Mental Health Worker Jobs in California
Mental Health Worker jobs in California are concentrated in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where community health centers, county behavioral health departments, and large health systems like Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health, and Telecare Corporation maintain steady hiring pipelines. Demand runs from entry-level residential counselors to senior case managers and crisis intervention specialists, with the most consistent openings in community mental health, substance use treatment, and crisis stabilization. California is one of the most active markets for this role, driven by ongoing investment in county behavioral health services and Medi-Cal expansion. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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200 West Arbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92103, United States
#141975 Mental Health Worker - Inpatient NBMU
Filing Deadline: Fri 11/6/2026UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.
UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 10/28/2026 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.
Reassignment Applicants: Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.
DESCRIPTION
Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Medicine Unit (NBMU) Adult Service is an 18-bed locked inpatient unit for patients age 18 years and older with a variety of psychiatric conditions. Treatment takes place within a multidisciplinary team format with shared responsibility and includes the following: pharmacotherapy; psychotherapeutic and behavioral interventions; electroconvulsive therapy; family therapy; neuropsychological assessments; group therapy; recreational therapy; and health education.
Under the RN's supervision, the Mental Health Worker assists with direct patient care. This includes activities of daily living such as feeding, bathing, ambulating, and taking vital signs. Documents accurate information into the EMR flow sheets. Participates in milieu groups and demonstrates knowledge of therapeutic and crisis intervention skills. Ability to work with potentially aggressive patients. Performs other related tasks as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
BART or BLS at time of hire with commitment to get BART within six (6) months of hire date.
Two (2) years of relevant experience, including one (1) year of experience providing direct patient care.
Excellent communication skills with patients, staff, and other disciplines in a constructive, professional manner.
Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse population.
Must be able to function in a fast-paced environment and consistently demonstrate empathy and kindness to all staff and patients.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
CPI or equivalent certification.
Experience with inpatient psychiatric patients.
Previous experience working with geriatric and dementia patients.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
- Must be able to work various hours, days, shifts, on-call, and locations based on the 24-hour Medical Center's business needs.
- Employment is subject to a criminal background check and a pre-employment physical.
Pay Transparency Act
Annual Full Pay Range: $55,666 - $73,456 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)
Hourly Equivalent: $26.66 - $35.18
Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).
If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
If applicable, life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands-on practice and in-person skills assessment; online-only certification is not acceptable.
UC San Diego Health is the only academic health system in the San Diego region, providing leading-edge care in patient care, biomedical research, education, and community service. Our facilities include two university hospitals, a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Shiley Eye Institute, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, the only Burn Center in the county, and dozens of outpatient clinics. We invite you to join our team!
Applications/Resumes are accepted for current job openings only. For full consideration on any job, applications must be received prior to the initial closing date. If a job has an extended deadline, applications/resumes will be considered during the extension period; however, a job may be filled before the extended date is reached.
To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.
UC San Diego Health maintains a marijuana and drug free environment. Employees may be subject to drug screening.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
- Abusive Conduct in the Workplace
Job Details
See All 86 Mental Health Worker Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Mental Health Worker JobsMental Health Worker Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Mental Health Worker Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Telecare Corporation20

- Exodus Recovery6

- STARS Behavioral Health6

- Sutter Health5

- McAlister Institute4

Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in mental health worker jobs across California.
- Active registration as a Mental Health Rehabilitation Specialist or qualifying California credential
- Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related human services field
- Experience providing direct care in a community mental health or residential treatment setting
- Knowledge of California welfare and mental health codes and Medi-Cal documentation requirements
- CPR and first aid certification current and valid at time of hire
- Ability to pass a California Department of Justice background check and live scan fingerprinting
Mental Health Worker Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a mental health worker in California?
Most California mental health worker positions require at minimum a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, though many county and nonprofit employers will consider an associate degree combined with direct-care experience. California does not issue a single statewide license for this specific title, but many employers require registration as a Mental Health Rehabilitation Specialist under California Department of Health Care Services guidelines, and some roles lead toward licensure as an associate social worker or marriage and family therapist trainee through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
Which companies hire mental health workers in California?
California mental health worker roles are posted by Telecare Corporation, Exodus Recovery, and STARS Behavioral Health and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. California's large county behavioral health systems, Medi-Cal managed care plans, and nonprofit community health organizations account for a significant share of openings across the state.
Which California cities have the most mental health worker jobs?
San Leandro, Los Angeles, and Anaheim consistently post the highest volume of mental health worker openings in California. Los Angeles drives the largest share through its county Department of Mental Health and dense network of community health centers, while San Francisco and San Diego reflect strong public health infrastructure, established nonprofit sectors, and proximity to major academic medical centers that anchor hiring in those regions.
Are there remote mental health worker jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Mental health worker roles typically involve in-person care, crisis support, or residential supervision that cannot be performed remotely. About 8% of mental health worker openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, and those positions tend to be concentrated in care coordination, case management documentation, and telehealth support roles rather than direct clinical or residential care.
How can I get hired as a mental health worker in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a psychiatric technician aide, residential counselor, or peer support specialist position, which California county behavioral health departments and large nonprofit providers such as Telecare Corporation and Volunteers of America use as structured entry roles. Many California counties offer new-hire training cohorts tied to Medi-Cal workforce development funding. Completing a California Board of Behavioral Sciences-registered internship or earning a peer support certification through the California Mental Health Services Authority gives candidates a concrete credential that sets them apart from other applicants without prior clinical experience.
Where can I find and apply to mental health worker jobs in California?
You can find and apply to mental health worker jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across community health, residential, crisis, and outpatient settings. Search the listings for roles that match your credentials and experience level and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 86 Mental Health Worker Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Mental Health Worker Jobs