation and therapeutic activities.
• Performs crisis intervention, in person and on the phone, management of assaultive behavior, and general counseling; coordinates or arranges for the provision of needed services, including emergency detention when patient is in danger to self or others.

Work Location:

This position is located at 720 Wood Street in Eureka, CA.

Work Hours:

Varies, 12 hours shifts, Day or Nights

DEFINITION

Under general supervision (I) or direction (II), performs and provides professional nursing and behavioral health care for clients of the County's in-patient behavioral health facility, correctional facilities, and out-patient behavioral health programs; collaborates with other medical staff and interdisciplinary health treatment teams to evaluate and prepare treatment plans; may provide direction and oversight of nursing activities as assigned; at the II level, may be assigned as a nurse preceptor and/or nurse educator to promote professional development and growth along the continuum from nursing novice to expert; when assigned to Quality Improvement, evaluates current policies and procedures and makes recommendations for improvement and necessary changes; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision (Behavioral Health Nurse I) or direction (Behavioral Health Nurse II) from a Supervising Behavioral Health Nurse or other assigned supervisory or management personnel. Provides training and may exercise technical and functional direction over lower-level staff. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Behavioral Health Nurse I: This is the entry-level classification in the Behavioral Health Nurse series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine behavioral health nursing duties. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties of the positions at the II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Behavioral Health Nurse II: This is the journey-level classification in the Behavioral Health Nurse series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions at the II level may be assigned as a nurse preceptor and/or nurse educator.

This class is distinguished from the Supervising Behavioral Health Nurse in that the latter is the full supervisory classification with responsibilities for the supervision and evaluation of assigned staff.

Positions in the Behavioral Health Nurse class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the II level are typically filled by advancement from the I level after gaining the knowledge, skill, and experience which meet the qualifications for, and after demonstrating the ability to perform the work of, the higher-level classification.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignment of different positions.

• Assesses patients upon admission to unit and makes presentation of physical and behavioral condition findings to attending physicians.
• Provides professional nursing care to patients; observes and charts vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration.
• Provides equipment and supplies required for patient examination or treatment; observes and records patient reactions and behaviors and explains procedures.
• Administers oral and hypodermic medications and observes and records their effects; obtains and records all orders from physician to facilitate patient treatment.
• Participates in the preparation of the nursing component of patient treatment plans, including physical assessments on new patients, as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team; oversees and participates in evaluation and therapeutic activities.
• Performs crisis intervention, in person and on the phone, management of assaultive behavior, and general counseling; coordinates or arranges for the provision of needed services, including emergency detention when patient is in danger to self or others.
• Provides supportive services, including individual, group, or family counseling, and various group activities such as exercise and art.
• Confers with medical, behavioral health, and inter-agency staff regarding client needs and ways of improving staffs ability to positively impact clients; serves as case coordinator for assigned patients or clients, as needed.
• Participates in case conferences and provides input regarding behavioral health cases and problems.
• Provides medication refills per physician's orders and policies and procedures; provides needed information to pharmacies and insurance companies.
• Coordinates care with primary providers, pharmacies, laboratories, schools, medical facilities and personnel, probation, Child Welfare Services, and other government agencies.
• Accepts report of previous shift and updates new admissions and medications; makes appropriate nursing notes on patients charts and writes medication orders; ensures that patient charts contain accurate and complete documentation; performs and documents end-of-shift narcotics count.
• May coordinate and implement the Infection Control Program. Participates on the Infection Control Committee; conducts in-service training for staff; evaluates new products; reviews methods and practices for program compliance; maintains and reviews relevant records; prepares required reports.
• May organize, assign, and review the work of staff on scheduled shift, as assigned.
• At the Behavioral Health Nurse II level, may be assigned as a nurse preceptor and/or nurse educator; assesses learning needs and develops and implements learning plans; assists nursing staff in developing and maintaining their competencies, advancing their professional nursing practice, and facilitating their achievement of academic and career goals.
• Maintains prescribed standards of behavioral health treatment and ensures services are rendered in conformance with policy and procedural guidelines.

When Assigned to Quality Improvement

• Audits treatment plans and medical charts to ensure all documentation meets clinical standards and policies; reviews and processes Treatment Authorization Requests to ensure that all documentation meets medical necessity for authorization of payment for treatment.
• Performs site certifications and recertifications by auditing policies, procedures, physical location, required patient postings and brochures; follows up with any necessary corrections.
• Coordinates the Utilization Review program; reviews admission and continued patient stays for medical necessity and appropriateness as outlined by Short Doyle/Medi-Cal procedures; organizes and participates on the Utilization Review Committee. ? Monitors reviews and sends updates for concurrent reviews for out of County patients using Registered Nurse clinical judgement and expertise; maintains communications with out of county hospitals and explains standards and procedures.
• Audits Sempervirens Master Treatment Plans for accuracy and documentation standards.
• Receives, processes, and tracks consumer concerns, including assigning to appropriate manager; tracks for timeliness per policy, while explaining procedures to consumers.
• Performs monthly chart reviews for both child/adult outpatient programs and organizational providers ensuring chart meets documentation standards, both clinically and per policy, and initiates corrective action as necessary.
• Reviews clinical documents and compiles pertinent information into a report for Morbidity and Mortality (M&M) Reviews, tracks data, and processes reports.
• Processes Treatment Authorization Requests received from out of County hospitals; reviews clinical documentation to ensure it meets medical necessity to authorize payment; confers with the Medical Director as needed for review.
• Attends outpatient and inpatient Continuous Quality Improvement meetings to communicate and discuss issues with other administrative staff from other behavioral health programs.
• Reviews and assigns Continuing Education Units to training courses offered through the County for Registered Nurses.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS

QUALIFICATIONS

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge and ability required.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of general behavioral health nursing care, as defined by the State of California licensing requirements.
• Principles of providing functional direction and training.
• Techniques for working with individuals, and their families, struggling with behavioral health issues.
• Medical and behavioral health terminology and first aid methods and procedures.
• Psychotropic medications, including narcotics and their effects on patients.
• Standard medical recordkeeping, including patient charting and the processing and maintenance of required documentation.
• Principles, practices, and methods of community behavioral health treatment, including interviewing, assessment, and family and group counseling.
• Requirements for utilization review and infection control.
• Trauma Informed Care model of care and ability to communicate the model to others.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Medical documentation standards.
• Principles and practices of utilization review.
• Principles and practices of Continuous Quality Improvement.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively interacting with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Conduct behavioral health assessments and evaluations and report physical and behavioral condition findings to medical staff.
• Assign, direct, review and evaluate the work of assigned staff and train on work procedures.
• Assess behavioral and/or emotional health status and develop effective patient treatment plans.
• Perform crisis intervention, manage assaultive behavior, respond promptly to patient emergency situations, and take effective action to control potentially violent incidents.
• Perform utilization review and infection control functions for compliance with standards.
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of behavioral health disorders in children, adults, and families.
• Use clinical judgment to determine if an action needs to be taken.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, patient documents and written correspondence.
• Understand client rights as they relate to treatment options.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, and procedural, guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to a level of education and course of study, as determined by the State of California Board of Registered Nursing, which would qualify as an accredited program for incumbents to obtain licensure as a Registered Nurse. Typical ways of qualifying would be completion of an associate degree from an accredited educational institution with major coursework in nursing, psychology, or a related field.

and

Behavioral Health Nurse I: No prior experience in behavioral health nursing is required.

Behavioral Health Nurse II: Two (2) years of experience at a level equivalent to the County's class of Behavioral Health Nurse I.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Must possess a valid US driver's license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver's license following hire date per California DMV regulations.
• Possession of a valid Registered Nursing license issued by the State of California Board of Registered Nursing.
• Possession of a valid CPR/AED certification

WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Mobility to work in a standard office setting, or clinical setting, and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and medical equipment; standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required, and travel to visit outpatient and rural clinics may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 45 pounds or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff..

Vision to assess emergency situations, including medical incidents and to read printed materials and a computer screen.

Hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone

Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office and medical equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in an office, out-patient, clinic, jail, juvenile facility, or locked behavioral health facility environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.

Employees may work outdoors and are occasionally exposed to loud noise levels and cold and/or hot temperatures.

Employees interact with clients with behavioral disorders/erratic and assaultive behavior, including those which require emergency crisis intervention.

Incumbents may be exposed to blood and body fluids in performing their assigned duties.

Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Some departments may require pre-employment screening measures before an offer of employment can be made (i.e., background screening, physical examination, etc.).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County's automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca.

Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer.

It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.

Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to fill out the application?

• You should allow 30 - 45 minutes to fill out your application.

Can I change my application after submitting it?

• No. Once an application has been submitted, it is final. Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered.

How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?

• You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your governmentjobs.com account at the time of notification. To ensure you dont miss any critical information, we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process. You can also log into your governmentjobs.com account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your applications progress, please contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at 707-476-2349 or personnel@co.humboldt.ca.us.

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?

• Yes, you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways - oftentimes, outside of formal institutions - and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant's qualifications for a position.

If you're excited about this role but your past work experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver's license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County's intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.

Please Note: Extra Help positions are non-benefitted but may be eligible to purchase health insurance upon meeting the hours worked requirement under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

RETIREMENT

The County of Humboldt participates in the CalPERS, with both the County and the employee making contributions toward the employee's retirement.

CalPERS Retirement Program:

• Tier I - Prior to 7/5/2012: 2.7% @ 55
• Tier II - Post 7/6/2012: 2% @ 55
• Tier III - Post 1/1/2013: 2% @ 62

Please note that these are the tiers available at the County of Humboldt. Tier determination is made by CalPERS. Please reach out to Personnel if you have questions regarding tier placement.

COMPREHESIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE

Our generous benefits package includes:

• Health Insurance

• Medical: Multiple plan options available through CalPERS

• County covers majority of employee premium and contributes to dependent coverage

• Additional Insurance Coverage

• Dental: Full premium coverage for employees and all dependents

• Vision: Full premium coverage for employees and eligible dependents

• County-Provided Benefits

• Life Insurance

• Longevity Pay

• Educational Reimbursement

• Deferred Compensation

• Employee Assistance Program

• Bus Pass Program

Optional Benefits

Employees may elect to purchase additional coverage including:

• Supplemental Life Insurance with guaranteed issuance period at time of hire
• Flexible Spending Accounts

VACATION

1 - 3 completed years of service = 12 days (192-hour cap)

4 - 10 completed years of service = 15 days (240-hour cap)

11 - 15 completed years of service = 20 days (320-hour cap)

16 - 20 completed years of service = 25 days (400-hour cap)

21+ completed years of service = 30 days (480-hour cap)

HOLIDAYS

Employees earn 15 paid holidays per year (specific dates as defined in their specific Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)), including 2 personal holidays.

SICK LEAVE

Employees earn 12 sick days per year with an unlimited cap on sick day accumulation.

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS

The County is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employer.

INCENTIVE PAY

County employees may be eligible for additional incentive pay, such as on-call pay, shift differential pay, locked facility pay, or annual uniform allowance, as defined in their specific MOU.

Please visit the County of Humboldt Human Resources website at Human Resources | Humboldt County, CA - Official Website for more information on benefits, labor agreements, and job opportunities.

01

This position requires driving on behalf of the County of Humboldt. Do you possess, or can you obtain, a valid California drivers license, prior to your date of hire per California Department of Motor Vehicle regulations?

• Yes
• No

02

This position requires a California Registered Nurse (RN) license. Do you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

03

If you answered yes to question #2, please provide your license number.

04

This position requires a valid CPR/AED certification. Do you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

05

Please indicate your years of experience in behavioral health nursing.

• None
• 6 months - 1 year
• 1 - 2 years
• More than 2 years

06

Any other coursework, training or experience you would like to add that directly relates to this position.

Required Question

Employer County of Humboldt

Address 825 5th Street, Room 100

Eureka, California, 95501

Phone 707-476-2349