Crisis Outreach Assessment Team (COAT - Maple) Direct Support Crisis Specialist – (Northern) Region – (Newberg) Area

Initial Posting Date: 08/24/2026 | Application Deadline: 09/06/2026 | Agency: Department of Human Services

About the Role

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking a Direct Support Crisis Specialist to join the Crisis Outreach Assessment Team (COAT) in the Northern Region (Newberg Area). This role provides 24-hour residential care and crisis support to Oregonians with intellectual/developmental disabilities, often with co-occurring mental health diagnoses. The position operates within the Stabilization and Crisis Unit (SACU), which assists individuals whose support needs exceed those offered by other community-based programs. SACU focuses on safe transitions back to the community while providing access to health, psychological, emotional, behavioral, educational, and life skills supports.

This is a float position requiring flexibility to report to regions needing support, including covering callouts, vacations, or requests for COAT assistance.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and support in a 24/7 residential group home, including behavioral management, safety, personal care, nutrition, housekeeping, health care, and daily activities within the home and community.
• Serve as part of a mobile Crisis Outreach and Assessment Team (COAT), responding to crises in homes and building rapport with supported individuals and staff.
• Assist with access to health and medical supports, psychological services, emotional and behavioral support, and educational resources.
• Provide life skills training, recreational opportunities, and community integration.
• Monitor and assist individuals experiencing mental, emotional, behavioral, physical, or medical challenges.
• Engage in crisis response and intervention, including the use of Oregon Intervention System (OIS) approved restraints for up to one hour.
• Travel extensively within the assigned region to ensure effective crisis response and proactive measures.

Requirements

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record (per ODHS SACU Driving Policy).
• Eighteen months of experience providing direct individual care or training in human services (e.g., assisting individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, mental/physical disabilities, or substance abuse). OR an Associate or higher-level degree in a related human services field. OR a combination of education and experience as defined above.
• Paid or unpaid caregiving experience (e.g., volunteering with seniors, children, or people with disabilities) may qualify, including:
  • Attending medical or psychiatric appointments.
  • Assisting with medication, daily personal care, or activities of daily living (e.g., shopping, housework, cooking, transportation).
• Lived experience (e.g., caring for a family member or neighbor) may substitute for up to 6 months of required experience.
• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds frequently, including transferring, positioning, and moving individuals or supplies.
• Physical ability to squat, bend, stoop, and engage in OIS-approved restraints for up to one hour.
• Willingness to work in varied settings, including exposure to individuals in crisis or with justice-involved backgrounds.

Essential Attributes

• Strong verbal and written communication skills for following instructions, documenting information, and resolving conflicts professionally.
• Computer skills for documentation and communication.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team to achieve common goals.
• Experience following behavior/mental health supports, medical orders, and crisis intervention protocols.

Training and Certifications

If offered the position, you will attend a three-week paid in-person training in Salem and must become certified in:

• First Aid/CPR (requiring kneeling compressions).
• Oregon Intervention System (OIS) Certification (involving physical restraint techniques).
• Medication Administration Certification (demonstrating competency in doctor’s orders, medication passing, documentation, and emergency procedures).

Background Checks

• Criminal history and background check (adverse results may disqualify).
• Drug testing for narcotics, methamphetamine, and other controlled substances.
• Verification of U.S. work authorization via E-Verify (I-9 form required within three days of hire).
• No visa sponsorship offered.

Pay

Salary range: $4,519 – $5,712 per month. This position is part of the Police and Fire Pension Plan, allowing retirement with full benefits after 25 years of service. Salary may include an additional 6.95% for PERS-qualifying candidates.

Benefits

• Cost of Living Adjustments and annual salary increases (until reaching the top of the salary range).
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including resources through the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union.
• Employee Resource Groups promoting shared learning and diversity.

Schedule

Thursday – Monday, flexible hours. This is a permanent, full-time position with a 24/7 residential group home environment.