Behavioral Health Trainer & Technical Assistance Specialist - San Diego, California

Training & Curriculum Development

• Design, develop, and continuously update training curricula and materials focused on evidence-based practices for substance use disorder treatment, co-occurring mental illness, and integrated dual-diagnosis care
• Tailor training content to the needs, capacity levels, service models, and populations served by community-based organizations
• Deliver engaging, competency-based trainings and learning collaborative sessions in multiple formats, including in-person workshops, webinars, asynchronous modules, and communities of practice
• Translate emerging evidence, state guidance, and best practices into practical, accessible training content for behavioral health providers and CBO staff
• Incorporate training feedback, fidelity data, and outcome measures into ongoing curriculum improvement in partnership with the Evaluation & QI Lead

Technical Assistance & Capacity Building

• Provide ongoing, individualized technical assistance to an assigned caseload of community-based organizations across San Diego County
• Coach CBO staff on the practical application of evidence-based practices, clinical workflows, and quality improvement strategies
• Conduct organizational and workforce needs assessments to identify training and TA priorities specific to each organization’s population, staffing, and service model
• Support CBOs in strengthening clinical and organizational capacity to deliver effective, culturally responsive behavioral health services
• Build and maintain trusted, collaborative relationships with CBO leadership and direct service staff to encourage sustained engagement with training and TA offerings

Behavioral Health Systems Support

• Stay current on the evidence base and California-specific guidance for SUD and co-occurring disorder treatment, including ASAM Criteria, Medi-Cal/CalAIM requirements, and DHCS guidance
• Support the integration of peer support specialists and community health workers into clinical teams, including role-specific training on scope of practice and supervision models
• Represent the TTA Center at community meetings, coalitions, and provider convenings to promote available trainings and TA resources
• Document training attendance, TA contacts, outcomes, and related activities in required tracking systems for funder reporting
• Contribute to other behavioral health training and TA projects as organizational needs and opportunities evolve

We’re looking for someone who brings strong behavioral health expertise, excellent facilitation skills, and a relationship-centered approach to training and technical assistance.

The ideal candidate is:

• A strong trainer and facilitator who can make complex behavioral health content practical, engaging, and accessible
• Experienced in substance use disorder treatment, co-occurring mental illness, and evidence-based practices
• Comfortable coaching providers and CBO staff through real-world implementation challenges
• Skilled at building credibility and trust with community partners, clinical teams, and organizational leaders
• Responsive, collaborative, and organized in managing multiple relationships, trainings, and deliverables
• Able to adapt communication and facilitation style for varied audiences, roles, literacy levels, and organizational contexts
• Professionally mature, emotionally intelligent, and thoughtful in navigating complex community and behavioral health systems
• Committed to continuous learning, feedback, and contributing to a positive, collegial, high-performing team culture

• Master’s degree in social work, counseling, public health, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, licensure, and direct experience in SUD/co-occurring disorder treatment
• Minimum of 5 years of direct clinical or programmatic experience in substance use disorder treatment and co-occurring mental illness
• Hands-on experience applying evidence-based practices in behavioral health settings
• Demonstrated experience designing and facilitating trainings, workshops, or learning collaboratives for behavioral health providers or CBO staff
• Working knowledge of California’s Medi-Cal and CalAIM behavioral health delivery systems and how they apply to CBOs providing SUD and mental health services
• Familiarity with California’s peer support specialist certification requirements and community health worker benefit and role structures
• Strong facilitation, coaching, public speaking, relationship-building, and communication skills
• Existing credibility within San Diego’s behavioral health or community-based organization community
• Ability to be based in San Diego County and travel locally to CBO sites
• Flexibility and interest in contributing to other behavioral health training and TA projects as capacity and organizational needs evolve

Preferred qualifications include:

• Licensure as an LCSW, LMFT, LPCC, or similar, or certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor, CADC, or equivalent
• Bilingual or multilingual skills, particularly languages relevant to San Diego’s behavioral health populations
• Prior experience providing technical assistance or capacity-building support to CBOs, FQHCs, or county behavioral health providers
• Experience with instructional design principles and adult learning theory
• Familiarity with the ASAM Criteria and dual-diagnosis treatment models
• Existing relationships with County Behavioral Health Services, Managed Care Plans, 211 San Diego/the Community Information Exchange, or San Diego behavioral health coalitions and provider associations
• Lived experience related to behavioral health, substance use recovery, or the communities served

At Altarum, your work will support community-based organizations that are helping individuals and families access critical behavioral health services across San Diego County.

In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Lead meaningful training and technical assistance efforts that strengthen behavioral health systems
• Help community-based organizations build the capacity to deliver effective, culturally responsive care
• Translate evidence-based practices and California behavioral health guidance into practical tools providers can use
• Build trusted relationships with CBOs, providers, and community partners
• Collaborate with a mission-driven team that values integrity, accountability, humility, continuous growth, and excellence
• Contribute to broader behavioral health initiatives as Altarum’s work continues to grow

If you’re an experienced behavioral health trainer, coach, and capacity-builder who wants to help strengthen services for underserved communities, we’d love to hear from you.

• Remote in San Diego, CA
• If you’re near one of our offices (Arlington, VA; Silver Spring, MD; or Novi, MI), you’ll be Hybrid and will join us in person one day every other month (6 times per year) for a fun, purpose-driven Collaboration Day. These days are filled with creative energy, meaningful connection, and team brainstorming.
• Non-local employees will join these days virtually and may be asked to join us occasionally in-person.

• Candidates must be currently eligible to work in the United States; sponsorship is not available.
• All work must be performed within the continental U.S. for the duration of employment, unless required by contract.
• Ability to work core hours aligned with Eastern Time, unless otherwise approved by your manager.
• Remote employees must maintain a dedicated, ergonomically appropriate workspace free from distractions, with reliable internet and a mobile device that supports efficient work.
• Travel Requirements: <15%