Psychiatric Social Worker-SR33-Oregon State Hospital-Salem

Initial posting date: 10/20/2026. Application deadline: 10/29/2026. Agency: Oregon Health Authority. This is a full-time, permanent, SEIU-represented position based in Salem, Oregon. The role is in-office, working daily with individuals with active symptoms of mental illness who may exhibit significant physical aggression.

About the role

Psychiatric Social Worker SR 33 at Oregon State Hospital in Salem. The position focuses on providing hope, safety, and support in an individual's recovery and wellness. You will provide clinical interventions and services in an in-patient psychiatric setting to support patient recovery, complete comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments, and collaborate with vested parties on discharge planning. Oregon State Hospital provides a 5% license differential for LCSW holders per the SEIU union contract. The Social Work Department also offers clinical supervision for CSWA holders working toward licensure. This posting remains open and continuing; applications are reviewed weekly.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial and ongoing strength-based assessments from a trauma-informed lens, including initial psychosocial assessment, annual updates, and readiness-to-transition assessments.
• Prepare written social work reports for Risk Review, the Psychiatric Security Review Board (PSRB), and other partner agencies.
• Provide compassionate services to each patient on your caseload on a weekly or monthly basis, monitor progress toward stated Social Work Interventions, and update the treatment care plan as indicated.
• Work within a unit interdisciplinary team to monitor need for hospital level of care and readiness for transition from OSH.
• Prepare for and participate in court hearings and testify as requested.
• Conduct recovery-oriented and skill-building groups based on patients' clinical needs as defined in the treatment care plan.
• Provide discharge and continuity-of-care planning for each patient based on service needs, preferences, and available community resources.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications

• Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW).
• Current Oregon Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license, OR current Certified Social Work Associate (CSWA) license, OR verification of application submission to the Oregon Board of Social Workers (OBSW) by date of appointment.

Desired attributes

• Experience creating and maintaining a work environment that is respectful and accepting of diversity among team members and the people served.
• Clinical knowledge, skills, and abilities in working with persons with mental illness and substance abuse disorders who may be involved in both the mental health and legal systems.
• Ability to utilize theoretical frameworks and appropriate evidence-based practices in working with persons with mental illness.
• Knowledge and utilization of the principles and methods of psychiatric recovery.
• Knowledge of discharge planning services and supports.
• Proficiency with technology-based medical records systems and standard MS Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) along with other identified tools to perform standardized care.
• Ability to work in a collaborative team setting.

Special requirements

• Must pass a criminal records check and driving records check that meet OHA criteria at time of hire and throughout employment.

Benefits

• Excellent medical, vision, and dental benefits for employee and qualified family members with very low monthly out-of-pocket cost.
• Optional life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and childcare expenses.
• 11 paid holidays, 3 personal business days, 8 hours of monthly sick leave, and vacation accrual starting at 8 hours per month.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) / Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP).
• Training opportunities to grow your career with the State of Oregon.

Additional details

• Application information will be used to complete an Equal Pay Analysis to determine salary placement upon hire.
• The posted salary range is the non-PERS qualifying range; if the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the range reflects an additional 6.95%.
• Agency does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, the employee must complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States; OHA uses E-Verify.
• For questions about the announcement or to request an alternate format to apply, contact recruiter Melissa M. Perez, SPHR at melissa.m.perez@oha.oregon.gov or 503-209-7058.