Bilingual (Spanish/English) & Non-bilingual Behavioral Health Jail Care Coordinator

About the Role

Washington County Behavioral Health Division, within the Department of Health and Human Services, is recruiting for a Bilingual (Spanish) & Non‑bilingual Jail Care Coordinator. The position supports adults in custody with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) who may be deemed unable to aid and assist in their own defense. Duties include meeting clients in jail to assess needs, develop care plans, connect them with community resources to divert further legal system involvement, collaborating with forensics and jail staff, attorneys, Medicaid/CCO’s, behavioral health, substance use disorder, medical providers, housing system partners, and other agencies. After release, the coordinator briefly supports clients to ensure service connection and reduce recidivism, and may provide general consultation and education for corrections system partners regarding the behavioral health system. Work is performed both at the Washington County Jail and in the community. This position is classified as the Senior Mental Health Services Coordinator. For the complete classification, including the full list of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs), see the Senior Mental Health Services Coordinator Classification Specification.

Responsibilities

• Assess needs of adults in custody with SPMI
• Develop individualized care plans
• Connect clients with community resources to divert further legal system involvement
• Collaborate with forensics, jail staff, attorneys, Medicaid/CCO’s, behavioral health, substance use disorder, medical providers, housing partners, and other agencies
• Provide brief post‑release support to ensure service connection and reduce recidivism
• Offer occasional consultation and education for corrections partners on the behavioral health system

Ideal Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Experience working with adults with severe and persistent mental illness
• Knowledge of behavioral health resources and systems, including Medicaid/CCO’s
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize and manage a variety of tasks in a fast‑paced environment
• Ability to complete accurate documentation in a timely manner
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to build and maintain relationships with clients and system partners
• Ability to demonstrate patience, empathy, understanding, and a strength‑oriented approach
• Understanding of the needs of diverse communities in Washington County
• Knowledge based on direct experience regarding a corrections setting and/or legal system (including Aid and Assist) is preferred but not required
• Knowledge of working with clients with dual diagnosis (Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorders) is preferred but not required
• Bilingual Spanish candidates are encouraged to apply

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or related field
• Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience providing case management or services coordination in a human services related field
• Certification by the Mental Health and Addictions Certification Board of Oregon as a Qualified Mental Health Professional, or hold an approved clinical license meeting the Oregon Administrative Rules criteria for a Qualified Mental Health Professional

Additional Requirements

• Successful completion of a background check post‑offer, including Oregon State Comprehensive Background Checks and Criminal Justice Information System checks for continuous employment and annually thereafter
• For bilingual positions