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.
Find Mental Health Worker JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 60+ Mental Health Worker jobs
“They made it easier for me to live, breathe, eat, and stay clean. Without them, I’d be waiting somewhere, waiting for someone to give me a chance to live...” - Client from Telecare
What You Will Do to Change Lives
Under supervision of a licensed clinician, the Social Work Clinician II provides clinical and casework services to members served and natural supports. This involves person centered recovery planning and collaborating with other services and agencies.
Shifts Available:
Short-Hour | NOC | Shifts: 11:00 PM - 7:30 AM | Days: Friday and Saturday
Expected starting wage range is $34.50 - $38.70. Telecare applies geographic differentials to its pay ranges. The pay range assigned to this role will be based on the geographic location from which the role is performed. Starting pay is commensurate with relevant experience above the minimum requirements.
What You Bring to the Table (Must Have)
- Registered as an Associate of Social Work with Board of Behavioral Science; must be valid and in good standing with the board.
- A Master’s Degree in Social Work
- One (1) year of direct service experience with individuals with severe mental illness in an inpatient or outpatient setting is required
What’s In It for You*
- Paid Time Off: Eligible employees (20+ hours/week) earn PTO each pay period for vacation and personal needs, with pro-rated accrual for part-time schedules and annual carryover up to set caps.
- Nine Paid Holidays & Shift differentials for hourly staff (6% for PM Shift, 10% for NOC Shift). Weekend Shift differentials for hourly staff (5% for Weekend AM Shift, 11% for Weekend PM Shift, 15% for Weekend NOC Shift)
- Free CEUs, free Supervision for BBS Associate License, coaching, and mentorship
- Online University Tuition Discount and Company Scholarships
- Medical, Vision, Dental Insurance, 401K, Employee Stock Ownership Plan
- For more information visit: https://www.telecarecorp.com/benefits (https://www.telecarecorp.com/benefits)
Join Our Compassionate Team
Telecare's mission is to deliver excellent and effective behavioral health services that engage individuals in recovering their health, hopes, and dreams. Telecare continues to advance cultural diversity, humility, equity, and inclusion at all levels of our organization by hiring mental health peers, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, veterans, and all belief systems.
As part of the Telecare family, the Telecare Western Riverside Mental Health Urgent Care will offer 24/7 voluntary treatment to adults ages 18 and above who are suffering a mental health crisis but wish to avoid a locked setting. The program will use a welcoming, home-like environment to help assess the nature of the crisis, soothe and comfort the individual, and connect them with resources to avoid future crisis. Services are recovery-oriented, and will utilize a multi-disciplinary team approach with a high level of peer-to-peer services.
EOE AA M/F/V/Disability
- May vary by location and position type
Full Job Description will be provided if selected for an interview.
Master's in social work, MSW, ASW, Associate Clinical Social Worker, ACSW
If job posting references any sign-on bonus internal applicants and applicants employed with Telecare in the previous 12 months would not be eligible.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
“They made it easier for me to live, breathe, eat, and stay clean. Without them, I’d be waiting somewhere, waiting for someone to give me a chance to live...” - Client from Telecare
What You Will Do to Change Lives
Under supervision of a licensed clinician, the Social Work Clinician II provides clinical and casework services to members served and natural supports. This involves person centered recovery planning and collaborating with other services and agencies.
Shifts Available:
Short-Hour | NOC | Shifts: 11:00 PM - 7:30 AM | Days: Friday and Saturday
Expected starting wage range is $34.50 - $38.70. Telecare applies geographic differentials to its pay ranges. The pay range assigned to this role will be based on the geographic location from which the role is performed. Starting pay is commensurate with relevant experience above the minimum requirements.
What You Bring to the Table (Must Have)
- Registered as an Associate of Social Work with Board of Behavioral Science; must be valid and in good standing with the board.
- A Master’s Degree in Social Work
- One (1) year of direct service experience with individuals with severe mental illness in an inpatient or outpatient setting is required
What’s In It for You*
- Paid Time Off: Eligible employees (20+ hours/week) earn PTO each pay period for vacation and personal needs, with pro-rated accrual for part-time schedules and annual carryover up to set caps.
- Nine Paid Holidays & Shift differentials for hourly staff (6% for PM Shift, 10% for NOC Shift). Weekend Shift differentials for hourly staff (5% for Weekend AM Shift, 11% for Weekend PM Shift, 15% for Weekend NOC Shift)
- Free CEUs, free Supervision for BBS Associate License, coaching, and mentorship
- Online University Tuition Discount and Company Scholarships
- Medical, Vision, Dental Insurance, 401K, Employee Stock Ownership Plan
- For more information visit: https://www.telecarecorp.com/benefits (https://www.telecarecorp.com/benefits)
Join Our Compassionate Team
Telecare's mission is to deliver excellent and effective behavioral health services that engage individuals in recovering their health, hopes, and dreams. Telecare continues to advance cultural diversity, humility, equity, and inclusion at all levels of our organization by hiring mental health peers, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, veterans, and all belief systems.
As part of the Telecare family, the Telecare Western Riverside Mental Health Urgent Care will offer 24/7 voluntary treatment to adults ages 18 and above who are suffering a mental health crisis but wish to avoid a locked setting. The program will use a welcoming, home-like environment to help assess the nature of the crisis, soothe and comfort the individual, and connect them with resources to avoid future crisis. Services are recovery-oriented, and will utilize a multi-disciplinary team approach with a high level of peer-to-peer services.
EOE AA M/F/V/Disability
- May vary by location and position type
Full Job Description will be provided if selected for an interview.
Master's in social work, MSW, ASW, Associate Clinical Social Worker, ACSW
If job posting references any sign-on bonus internal applicants and applicants employed with Telecare in the previous 12 months would not be eligible.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
See All 60 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 Corporation16
- McAlister Institute5
- Generations Healthcare5
- Pacific Clinics4
- KPC GLOBAL MEDICAL CENTERS4
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, McAlister Institute, and Generations Healthcare and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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, Anaheim, and Ceres 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 0% of mental health worker openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 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 60 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