Job Description

Job Description and Duties

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is seeking compassionate and dedicated individuals to join their Crisis Assessment Stabilization Team (CAST). 

State-operated mobile crisis services provided by CAST is currently provided by our Northern, Central Valley and Southern State-Operated Stabilization Training Assistance Reintegration (STAR) homes.  With a dedicated team of trained professionals, CAST provides services to individuals who are at risk of moving from their family home or out of home placement.  CAST offers on-site assessments, in-home training and support to individuals continuing to experience crisis within the home, after Regional Centers have exhausted all other available crisis services in their catchment areas.  CAST operates throughout the state, providing timely services to individuals in crisis, while also working collaboratively with community partners to promote long-term mental health and well-being.

This position requires lawful authorization to work in the United States. The Department does not sponsor employment visas for this position.

Effective July 1, 2025, State employees are subject to a salary reduction of three percent in exchange for five hours per month of the Personal Leave.

DDS now offers an entrance salary rate of $8,685.00 for the Behavior Specialist II classification.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

On-going interaction with individuals with developmental disabilities and severe psychiatric and behavioral conditions at STAR residence and in community settings, such as individual’s homes, hospital, or psychiatric settings. Potential exposure to communicable diseases, blood-borne pathogens, medicinal preparations, and other conditions common to a clinical nursing environment. Participation in meetings and conferences and other conditions common to an office environment, as well as ongoing interaction with the general public. Must be able to travel to locations throughout the three STAR/CAST locations and DDS headquarters. May be reassigned to STAR residence or projects to meet operational needs. Work will include travel and possible over-night stays. 

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a Drug Screening be passed prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.

Most positions other than non-clinical will require Background Investigation, Drug Test, California Driver’s License, and Medical Evaluation.

The position(s) require(s) a -  Valid Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification,  by the National Behavior Analyst Certification Board.  If you are eligible for certification, have applied for BCBA certification and within one month of receiving certification, you may apply.  You  MUST  include the date you will receive your BCBA certification on your State application.

For BCBA Information and eligibility requirements, go to; 

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

Demonstrate competence implementing behavioral programs. 

Benefits

As a state employee working for the Department of Developmental Services, you and your family will have access to excellent medical, dental and vision insurance benefits in addition to retirement benefits.

Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base and length of appointment. Additional benefits may also be outlined for specific bargaining units in employee collective bargaining contracts. For more information, please visit the links below:

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Additional Information

Electronic application submission is highly encouraged.

Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment. This recruitment may be utilized to fill future vacancies that may occur during the life of the certification list.

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate may be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the California Department of Human Resources.

If you have not taken an exam/assessment,  you may find the exam for this classification at the link below. You must take and pass the exam/assessment to obtain eligibility for hire.

CalCareers Behavior Specialist II

CalCareers Behavior Specialist I

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Work at office, Night shift,

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