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Jobs · Oregon

Work out of Class (WOC) Pre-Commitment Investigator, Behavioral Health Division

Multnomah County · Portland, OR · 1 wk ago
$42.68–$52.49/hrFull-time

Internal posting: only former Multnomah County employees on an active recall list may apply.

Pay

$42.68 - $52.49 hourly

Schedule

Temporary position with no benefits. Non-exempt (hourly union-represented; eligible for overtime). Routine telework/hybrid; daily commuting to local hospitals required. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington.

Overview

The WOC – Pre-Commitment Investigator serves a critical function at the intersection of clinical behavioral health and the legal system. In this role, you will conduct in-depth evaluations of individuals involuntarily detained in a hospital setting who are alleged to be a danger to themselves or others due to a behavioral health disorder, or are unable to meet their essential needs. Your professional determination guides the judicial process by recommending the appropriate course of action, which may include No Hearing, a 14-day Diversion, or a formal Civil Commitment Hearing.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct civil commitment investigations according to Oregon Revised Statute chapter 426 and Oregon Administrative Rule 309-033.
  • Interview alleged mentally ill persons in hospital settings; conduct thorough assessments including mental status, diagnostic impressions, crisis assessment, and risk assessment.
  • Review hospital records and other pertinent documents such as police reports.
  • Interview family members, treatment providers, and witnesses of alleged dangerousness.
  • Consult with psychiatric treatment providers regarding potential for danger, recommended treatment, and ability to engage in treatment voluntarily.
  • Determine least restrictive mental health treatment options to mitigate potential danger.
  • Monitor progress of inpatient treatment and its efficacy in mitigating risk.
  • Determine whether an alleged mentally ill person should be recommended for a civil commitment hearing.
  • Perform the full range of duties independently, applying well-developed subject knowledge and exercising judgment.
  • Prepare written reports of findings for each investigation and file legal documents with the circuit court.
  • Maintain clinical records per applicable state laws and county policy; complete data reporting forms.
  • Prepare cases for civil commitment hearings; file documents with the court; communicate with attorneys, judicial staff, and judges.
  • Attend civil commitment hearings; coordinate witnesses and provide testimony as needed.
  • Represent Behavioral Health Division and Health Department policies to other public agencies and the community.
  • Use a personal vehicle to travel to assigned hospital sites.

Requirements

  • Master’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a behavioral science field.
  • Must meet standards of Qualified Mental Health Professional-C (QMHP-C) with the Mental Health & Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO) and/or licensed by the Oregon Board (LPC, LCSW, PhD, etc.).
  • Journey-level experience (equivalent to 1–2 years post-graduate) working with persons diagnosed with severe persistent mental health disorders.
  • Can pass an examination regarding Oregon statutes and administrative rules relating to civil commitment.
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire, an active and valid registration as a Mental Health Investigator Certification from the Oregon Health Authority.
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to use a personal vehicle for work travel.
  • Must pass a background investigation, which may include fingerprinting; additional criminal background checks or training may be required depending on assignment.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Leadership experience in the crisis field.
  • Experience leading with race through actions and advocacy with internal programs, community partners, and across departments.
  • Ability to flex style across cultural contexts and demonstrate respect for ethnic and cultural diversity.
  • Knowledge of challenges and barriers faced by individuals with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI) in residential services, adult protective services, and crisis services.
  • Ability to collaborate and build relationships to achieve positive work outcomes.
  • High degree of resilience, outcome-driven, and ability to thrive in an environment of rapid change while managing pressure professionally.

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