| Location | Bakersfield, CA |
| Salary | $8,902.27–$10,639.03 Per Year |
Pre-Licensed Clinical Psychologist / Clinical Psychologist I / Clinical Psychologist II
Salary
$8,902.27 - $10,639.03 Monthly
Location
2001 28th Street, Bakersfield, CA
Job Type
Full time
Job Number
10146
Department
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH & RECOVERY SERVICES
Opening Date
09/02/2026
Position Information
This is a continuous recruitment which can close at any time with or without notice.
Examination:
Appraisal (Weight 100%): Will be conducted for the purpose of evaluating the applicants training, education, experience, interest and personal fitness for the position. Appraisal can be based on any combination of the following: Investigation, oral exam and/or rating of the application.
Applicants must attain at least a 70% score on each phase of the examination process.
Minimum Qualifications / Employment Standards:
Pre-Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Must have received or be within three (3) months of receiving a doctorate degree in psychology, educational psychology, education with a field specialization in counseling psychology or education with a field specialization in educational psychology from an approved or accredited educational institution that meets the educational requirements for licensure as a psychologist in the State of California. The doctoral program must have included 1500 hours of clinical internship (Section 2914 of the California Business and Professions Code).
AND
Eligible for a Mental Health Professional Licensing Waiver from the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). Pre-licensed psychologist candidates cannot be employed to provide mental health services unless they obtain a Mental Health Professional Licensing Waiver from DHCS. A waiver granted may not exceed five years from the date of initial issuance of waiver. A California license as a Licensed Psychologist must be obtained within five (5) years from the initial date of issuance of Mental Health Professional Licensing Waiver to continue to qualify to perform mental health services under this job description.
OR
Current valid registration as a Psychological Assistant with the Board of Psychology of the State of California. A California license as a Licensed Psychologist must be obtained within six (6) years from the initial date of initial registration as a Psychological Assistant with the Board of Psychology of the State of California to continue to qualify to perform mental health services under this job description.
Dependent upon assignment, applicants may be required to pass an extensive background investigation and be fingerprinted. Disqualification for felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Possession of a valid California Class C Drivers License is required.
Clinical Psychologist I
Completion of an earned doctorate in Clinical Psychology from an accredited college or university or an earned doctorate degree deemed equivalent by the Committee in regulations duly adopted under Chapter 6.6 of the California Business and Professions Code. Possession of a current California License to practice as a Psychologist as granted by the California State Board of Psychology.
OR
Current license as a Clinical Psychologist in another state and eligible for a waiver to work in Public Mental Health.
Clinical Psychologist II
Completion of an earned doctorate in Clinical Psychology from an accredited university or an earned doctorate degree deemed equivalent by the Committee in regulations duly adopted under Chapter 6.6 of the California Business and Professions code.
Possession of a current California License as a Psychologist as granted by the California State Board of Psychology
OR
Current license as a Clinical Psychologist in another state and eligible for a waiver to work in public Mental Health.
AND
Five (5) years of post doctoral experience.
Please ensure applicable materials are attached to your application. If you are unable to attach application materials to your application, you may deliver a copy to the Human Resources Division at 1115 Truxtun Ave. First Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93301 or email hr@kerncounty.com.
Full Job Description: Pre-Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Full Job Description:Clinical Psychologist I
Full Job Description: Clinical Psychologist II
About Kern County
Kern County employees provide opportunities that are purposeful to our community. Every employee and every action contributes to the improvement and strengthening of our county.
To learn more about Kern County, click here or follow us:
Growth Mindset
We always encourage our employees to grow and develop. Kern County has a culture of innovation that allows employees to explore creative and more efficient ways to accomplish their work. We provide access to training and continued professional development in an effort to ensure that our employees have opportunities for career growth.
Additional Information
Admittance to the examination will require a valid government issued photograph identification. Applicants who are unable to present proper identification must make arrangements with the Human Resources Division prior to the test date.
A background check may be conducted for this classification.
Following an offer of employment, you may be required to submit to post offer medical and drug screening tests at County expense.
This examination will establish an eligible list from which immediate appointment(s) will be made. Other permanent and temporary appointments will be made as needed. Successful candidates will remain on the eligible list for a period of twelve-months, unless specified otherwise by the Civil Service Commission.
For more information regarding Kern Countys recruitment process, please see ourFAQ page.
Kern County is an ADA compliant and an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Kern County Employee Benefits
Health Insurance: (Medical/Dental/Vision): Kern County offers five affordable medical options. Kern Legacy Health Plans are medical and prescription health plan options administered directly by the County of Kern. Kaiser Permanente is also an option. Employees may also choose from two dental plans; Liberty Dental PPO or HMO. The vision coverage is provided through Vision Service Plan (VSP).
Retirement Program: Kern County Employees Retirement Association (KCERA). This Section 401 (a) defined benefit retirement plan requires employer and employee contribution and pays retired employees a pension based on salary, years of service, and age upon retirement.
Deferred Compensation: This section 457 plan allows employees to contribute on a pre-tax basis to a supplemental retirement account which is then paid out to them when they retire.
Social Security Administration:
Note: Both Kern County and the employee contribute to Social Security and Medicare as follows:
Employee Assistance Program: EAP is available to help you take control of your life!
Voluntary Benefits: Chimienti & Associates (Administrator) offers the following voluntary benefits and can be deducted on a pre-tax bases: Short Term Disability Coverage, Accident Plan, Cancer Plan and a Flexible Spending Account.
Paid Holiday Leave: 12 set days (per calendar year)
01
I possess and have attached a copy of my degree, or transcripts, demonstrating that I have completed a doctorate degree in psychology, educational psychology, education with a field specialization in counseling psychology or education with a field specialization in educational psychology from an approved or accredited educational institution that meets the educational requirements for licensure as a psychologist in the State of California. (The doctoral program must have included 1500 hours of clinical internship (Section 2914 of the California Business and Professions Code)).
02
I have attached a copy of my transcripts demonstrating that I am within three (3) months of receiving a doctorate degree in psychology, educational psychology, education with a field specialization in counseling psychology or education with a field specialization in educational psychology from an approved or accredited educational institution that meets the educational requirements for licensure as a psychologist in the State of California. (The doctoral program must have included 1500 hours of clinical internship (Section 2914 of the California Business and Professions Code)).
03
I am a pre-licensed psychologist. I possess and have attached a copy of my Mental Health Professional Licensing Waiver from DHCS which was issued within the past five years.
04
I possess and have attached a copy of my current valid registration as a Psychological Assistant with the Board of Psychology of the State of California.
05
I possess and have attached a copy of my doctorate in Clinical Psychology from an accredited college or university or my doctorate degree deemed equivalent by the Committee in regulations duly adopted under Chapter 6.6 of the California Business and Professions Code.
06
I possess and have attached a copy of my current California License to practice as a Psychologist as granted by the California State Board of Psychology.
07
I possess and have attached a current license as a Clinical Psychologist in another state and am eligible for a waiver to work in Public Mental Health.
Required Question
Employer Kern County
Address 1115 Truxtun Avenue First Floor
Bakersfield, California, 93301
Phone (661) 868-3480
Website http://www.kerncounty.com/hr