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Examinations: Appraisal (Weight 100%): of training, education, experience, interest and personal fitness for the work based on any combination of the following: Investigation, oral exam and/or rating of application.
Applicants must attain at least a 70% score on each phase of the examination process.
Minimum Qualifications/ Employment Standards:
Bachelor’s degree and enrollment in a Marriage and Family Therapist, Clinical Social Work, Counseling, Sociology or Psychology graduate program at an accredited college or university leading to eligibility for registration with the State of California as an Associate Clinical Social Worker, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, or an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor.
Degree required: Within one 90 days of employment, Behavioral Health Therapist Trainee appointees must acquire a Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Sociology or Psychology. Within 180 days of hire incumbents must obtain and maintain a current and valid associate registration with the State of California. Failure to maintain a current and valid registration may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
Dependent upon assignment, applicants maybe required to pass an extensive background investigation and be fingerprinted. Disqualification for felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
A valid California Class “C” Driver’s License is required at the time of appointment.
Applicants must attach a copy of their degree and/or transcripts verifying the conferral of a Bachelor's degree and enrollment in a Marriage and Family Therapist, Clinical Social Work, Counseling, Sociology or Psychology graduate program at an accredited college or university, or the application will be rejected.
This position works within the Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Department. For more information about the department, please view their website here.
About Kern County
Kern County employees provide opportunities that are purposeful to our community. Every employee and every action contributes to the improvement and strengthening of our county.
To learn more about Kern County, click here or follow us:
High Performance Culture
Kern County is actively engaged in creating a culture that promotes excellence, innovation and continuous improvement. LaunchKern is Kern County's continuous improvement initiative based on the principles of Lean Six Sigma. LaunchKern empowers our valued employees to change the way government works by improving their work environment, saving taxpayer dollars and enhancing services to residents.
Growth Mindset
We always encourage our employees to grow and develop. Kern County has a culture of innovation that allows employees to explore creative and more efficient ways to accomplish their work. We provide access to training and continued professional development in an effort to ensure that our employees have opportunities for career growth.
Additional Information
Admittance to the examination will require a valid government issued photograph identification. Applicants who are unable to present proper identification must make arrangements with the Human Resources Division prior to the test date.
A background check may be conducted for this classification.
A background investigation is required of candidates who wish to be considered for correctional medicine assignments. Felony convictions are disqualifying, and some misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying.
Following an offer of employment, you may be required to submit to post offer medical and drug screening tests at County expense.
Note: Incumbents may be required to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends
Bilingual (English/Spanish) applicants are encouraged to apply. Applicants must submit a bilingual (English/Spanish) certificate before the final filing deadline. Applicants who wish to be considered for bilingual employment must submit a bilingual certificate issued by the Kern County Human Resources Division or its authorized agent, Bakersfield College. Access the following website for information about where to obtain a qualifying certificate: https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/academics/career-education/bilingual-testing.html. Employees who occupy positions designated as bilingual are paid dependent upon the required level of proficiency.
This examination will establish an eligible list from which immediate appointment(s) will be made. Other permanent and temporary appointments will be made as needed. Successful candidates will remain on the eligible list for a period of twelve-months, unless specified otherwise by the Civil Service Commission. Candidates are encouraged to indicate acceptable geographical locations in which they would accept employment on their application form. Candidates MUST be willing to travel to these locations (areas/district offices).
For more information regarding Kern County's recruitment process, please see our FAQ page.
Kern County is an ADA compliant and an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Amended: 2/25/22, 3/22/23, 7/17/23
- As a regular or provisional employee of Kern County, working twenty (20) hours or more per week, you are presently eligible for the following benefits as described below:
Health Insurance: (Medical/Dental/Vision): Kern County offers five affordable medical options. Kern Legacy Health Plans are medical and prescription health plan options administered directly by the County of Kern. Kaiser Permanente is also an option. Employees may also choose from two dental plans; Liberty Dental PPO or HMO. The vision coverage is provided through Vision Service Plan (VSP).
Retirement Program: Kern County Employees' Retirement Association (KCERA). This Section 401 (a) defined benefit retirement plan requires employer and employee contribution and pays retired employees a pension based on salary, years of service, and age upon retirement.
Deferred Compensation: This section 457 plan allows employees to contribute on a pre-tax basis to a supplemental retirement account which is then paid out to them when they retire.
Social Security Administration:
Note: Both Kern County and the employee contribute to Social Security and Medicare as follows:
- The County of Kern withholds 6.2% for Social Security (FICA1) and 1.45% for Medicare (FICA2) from employee's payroll warrants
- The County matches the employee's 6.2% for Social Security and 1.45% for Medicare
Voluntary Benefits: Chimienti & Associates (Administrator) offers the following voluntary benefits and can be deducted on a pre-tax bases: Short Term Disability Coverage, Accident Plan, Cancer Plan and a Flexible Spending Account.
Paid Holiday Leave: 12 set days (per calendar year)
