Mental Health Specialist (Child & Family Treatment Team)

JOB ID # 107182

Salary Range:

Mental Health Specialist 2 (licensed):

• Annual Pay Range:   $83,420.32 – $105,530.57
• Hourly Pay Range:   $40.105921 – $50.735849

Mental Health Specialist 1 (unlicensed):

• Annual Pay Range:  $68,868.87 – $87,447.48
• Hourly Pay Range:   $33.110035 – $42.042059

Salary offers will be made within the posted pay range and will be based on a candidate’s experience (paid or unpaid) that is directly relevant to the position.

Clackamas County’s Health Centers – Behavioral Health Clinics is looking for a therapist to provide mental health and substance use disorder assessment and treatment services to adolescents, families, some younger children and some young adults. The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional strengths in client engagement, the ability to provide culturally appropriate and equitable services to a wide range of clients, and a strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity. This position will join the Child and Family Team located in Oregon City.

As a Mental Health Specialist, the therapist will provide mental health and addictions assessments, develop service plans in conjunction with youth and their families, develop and deliver a range of evidence-based, anti-racist and trauma-informed treatment services.  Candidates will have significant experience in adolescent substance abuse treatment, family systems work and experience coordinating with other agencies as a team player or leader.  They will demonstrate ability to engage with youth, caregivers and teams through a variety of in person and remote media, and provide individual, family, and group therapy, as well as case coordination and crisis management. This position requires some evening hours. Staff will routinely provide 2 or more treatment groups to support the needs of the team.

This position will provide a variety of advanced level professional treatment and program services to mental health consumer’s ages 0-18 and their families in addition to providing treatment services to youth and young adults with substance abuse issues. The successful candidate will participate as an effective member on a diagnostic team of mental health professionals which conducts evaluations, treatment planning, and placement for consumers.

Clackamas County Health Centers’ aim is to work with each individual to help them be as healthy as they can be. We believe engagement and participation in mental health treatment provides positive outcomes in the lives of each person, their chosen family, and the community in which they reside. The therapists providing services to the community are responsible for the highest quality of care and should be diverse in their treatment skills. Candidates with a strong commitment to providing equitable services to the community and supporting Clackamas County’s commitment to equity, inclusion and diversity are encouraged to apply. This is your opportunity to give back to the community!

*This position is currently open for a licensed, Mental Health Specialist 2.  Clackamas County will consider unlicensed candidates who have a background providing mental health treatment to individuals in a health clinic or relatable environment serving the vulnerable population.  Licensure is however required within 4 years of hire for applicants who are unlicensed and they must still meet QMHP criteria (outlined below).

Required Minimum Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*

• Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) as established by the Mental Health and Addiction Counseling Board of Oregon (MHACBO)A ”Qualified Mental Health Professional” (QMHP) means a Licensed Medical Provider or any other person meeting one or more of the following minimum qualifications as authorized by the Local Mental Health Authority or designee:
  • Graduate degree in psychology;
  • Graduate degree in social work;
  • Graduate degree in recreational, art, or music therapy; or
  • Graduate degree in a behavioral science field.
    • QMHPs must demonstrate the ability to conduct an assessment, including identifying precipitating events, gathering histories of mental and physical health, alcohol and other drug use, past mental health services and criminal justice contacts, assessing family, cultural, social and work relationships, and conducting a mental status examination, complete a five axis DSM diagnosis, write and supervise the implementation of a ISSP and provide individual, family or group therapy within the scope of their training.
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) – preferred, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Licensed Psychologist (PsyD/PHD).  If unlicensed, must have minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience that would provide the required knowledge and skills to perform the duties of the role AND must also receive licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Licensed Psychologist (PsyD/PHD) within four (4) years of hire.
• Experience, knowledge and commitment to serving a diverse population and promoting equity, diversity and inclusion
• Experience working with Evidence Based Treatment Practices, including family systems work with adolescents
• Experience providing substance abuse assessments and treatment services to youth ages 14-25
• Experience facilitating addictions and mental health therapy groups and demonstrated success in engaging youth through remote services
• Ability to perform collaborative documentation/charting with clients
• Must possess and maintain a Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate
• Must successfully pass the credentialing process
• Must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. Learn more about the County’s drug testing policy.
• Must pass a criminal history check which may include national or state fingerprint records check
• Driving may be necessary for County business. For position(s) with occasional/incidental driving, incumbents must possess a valid driver’s license. Accommodation requests for an acceptable alternative method of transportation will be reviewed on an individual basis in compliance with State and Federal legislation. For position(s) with regular driving, incumbent(s) must also possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the County’s driving policy

Preferred Special Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*

• Bilingual Spanish/English proficiency
• Current Licensure (LCSW, LPC or LMFT preferred)
• If candidate is licensed, the ability to complete 60 documented hours of alcohol and drug training. If working towards licensure, has a CADC or is registered as a CADC intern
• Graduate degree in psychology, social work, a behavioral science field