Behavioral Health Specialist - Job Opportunity at Humboldt Counseling Connection

Eureka, United States
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: May 24, 2025
Hybrid
USD 75,000 - 90,000 per year

Benefits

Flexible scheduling arrangements allowing for optimized work-life balance and accommodation of diverse client needs across different time zones and availability windows
Comprehensive professional development assistance providing ongoing educational opportunities, conference attendance, and skill enhancement programs to maintain competitive expertise in evolving mental health practices
Employee referral program offering financial incentives for successful candidate recommendations while building a stronger professional network and contributing to organizational growth

Key Responsibilities

Lead comprehensive diagnostic evaluations utilizing evidence-based assessment tools to establish accurate clinical profiles and develop strategically targeted treatment interventions that directly impact client recovery outcomes
Deliver specialized child and family counseling services that strengthen family systems, improve communication dynamics, and create sustainable behavioral changes affecting multiple generations within the household
Implement innovative school and community-based care delivery models that extend therapeutic impact beyond traditional clinical settings, maximizing treatment accessibility and real-world application of therapeutic gains
Conduct systematic patient assessments and treatment plan modifications that ensure evidence-based care progression, optimize resource allocation, and demonstrate measurable therapeutic outcomes for quality assurance and regulatory compliance
Design and execute creative therapeutic modalities including art and play therapy interventions that engage resistant or difficult-to-reach populations, expanding treatment accessibility and improving engagement rates across diverse client demographics
Collaborate strategically with multidisciplinary teams including social workers, special education professionals, and community partners to coordinate comprehensive care networks that address complex client needs through integrated service delivery
Maintain detailed clinical documentation and progress tracking systems that ensure regulatory compliance, support evidence-based practice decisions, and contribute to organizational quality improvement initiatives and outcome measurement programs

Requirements

Education

Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field

Experience

Experience in behavioral health settings preferred

Required Skills

child family counseling patient care diagnostic evaluation techniques patient assessment methodologies home community care practices strong communication skills both verbal and written ability to build rapport with clients of all ages knowledge of special education processes experience working with children with special needs

Certifications

Valid licensure or certification as required by state regulations for clinical practice Associates or Full License with the BBS
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The behavioral health sector is experiencing unprecedented demand driven by increased mental health awareness, post-pandemic psychological impacts, and reduced stigma around seeking mental health services. This trend is particularly pronounced in rural and underserved areas like Humboldt County, where access to specialized mental health services has historically been limited. The integration of telehealth and hybrid service delivery models has become standard practice, allowing clinicians to reach clients in remote locations while maintaining the personal connection essential for therapeutic relationships. There is a significant industry shift toward community-based and home-centered care delivery models, moving away from traditional institutional settings. This approach has proven more effective for children and families, as it allows for real-world application of therapeutic techniques and reduces barriers to treatment access. The emphasis on creative therapeutic modalities like art and play therapy reflects the industry's recognition that traditional talk therapy approaches may not be effective for all populations, particularly children and trauma survivors. The behavioral health field is increasingly emphasizing multidisciplinary collaboration and integrated care models. This approach recognizes that mental health issues often intersect with educational, social, and community factors, requiring coordinated responses from multiple professional disciplines. The growing focus on special education integration reflects the understanding that many children receiving behavioral health services also have educational support needs that must be addressed simultaneously for optimal outcomes.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of $75,000-$90,000 annually is competitive for this market and role level. In rural California markets like Humboldt County, this represents strong compensation that accounts for the lower cost of living compared to major metropolitan areas while still attracting qualified professionals. The salary range is appropriate for a mid-level clinician position requiring specialized skills in child and family therapy, and the hybrid work arrangement adds additional value equivalent to approximately $5,000-$8,000 in compensation benefits.

Role Significance

Based on the collaborative nature described and typical community mental health organization structures, this role likely involves working within a multidisciplinary team of 8-12 professionals including other clinicians, social workers, case managers, and administrative support staff. The clinician may also interface with external partners in schools and community organizations, expanding their professional network to 20-30 regular collaborative relationships.
This position represents a mid-level clinical role with significant independent practice responsibilities and specialized expertise requirements. The clinician will have substantial autonomy in diagnostic decision-making and treatment planning while working within a collaborative team structure. The role carries meaningful clinical responsibility for client outcomes and requires advanced clinical judgment, placing it above entry-level positions but below senior supervisory or administrative roles.

Key Projects

Development and implementation of community-based therapeutic programs that extend mental health services into schools, homes, and community centers, requiring program design, stakeholder coordination, and outcome measurement capabilities Creation of specialized treatment protocols for children with dual mental health and special education needs, involving collaboration with educational professionals and development of individualized intervention strategies that address both therapeutic and academic goals Design and facilitation of family therapy intensives and group interventions that address systemic family dynamics, requiring advanced group facilitation skills and family systems expertise Participation in quality improvement initiatives focused on measuring and improving client outcomes, involving data collection, analysis, and evidence-based practice implementation

Success Factors

Advanced clinical assessment and diagnostic skills are essential for accurately identifying client needs and developing effective treatment plans. Success requires the ability to conduct comprehensive evaluations that consider psychological, social, educational, and family system factors, particularly when working with complex cases involving children and families with multiple presenting concerns. Strong relationship-building and communication abilities are critical for establishing therapeutic rapport with diverse client populations, including children, adolescents, families, and community partners. Success depends on the ability to adapt communication styles to different developmental levels and cultural backgrounds while maintaining professional boundaries and therapeutic effectiveness. Flexibility and adaptability are crucial for success in community-based and hybrid service delivery models. Clinicians must be comfortable providing services in non-traditional settings, adapting therapeutic approaches to different environments, and managing the logistical challenges of community-based care while maintaining clinical effectiveness and professional standards. Collaborative skills and interdisciplinary teamwork capabilities are essential for working effectively with diverse professional teams including social workers, educators, medical professionals, and community partners. Success requires the ability to communicate clinical insights in accessible language, coordinate care across multiple systems, and advocate effectively for client needs within complex service delivery networks.

Market Demand

Demand for behavioral health specialists is exceptionally high, particularly in rural and underserved areas like Humboldt County. The shortage of qualified mental health professionals in these regions creates significant opportunities for career advancement and job security. The specific combination of skills required for this position - including child/family therapy, community-based care, and creative therapeutic modalities - is in particularly high demand as healthcare systems recognize the need for more accessible and engaging treatment approaches.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Diagnostic evaluation and assessment skills are absolutely essential as they form the foundation for all subsequent treatment decisions and directly impact client outcomes. In community-based settings, these skills must be adaptable to various environments and circumstances while maintaining clinical accuracy and thoroughness. Child and family therapy expertise is critical given the specific focus of this role and the unique challenges of working with family systems. Success requires understanding of child development, family dynamics, and age-appropriate therapeutic interventions that can be implemented across different settings and circumstances. Communication and rapport-building abilities are essential for establishing therapeutic relationships with diverse client populations and collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams. These skills directly impact treatment engagement, outcomes, and professional effectiveness in community-based care models.

Beneficial Skills

Art and play therapy training provides significant advantages in engaging difficult-to-reach populations and offers innovative treatment approaches that can differentiate the clinician's practice and expand their professional opportunities Special education knowledge creates valuable opportunities for specialized practice and collaboration with educational systems, an increasingly important area of integrated service delivery Technology proficiency for telehealth and hybrid service delivery is becoming increasingly valuable as the industry continues to embrace flexible service delivery models Bilingual capabilities would be particularly valuable in serving diverse rural communities and expanding access to culturally competent mental health services

Unique Aspects

The combination of traditional clinical services with creative therapeutic modalities like art and play therapy creates unique professional development opportunities and positions the clinician at the forefront of innovative mental health treatment approaches
The hybrid work model allowing for both remote and community-based service delivery provides exceptional flexibility while maintaining the personal connection essential for effective therapeutic relationships
The integration of mental health services with educational systems and special education creates opportunities to develop specialized expertise in an increasingly important area of clinical practice
The rural setting provides opportunities to work with diverse populations and develop broad clinical skills while making meaningful impact in an underserved community

Career Growth

Career advancement typically occurs within 3-5 years for motivated professionals who demonstrate clinical excellence and leadership potential. The specialized skills developed in this role, particularly in community-based care and creative therapeutic modalities, provide strong foundations for advancement into supervisory or specialized practice roles.

Potential Next Roles

Clinical Supervisor or Program Manager positions overseeing teams of behavioral health specialists and managing program development and implementation Specialized Clinical Director roles focusing on children and family services, requiring advanced expertise in child psychology, family systems therapy, and program administration Private practice opportunities specializing in child and family therapy, art therapy, or play therapy, leveraging the specialized skills developed in this role Consultation roles with educational systems, healthcare organizations, or community agencies, providing expertise in integrating mental health services with other support systems

Company Overview

Humboldt Counseling Connection

Humboldt Counseling Connection appears to be a community-based mental health organization serving the rural Humboldt County region of Northern California. The organization demonstrates a commitment to innovative service delivery through their emphasis on community-based care, creative therapeutic modalities, and flexible work arrangements. Their focus on comprehensive family services and collaboration with educational systems suggests a well-established organization with strong community partnerships and a reputation for quality care.

As a specialized mental health provider in a rural market, Humboldt Counseling Connection likely holds a significant market position within their geographic region. Their emphasis on innovative approaches like art therapy, play therapy, and community-based care suggests they are positioned as a progressive organization that goes beyond traditional mental health service delivery models. The competitive salary range and comprehensive benefits package indicate strong organizational stability and commitment to attracting quality professionals.
The organization serves the Eureka, California region, which presents both opportunities and challenges typical of rural mental health providers. The area likely has significant unmet mental health needs, providing job security and meaningful impact opportunities. However, the rural setting may require clinicians to wear multiple hats and work with diverse populations, making this an excellent opportunity for professional growth and skill development.
The emphasis on flexible scheduling, professional development support, and hybrid work arrangements suggests a progressive organizational culture that prioritizes work-life balance and employee growth. The focus on collaborative care and community partnerships indicates a team-oriented environment where professional development and innovation are valued. The referral program suggests a positive workplace culture where employees are willing to recommend the organization to colleagues.
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