Mental Health Specialist (School Based)

JO# 107230

Salary Range:

Mental Health Specialist 2 (licensed) – School:

• Annual Pay Range:   $ 66,736.25 – $ 84,424.45
• Hourly Pay Range:   $ 32.084734 – $ 40.588678

Mental Health Specialist 1 (unlicensed) – School:

• Annual Pay Range:  $ 55,095.10 – $ 69,957.99
• Hourly Pay Range:   $ 26.488027 – $ 33.633649

Clackamas County Health Centers is looking for Mental Health Clinicians that are passionate about adolescent healthcare and committed to working in a collaborative, team-based environment to join Clackamas County’s School-Based clinic teams!

Clackamas County Health Centers currently manage four school-based clinics. School Based Health Centers (SBHC) are located within the Oregon City School District at Oregon City High School in Oregon City; North Clackamas School District at Rex Putnam High School in Milwaukie and at Clackamas High School and Adrienne C. Nelson High School in Happy Valley.

We are looking for an energetic, resourceful, warm, and empathic mental health professional who works well independently and as part of a team providing a variety of advanced level treatment and program services Primarily to students at the high school grade level, 9-12.

The Mental Health Specialists in these positions will primarily be providing services to students within one of the School Based Health Centers (SBHC).  This positions will give you the opportunity to work with a special segment of the community in a school based setting. At the SBHC’s students receive confidential medical, behavioral health and treatment services in their schools. Each SBHC is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of qualified medical and mental health professionals and focuses on preventing illness and promoting healthy behaviors. Benefits of SBHCs include the following:

• Improving access to quality physical, mental and preventive health services
• Care for children and adolescents regardless of their ability to pay
• Reducing high costs associated with inappropriate use of emergency rooms and unnecessary hospitalizations
• Ensuring services are age appropriate
• Save parents time by reducing missed work hours
• Keeping students in class and ready to learn
• Successful candidates will have a strong background and experience treating and working with children and adolescents.

Successful candidates will also be able to provide culturally competent treatment modalities, have an anti-racist lens, will have completed some personal reflection and growth in their own equity journey, have a strong commitment to providing equitable services to the community, fostering an open and productive environment, and demonstrating sensitivity to and respect for the diverse populations we serve. Professionals in these positions should thrive in a setting where they will work independently as well as in a team environment.

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 behavioral health treatment provides positive outcomes in the lives of each person, their chosen family, and the community in which they reside. The clinicians providing services to the community are responsible for the highest quality of care and be diverse in their treatment skills. This is your opportunity to give back to the community!

*This position is currently open for a licensed or unlicensed, Mental Health Specialist.  Clackamas County will consider unlicensed candidates with relatable experience as outlined in the minimum qualification. Licensure is however required within 4 years of hire and applicants must still meet QMHP criteria.

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.
• If licensed, must have current licensure as an Oregon Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC); Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Licensed Psychologist (PsyD or 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. 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 or 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 children, families and adolescents
• Must possess and maintain a Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate
• 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:*

• Experience working in a school setting; providing treatment, partnering with teachers, school administrators, counselors, parents and students
• Either 60 hours of Alcohol and Addiction Training, if licensed, or possession of Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) designation
• Two (2) or more years’ experience working with children, families and adolescents