Mental Health Counselor I - Bilingual (English/Spanish) Preferred at Santa Cruz County Office Of Education
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Application Deadline
8/24/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Date Posted
8/10/2026
Contact
Ana De Leon-Romero
Number of Openings
1
Salary
Pay Range
$37.68 - $47.69 Per Hour
Add l Salary Info
Based on the 2026-2027 Classified Salary Schedule (salary range placement depends on relevant education/experience).
Length of Work Year
40 hours per week/ 10 months per year/ 1 FTE
Employment Type
Full Time
About the Employer
The Santa Cruz County Office of Education is committed to ensuring all students have the educational opportunities they need to thrive. We offer a wide range of services and programs geared at supporting our 10 public school districts and expanding educational opportunities and outcomes for over 37,000 students who call Santa Cruz County home. We envision an impactful educational community where everyone feels they belong and have the resources, relationships, and skills to thrive. Our mission is to create an equitable educational system that fosters growth, opportunities, and well-being for all. We work alongside partners in Santa Cruz County's educational community to build BRIDGES - Belonging, Relationships, Innovation, Data-informed decision-making, Growth mindsets, Excellence, and Sustainability - to equity in education. The Santa Cruz County Office of Education is an equal opportunity employer.
Job Summary
Job Summary
This position will be assigned to the Career and Adult Learning Services (CALS) department and will support the Career Advancement Charter (CAC) programs: Under general direction, provides prevention and early intervention services that support the behavioral health and well-being of children and youth. Behavioral health and related services may include wellness promotion and education, screening, care coordination, individual and group support, and crisis referral. This position operates as part of a care team and under the direction of a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credentialed or licensed professional. Exercise no supervision over County Office staff. Travel across the county to different sites will be a requirement of this position.
View Job Description
Requirements / Qualifications
Please read the complete job description. Education: Completion of a Bachelor s degree or equivalent in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related field from an accredited college or university. Experience: Two years of experience in a government agency, community-based organization, educational or healthcare setting is desirable. License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license and appropriate vehicle operation insurance.
Application Procedures: Applicants must submit a completed application and are encouraged to attach a résumé to the application material. Qualified applicants will be invited to a written examination (50%). Those passing the written examination will be invited to an oral examination covering the knowledge and skills required (50%). An eligibility list will be established and the top three ranks of candidates will be interviewed for final consideration and appointment. The eligibility list established will remain in effect for a period of six (6) months unless it no longer exists due to an insufficient number of available candidates. If an applicant needs reasonable accommodation, we must be informed prior to the administration of the test. Applicants will be invited to a bilingual proficiency exam and must pass the Oral section to receive the 2.5% Bilingual Stipend. If selected, fingerprinting is required. You will need to supply our office with a negative tuberculosis test clearance. The certificate is good for a four-year period. You can have the test done through the Santa Cruz Health Department, Doctors on Duty Clinic or by calling a physician or a clinic of your choice.
Requirements / Qualifications
Please read the complete job description. Education: Completion of a Bachelor s degree or equivalent in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related field from an accredited college or university. Experience: Two years of experience in a government agency, community-based organization, educational or healthcare setting is desirable. License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license and appropriate vehicle operation insurance.
Application Procedures: Applicants must submit a completed application and are encouraged to attach a résumé to the application material. Qualified applicants will be invited to a written examination (50%). Those passing the written examination will be invited to an oral examination covering the knowledge and skills required (50%). An eligibility list will be established and the top three ranks of candidates will be interviewed for final consideration and appointment. The eligibility list established will remain in effect for a period of six (6) months unless it no longer exists due to an insufficient number of available candidates. If an applicant needs reasonable accommodation, we must be informed prior to the administration of the test. Applicants will be invited to a bilingual proficiency exam and must pass the Oral section to receive the 2.5% Bilingual Stipend. If selected, fingerprinting is required. You will need to supply our office with a negative tuberculosis test clearance. The certificate is good for a four-year period. You can have the test done through the Santa Cruz Health Department, Doctors on Duty Clinic or by calling a physician or a clinic of your choice.
Comments and Other Information
Benefits: Employees assigned to this schedule are entitled to receive vision, dental and medical coverage for the employee and their dependents. Employees have a choice between various medical plans. Each plan may have an employee premium contribution amount for which the employee can utilize a tax sheltered Section 125 Plan. The COE contribution is prorated based on FTE. Retirement benefits are accrued through the Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS). CalPERS members are required to pay their portion of the retirement plan. The employee also receives long-term disability insurance and life insurance. For more information please review the Classified Summary of the Benefits Administration Page on the Santa Cruz County Office of Education website or read it on the link to the right under Links Related to this Job. The Santa Cruz County Office of Education provides an Associate Degree stipend of $375, a Bachelor's Degree stipend of $750, a Master s Degree stipend of $1,500, a Doctorate Degree (no Master s) of $1,500 or a Doctorate Degree (with Master s) of an additional $400 per year for eligible employees. Degree stipend is prorated based upon full time equivalent.
Comments and Other Information
Benefits: Employees assigned to this schedule are entitled to receive vision, dental and medical coverage for the employee and their dependents. Employees have a choice between various medical plans. Each plan may have an employee premium contribution amount for which the employee can utilize a tax sheltered Section 125 Plan. The COE contribution is prorated based on FTE. Retirement benefits are accrued through the Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS). CalPERS members are required to pay their portion of the retirement plan. The employee also receives long-term disability insurance and life insurance. For more information please review the Classified Summary of the Benefits Administration Page on the Santa Cruz County Office of Education website or read it on the link to the right under Links Related to this Job. The Santa Cruz County Office of Education provides an Associate Degree stipend of $375, a Bachelor's Degree stipend of $750, a Master s Degree stipend of $1,500, a Doctorate Degree (no Master s) of $1,500 or a Doctorate Degree (with Master s) of an additional $400 per year for eligible employees. Degree stipend is prorated based upon full time equivalent.
Links Related To This Job
CalPERS Links
Not all postings qualify for CalPERS. Informational Only.
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| Location | Santa Cruz, CA |
| Salary | $37.68–$47.69 Per Hour |