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Behavioral Health Rn Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

Main West PostAcute Care

Registered Nurse

Turlock, CA

$40 - $42.01/hr

If you have a passion for healthcare, this is the right opportunity for you! Our Registered Nurse is responsible for patient care, assess and evaluates patient status by writing care plans, health ...

Main West PostAcute Care

Registered Nurse

Turlock, CA

$40 - $42.01/hr

If you have a passion for healthcare, this is the right opportunity for you! Our Registered Nurse is responsible for patient care, assess and evaluates patient status by writing care plans, health ...

North Starr PostAcute Care

Registered Nurse

Turlock, CA

$40 - $42/hr

If you have a passion for healthcare, this is the right opportunity for you! Our Registered Nurse is responsible for patient care, assess and evaluates patient status by writing care plans, health ...

North Starr PostAcute Care

Registered Nurse

Turlock, CA

$40 - $42/hr

If you have a passion for healthcare, this is the right opportunity for you! Our Registered Nurse is responsible for patient care, assess and evaluates patient status by writing care plans, health ...

Wellpath

Registered Nurse (RN)

Merced, CA

Overview As a Registered Nurse (RN), your primary responsibility is to provide patient care using ... Communicate information to nursing staff, physician, health care unit supervisory personnel or ...

CommonSpirit Health

RN

Merced, CA · On-site

Founded in 1873, Dignity Health - Mercy Medical Center is a 186-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital ... One California As a Registered Nurse (RN), you will be a pivotal healthcare professional ...

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All JobsBehavioral Health Rn JobsBehavioral Health Rn Jobs in Merced, CA

Behavioral Health Rn information

See Merced, CA salary details

$16

$49

$85

How much do behavioral health rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health rn in Merced, CA is $49.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.29 and $60.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Behavioral Health RN Do?

The job duties of a behavioral health RN revolve around providing patient care in a mental health capacity. You work with psychologists, psychiatrists, and physicians to offer psychiatric and behavioral care. As a behavioral health nurse, you perform duties such as helping patients perform exercises to change thought patterns or habits. You may also assist with relaxation techniques for stress management or pain management. With specialized training, you may also employ biofeedback techniques or work with clients on long-term therapies such as personality development and behavior modification.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Behavioral Health RN, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Behavioral Health RN, you need a nursing degree, RN licensure, and expertise in mental health assessment and crisis intervention. Familiarity with behavioral health documentation systems, de-escalation tools, and relevant certifications like BLS or PMH-BC is typically required. Strong communication, emotional resilience, and empathy are vital soft skills for supporting patients and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring safe, effective care and fostering a therapeutic environment for individuals facing mental health challenges.

What are some typical challenges a Behavioral Health RN might encounter when working with patients in a mental health setting?

Behavioral Health RNs often face challenges such as managing unpredictable patient behaviors, de-escalating crisis situations, and balancing the emotional demands of supporting individuals with complex mental health needs. They must also maintain clear and compassionate communication with both patients and interdisciplinary team members, while adhering to strict safety protocols. Successfully navigating these challenges requires resilience, adaptability, and strong teamwork skills within a supportive mental health care environment.

What is the difference between Behavioral Health Rn vs Psychiatric Nurse?

AspectBehavioral Health RnPsychiatric Nurse
CredentialsRegistered Nurse (RN) license, possibly additional behavioral health certificationsRegistered Nurse (RN) license, often with psychiatric or mental health certifications
Work EnvironmentHospitals, mental health clinics, community health settingsPsychiatric hospitals, mental health units, outpatient clinics
Employer & IndustryHospitals, mental health facilities, outpatient centersPsychiatric hospitals, mental health clinics, residential facilities
Common Search & ComparisonBehavioral Health Rn vs Psychiatric Nurse

Both roles involve providing mental health care, but Behavioral Health Rns often work in diverse settings with a focus on behavioral health interventions, while Psychiatric Nurses typically work specifically within psychiatric hospitals or units. The credentials and work environments overlap significantly, making them closely related roles in mental health care.

What are Behavioral Health RNs?

Behavioral Health Registered Nurses (RNs) are specialized nurses who care for patients experiencing mental health issues, emotional disorders, or substance abuse problems. They work in settings such as psychiatric hospitals, mental health clinics, and residential treatment centers. Their responsibilities include assessing patients’ mental health needs, administering medications, developing care plans, and providing support to patients and their families. Behavioral Health RNs collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care and promote patient recovery.
More about Behavioral Health Rn jobs
What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Health Rn jobs in Merced, CA? For Behavioral Health Rn jobs in Merced, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Behavioral Health Rn jobs in Merced, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Behavioral Health Rn jobs in Merced, CA are:
What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Behavioral Health Rn jobs? Cities near Merced, CA with the most Behavioral Health Rn job openings:
Behavioral Health Rn jobs near you
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Rn job openings in Merced, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $102,858 per year, or $49.5 per hour.
Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Medical Director

Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Medical Director

Merced County, CA

Merced, CA • On-site

$303K - $369K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Salary : $303,555.20 - $369,075.20 Annually
Location : Merced County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Department 301 E 13th St. Merced, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2600252
Department: Behavioral Health & Recovery Services
Opening Date: 04/09/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Bargaining Unit: 20B Management
Examples of Duties
Please Note: This is an at-will classification under the direction of and serves at the pleasure of the Director of Behavioral Health & Recovery Services/Public Guardian-Conservator
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Consults, advises, and makes recommendations to the Director of Behavioral Health & Recovery Services regarding the scope and quality of psychiatric, medical and other professional services provided.
  • Supervises, assigns, trains, and evaluates psychiatric and clinical staff including independent contract status physicians and other positions.
  • Coordinates the planning and implementation of medical training and education for physicians.
  • Assists with the recruitment of physicians for the departments.
  • Provides medical oversight for medical/clinical services of the Mental Health Plan.
  • Assures appropriate medical and psychiatric consultation and liaison with primary health care providers and physicians.
  • Makes appropriate business decisions in overseeing, directing, and managing assigned activates.
  • Provides strategic leadership through communication, demonstration, and accomplishment of the organizational mission, vision, and values.
  • Analyzes legislation and regulations for impact on mental health and substance abuse services.
  • Implements appropriate departmental compliance procedures.
  • Provides psychiatric, diagnostic, and therapeutic services including continuing patient care; jail-based psychiatric care; acute psychiatric care; emergency on-call consultation; conservatorship evaluation and court testimony.
  • Consults with other medical and substance abuse practitioners.
  • Directs nursing follow-up care.
  • Completes medical records and court reports to mandated standards.
  • Evaluates social support/rehabilitation needs. Also educates patient/families/staff and oversees intake and treatment plans.
  • Establish, implement, and achieve goals and objectives.

Minimum Qualifications
Experience:Five (5) years progressively responsible experience in the practice of medicine in psychiatry.
License:
Possession of a valid license to practice medicine issued by the California Medical Board.
Certification:
Board certified or Board eligible in Psychiatric Medicine by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
OR
Experience:Five (5) years of progressively responsible executive or senior administrative experience overseeing behavioral health or specialty mental health programs.
License:Possession of a valid Physician and Surgeon license issued by the Medical Board of California.
Essential Functions
  • Operate a personal computer and other office equipment.
  • Communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone.
  • Provide psychiatric, medical and medication evaluations and crisis intervention.
  • Provide psychiatric consultations to primary care physicians treating mental health or substance abuse illnesses.
  • Provide medical direction and oversight of County-operated Psychiatric Health Facility.
  • Analyze data, interpret policies, procedures and regulations, develop appropriate conclusions, and prepare reports.
  • Meet deadlines under stressful conditions.
  • Develop, interpret and enforce policies, procedures and processes regarding medical/psychiatric services.
  • Plan and ensure adequate medical staffing.
  • Supervise, train, direct and evaluate medical and clinical staff
  • Resolve conflicts and respond appropriately to complaints.
  • Complete multiple priority projects with conflicting deadlines.
  • Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
  • Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception.
  • Sit, stand, or walk for extended periods.
  • Frequently lift, carry, reach, push, pull, twist and manipulate large and small objects.
  • Kneel, bend, twist, squat, balance and crawl.
  • Frequent use of hand-eye coordination.
  • Frequent use of data entry device including repetitive hand and arm motion.
  • Occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
  • Normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping.
  • Represents the department with other government jurisdictions and community partners.
  • Regular attendance is an essential function.
Knowledge of:
  • General psychiatric medicine and forensic psychiatry
  • Psychosocial rehabilitation
  • Laws, legislation and regulations impacting mental health and substance abuse services
  • Community support systems.
  • Fundamentals of staff supervision, training and development.
Ability to:
  • Work effectively in a multidisciplinary team
  • Supervise and direct medical and clinical staff
  • Conduct and coordinate training
  • Manage patient flow efficiently
  • Consult/collaborate with multiple systems
  • Work with seriously mentally ill and their families.

ALLOWANCES
EXPENSE ALLOWANCE
$100 per month expense allowance.
HOLIDAYS & LEAVES
MANAGEMENT LEAVE
96 hours per Fiscal Year.
VACATION
10 days the first 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 160 hours), 15 days in the second 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 240 hours), and 20 days after 10 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 320 hours). Optional annual sell back of a portion of accumulated vacation leave hours (maximum - 40 hours).
SICK LEAVE
0.0625 hours sick leave for each paid regularly scheduled work hour. 16 days (130 hours per year) with unlimited accumulation. Optional annual buy back of a portion of accumulated sick leave hours upon meeting certain criteria.
HOLIDAYS
Twelve paid holidays annually plus two optional holidays.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE
Five (5) regularly scheduled workdays.
INSURANCE
HEALTH INSURANCE
Medical Insurance - Merced County offers multiple Medical Plans and contributes towards employee and dependent premiums.
  • Anthem 500 EPO
  • Anthem 1500 EPO
  • Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) with Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) without Health Savings Account (HSA)
Dental Insurance - Delta Dental
  • County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)
Vision Insurance - VSP
  • County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)
DISABILITY INSURANCE
Management Disability Insurance - Unrepresented Management Levels A-E - 100% premium paid by employer
LIFE INSURANCE
County-paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
  • Unit 20 Unrepresented Management:
  • Level A & B $85,000
  • Level C $55,000
  • Level D & E $35,000

Voluntary Term and Whole Life Insurance are available - premium paid by employee
RETIREMENT
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
The County offers a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan. Employees choose their investment funds and can make pre-tax or post-tax contributions to the plan up to the maximum allowable.
EXTRA HELP EMPLOYEES DO NOT QUALIFY FOR COUNTY BENEFITS.
MERCED COUNTY EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION
The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 and other provisions of the California Government Code. MCERA members also pay into Social Security. The applicable benefit formula is dependent upon your hire date with an MCERA employer; your pension amount will be determined by your age, years of service and final compensation amount.
EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
Anthem EAP services provide up to five face-to-face counseling sessions per incident and provides a toll-free "800" hotline available 24/7 for emergencies and crisis intervention. EAP services include counseling services, legal services, financial services and work-life resource services.
EMPLOYEE TICKETS, COUPONS, and DISCOUNTS
The County of Merced has partnered with Employee Savings Tickets to provide discounted coupons and tickets for all county employees to attractions throughout the state and out-of-state. The discounts and coupons are available for shopping, movies, sporting events, theme parks, zoos and aquariums and much more.
THIS BULLETIN IS NOT A CONTRACT AND DOES NOT CREATE CONTRACTUAL OR LEGAL RIGHTS ON BEHALF OF ANY EMPLOYEE. THIS BULLETIN IS SUBJECT OF BEING SUPPLEMENTED, MODIFIED, WITHDRAWN OR OTHERWISE CHANGED PENDING LABOR AGREEMENTS AND/OR AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICER OR AS THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DEEM NECESSARY.
For answers to specific questions regarding employee benefits, please call Human Resources at 209.385.7356.
01
Do you possess a valid license to practice medicine issued by the California Medical Board?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Are you Board certified or Board eligible in Psychiatric Medicine by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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