Behavioral Health Specialist 2 - QMHP
About the role
The Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) is seeking full-time Qualified Mental Health Professionals (QMHPs) to provide comprehensive mental and behavioral health services to youth at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility in Woodburn. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team — including contracted psychiatrists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), and psychologists — to create a supportive treatment environment within an assigned living unit. The mission is to cultivate a positive, dynamic atmosphere that encourages youth to take responsibility, develop healthy habits, lead productive lives, and engage in socially acceptable behavior. Working alongside the Living Unit Manager (LUM) and Case Coordinator (CC), you will offer strong leadership and implement evidence-based interventions within a group living setting.
OYA is a national leader in juvenile justice, pioneering a positive human development framework and using data to match youth with the right services. The agency fosters cultural competence and pursues equitable solutions to support youth in its care. Its mission is to protect the public and reduce crime by holding youth accountable and providing opportunities for reformation in safe environments.
Responsibilities
- Deliver counseling and guidance to youth from diverse backgrounds in a group living milieu.
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team (psychiatrists, PMHNPs, psychologists) to create a supportive treatment environment.
- Cultivate a positive, dynamic atmosphere that encourages youth responsibility, healthy habits, and socially acceptable behavior.
- Partner with the Living Unit Manager (LUM) and Case Coordinator (CC) to provide leadership and implement evidence-based interventions.
- Conduct comprehensive mental health assessments, including identifying precipitating events, gathering histories (mental/physical disabilities, substance use, past services, criminal justice contacts), assessing family/social/work relationships, conducting mental status examinations, and documenting multiaxial DSM diagnoses.
- Write and supervise treatment plans; provide individual, family, and/or group therapy within scope of practice.
- Enforce rules and restrain youth during crisis situations.
- Manage casework and counseling in a setting where emotionally unstable clientele and risk of physical assault are present.
- Maintain daily face-to-face contact with adjudicated youth who may exhibit hostile, aggressive, or assaultive behavior.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications (one of the following)
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing or occupational therapy AND licensed by the State of Oregon AND three years of progressively responsible experience related to the series concept; OR
- Master’s degree in psychology; social work; recreational, art, or music therapy; or behavioral health science AND two years of progressively responsible experience related to the series concept.
Special Qualifications
- Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record (driving is an essential function; pre-employment driving record check conducted).
- Eligible for certification as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) at time of application. To qualify as a QMHP you must have one of the following:
- Graduate degree in psychology; OR
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing and licensed by the State of Oregon; OR
- Graduate degree in social work; OR
- Graduate degree in a behavioral science field; OR
- Graduate degree in recreational, art, or music therapy; OR
- Bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy and licensed by the State of Oregon.
Skills
Desired attributes / application scoring criteria (preference given, not required for eligibility):
- Licensure in your discipline.
- Certificates and/or work experience related to substance use treatment.
- Certificates and/or work experience related to sexual harming behaviors.
- Strong clinical skills with adolescents and young adults, with ability to provide clinical work independently.
- Experience providing treatment for gang affiliation, anger management, fire setting, and violent offending.
Benefits
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, vision, and dental plans for you and your family; life insurance; short- and long-term disability; deferred compensation savings plans; flexible spending accounts for health and childcare.
- Generous Paid Time Off: 11 holidays, 3 personal business days, monthly sick leave, and vacation leave that increases with years of service.
- Retirement Benefits: Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) / Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP).
- Wellness Resources: Support for work-life balance, health, and overall well-being.
- Career Development: Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
- Commuting: Access to Get There — Oregon’s carpool matching tool and trip planner.
- Student Loan Forgiveness: Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
- Live, work, and play in Salem, Oregon.
Pay
Salary range: $6,581.00 – $9,191.00 per month (non-PERS participating rate). If you are already a participating PERS member or become PERS eligible, the salary range increases by 6%. Annual increases on anniversary date until the maximum of the salary range is reached. This position is represented by SEIU.
Schedule
- Weekend, holiday, or evening work may be required.
- Stand-by or on-call duty may be required.
- Travel to other OYA locations or to trainings throughout the state may be required.
Working Conditions
- All OYA locations are tobacco-free environments.
- Counseling and casework management performed in a group living milieu with emotionally unstable clientele; danger of physical assault is present.
- Daily face-to-face contact with adjudicated youth and youth from the Department of Corrections who may exhibit hostile, aggressive,