Mental Health Specialist (Sandy Health Center)

Clackamas County employees work to serve the public and enrich our community. Clackamas County is committed to building a community where people thrive, have a sense of safety, connection, and belonging, so that everyone is honored and celebrated for the richness in diversity they bring. Located on the southern edge of the City of Portland and extending to the top of Mt. Hood, Clackamas County is part of a thriving region in the Northwest with a population of about 420,000 residents.

About the role

Clackamas County's Health Centers – Behavioral Health Clinics is seeking a motivated and adaptable Mental Health clinician to provide assessment and treatment services. This position will join a team of clinicians in our Sandy, Oregon clinic location. The Mental Health Specialist classification provides a variety of advanced-level professional treatment and program services to individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues, primarily servicing Medicaid, Medicare, and uninsured populations.

As a Mental Health Specialist, you will provide professional counseling and program services, including conducting assessments, service planning, ongoing therapy, crisis support, and leading therapy groups. You will manage a client caseload, participate in evaluations and treatment planning, and support increased diversity and equity within the team, clinic, and county. This position may also involve managing client crises and covering additional duties as a generalist within the clinics.

Successful applicants will provide culturally competent treatment, demonstrate an anti-racist lens, and have a strong commitment to equitable services. They should thrive in both independent and team-based settings while working with vulnerable individuals who may have limited resources.

Bilingual Spanish/English skills are required for this position. An additional 5% of base compensation is added to pay.

Pay

Mental Health Specialist 2

• Annual Pay Range: $91,682.43 - $115,982.52
• Hourly Pay Range: $44.078091 - $55.760829

Mental Health Specialist 1

• Annual Pay Range: $75,689.78 - $96,108.46
• Hourly Pay Range: $36.389318 - $46.205988

Salary offers will be made within the posted pay range and will be based on the candidate's relevant experience (paid or unpaid).

Responsibilities

• Provide individual, family, and group therapy and other therapeutic interventions in accordance with service plans.
• Develop and implement service plans; determine appropriate treatment, skills training, and care service needs.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments and reassessments for mental health and substance use disorders, including psychosocial, developmental, financial, physical, trauma, substance use, diagnostic, and mental status information.
• Monitor client progress, prepare treatment progress notes, and update assessments and service plans per Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) and agency policies.
• Coordinate with internal and external healthcare providers and social service personnel to obtain and problem-solve services for clients.
• Consult with families, DHS, juvenile departments, schools, and other providers to optimize treatment outcomes and respond to emergencies.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary providers, including physicians, psychiatrists, therapists, case managers, and peer support staff, to evaluate, plan, and provide appropriate care.
• Manage client crises and cover additional duties as necessary, potentially working as a generalist within the clinics.

Requirements

• Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) as established by Oregon Administrative Rules by time of hire.
• If licensed: Credentialed as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Psychologist (PsyD/PHD) and a minimum of two years of related experience.
• If unlicensed: Minimum of one year of relevant experience and must obtain licensure as an LPC, LCSW, LMFT, or PsyD/PHD within three years of hire.
• Fluent in Spanish and English, both oral and written.
• Possess and maintain a Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate.
• Must successfully pass the credentialing process.
• Must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test and criminal history check, which may include national or state fingerprint records.
• Driving is necessary for County business. Must possess a valid driver’s license and, for positions with regular driving, maintain an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current licensure as an LCSW, LPC, or LMFT.
• Experience working with Evidence-Based Treatment Practices.
• Experience with individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance abuse issues.
• Experience providing behavioral health services across the lifespan, including children, adolescents, adults, and older adults.
• Experience facilitating therapy groups.
• Ability to perform concurrent (collaborative) documentation/charting with clients.
• Ability to complete 60 documented hours of alcohol and drug training (if licensed) or obtain a CADC within 2 years of hire.

Schedule

This is a full-time, on-site/in-person position working 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Specific hours will be discussed with the selected candidate at the time of the offer. Hybrid schedules may be considered as the team grows.

Benefits

• Licensure supervision provided for employees pursuing licensure in a behavioral health field (e.g., LCSW, LPC, LMFT). Group supervision available for CADC hours.
• Potential eligibility for loan forgiveness through programs such as the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program or Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
• Generous training package covering costs and providing paid days to attend training.
• Competitive wages with cost-of-living adjustments and merit increases (for eligible employees).
• Robust paid time off, including:
  • 12 hours of vacation accrual per month (with a one-time option to frontload the first year of accruals).
  • 8 hours of sick accrual per month.
  • 10 paid holidays and 1 personal day per year.
• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP).
• Choice of medical plans (including chiropractic, alternative care, vision, and prescription drug coverage) and dental plans.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Longevity pay and additional retirement savings options (e.g., 457b Deferred Compensation Plan).
• Variety of optional benefits (see additional information).

This position is represented by the Employees' Association. Benefits become effective the first of the month following the date of hire.