Behavioral Health Specialist II

Behavioral Health Specialist II - Access Team

Location: OR-La Pine

Job Description:

Salary

$6,004.15 - $8,448.45 Monthly

Location 

La Pine, OR

Job Type

Regular, full time, full benefits

Job Number

2025-00167

Department

Health Services

Bargaining Unit

 

AFSCME

Summary

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:
Deschutes County Health Services supports over 400 staff in Behavioral and Public Health programs working to promote and protect the health and safety of the community in a broad variety of community based settings.

Deschutes County Behavioral Health (DCBH) is the Community Mental Health Program providing safety net and core clinical services for community members in Deschutes County dealing with mental health and substance use conditions. DCBH is also a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). As such, DCBH relies on multi-disciplinary teams to provide innovative, evidence based, recovery oriented services in behavioral healthcare settings co-located with physical health providers.
 
ABOUT THE COUNTY: 
We know where you choose to live, work and play matters. Deschutes County is one of the largest employers in Central Oregon and the largest municipal government in the region. Our dedicated and passionate workforce of more than 1,250 employees provide County services in a number of departments, divisions, and offices.  
 

Located in the heart of Central Oregon, between the towering Cascade Mountain Range to the west and the high desert plateau to the east, Deschutes County is the outdoor recreation capital of Oregon. We enjoy a renowned quality of life, with big-city opportunities and small-town neighborhoods.

We hope you’ll consider joining our talented team.
ABOUT THE JOB:
This position is a direct service to our community for people looking to engage with the Deschutes County Behavioral Health (DCBH) department as clients, as we are often the first point of contact for people seeking services through DCBH. We do our best to take a team approach to an individual process by providing support, collaboration, and consultation to one another as we meet the needs of our agency and community. Curiosity, engagement, and attention to detail are vital to this position. Frequent interactions with partner agencies in the community offer opportunities to bridge and connect with other area providers and to strengthen mutually beneficial relationships, such as private practice providers, government and NGA collaboration, along with area medical service providers, to name a few.

The primary responsibility of this position is to provide in-depth biopsychosocial assessments and behavioral health screenings for people across the lifespan: children, adults, and families. Screenings and assessments are conducted for all types of mental health and substance use concerns. ASAMs are a frequent element of these interviews, as well. Applicants searching for alternatives to case-load heavy positions are in the right place. Most of our client interactions consist of one to three points of contact followed by coordination with their ongoing primary provider. This position works closely with our outstanding referral coordinator as well as the Outpatient providers through DCBH.

Services are provided face-to-face, by video, and over the phone with clients. The incumbent will be instructed on the use of psychometric tools and surveys to assist in determining necessary levels of care, will be expected to provide appropriate treatment recommendations, and collaboratively develop service plans with clients. Duties may also include brief treatment interventions with individuals and families and may carry a small caseload of clients. This position can accrue hours towards licensure and certification in both clinical and substance-use fields. Clinical supervision is provided as part of employment. 

This position is primarily located at our South County Clinic in La Pine. Travel to other clinic locations in Deschutes County may be required. This will be discussed further at the time of the interview.
 
Typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm, though an adjusted work schedule can be discussed.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Provide comprehensive behavioral health screenings and in-depth bio-psycho-social assessments with DSM 5-TR/ ICD-10 diagnoses for children, adults, families, and ‘individuals in crisis’ who are seeking mental health and addiction services.
• Prepare concise and complete reports and documentation related to client diagnoses, treatment, progress, and services in a timely and professional manner.
• Determine necessary levels of care, appropriate treatment recommendations, collaborative service plans, and provide coordination of care with internal and external partners.

What You Will Bring:
Knowledge of or experience with:

• DSM 5 and differential diagnoses.
• Clinical interviewing and documentation skills.
• State and Federal Rules that outline compliance standards.

Skill in:

• Conducting comprehensive assessments, with justified diagnoses and measurable treatment plan objectives.
• Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Working effectively both independently and in a team setting. 
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other employees, clients, other agencies and the public at all times.

*This posting is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but rather constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function.
 
Notification to all candidates will be sent via email and/or text only. Please opt in for text messaging or check your email and your Governmentjobs.com account for application status.
 

Compensation

$6,004.15 to $8,046.13 per month for a 172.67 hour work month.

$6,304.35 to $8,448.45 per month for a 172.67 hour work month for those possessing current licensure without restrictions from a recognized governing board in Oregon as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

10% differential for those assigned to the La Pine location.

Excellent County benefit package when eligible. This union-represented position is available immediately. 

BENEFITS:

Our robust health plan is offered at a minimal cost of $95 per month for employee only or $116 per month for employee plus dependents, which includes an innovative on-site clinic, pharmacy, and wellness and wellbeing services. Additionally, we include life insurance, retirement (PERS), generous paid time-off (14-18 hours/month to start, pro-rated for part-time), holidays, and professional development opportunities. Please click HERE (Download PDF reader) for full benefit details.

 

Minimum Qualifications

 

• Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Recreational Therapy, Music Therapy, Art Therapy or a behavioral science field; 
• AND one (1) year of experience in the behavioral health field; 
• OR any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills and knowledge to perform the job. 

There are registration/certification requirements under the Mental Health and Addiction Counseling Board of Oregon (MHACBO) that apply to Qualified Mental Health Professionals (QMHP) hired by Deschutes County Health Services (DCHS). This only applies to QMHPs who do not possess current licensure or are currently pursuing licensure as an LCSW, LMFT, or LPC. Please see website for information on these requirements:https://mhacbo.org/en/.

There is no need to take action at this point. More information will be provided to candidates who progress to the final stage of the interview process. Registration and/or certification must be received within 14 days of hire date. Fees will be paid by DCHS if the candidate selected for the position meets the criteria for registration/certification.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current licensure without restrictions as an LCSW, LMFT, or LPC. 
• Experience working with children, adults, and families.
• Experience with short-term treatment therapy. 
• Experience with evidence-based models of behavioral health assessments. 
• Experience providing substance use disorder assessments. 
• Bilingual in Spanish and English communication.

Necessary Special Requirements

Driving is a requirement for this position. Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Oregon driver's license within 30 days of hire date. The employment offer will be contingent upon presentation of an acceptable and verifiable driver's license, pre-employment screening for criminal history, driving history, and controlled substances (NOTE: Positive test results for marijuana use may result in rescission of a contingent offer of employment). This screening must be completed with satisfactory findings in order for a formal offer of employment to be extended.

Must be willing to work a flexible schedule when necessary to meet client and department needs.

Must have dependable transportation and be able and willing to drive throughout Deschutes County in sometimes adverse weather conditions.

This position is located in Deschutes County and may be eligible for hybrid of in-office/remote work as allowed by policy and approved by the supervisor.

NOTE: Per OAR 407-007-0000 to 407-007-0100 (Download PDF reader) this position requires a Criminal Background check through the State Background Check Unit/Orchards, which may also include being fingerprinted. These rules provide for the reasonable screening under ORS 181A.195, 181A.200, 409.027 AND 413.036 of the County’s employees to determine if they have a history of specific criminal behavior identified in federal or state law or rules such that they should not be allowed to work, be employed, or perform in positions covered by these rules. Please click HERE (Download PDF reader) to review Criminal Records Check Rules. All offers of employment for this position are contingent upon the candidate receiving final approval from the State Background Check Unit/Orchards to work in this position.

BHS II, Licensed only: Candidates must not be excluded (or Opt-out) from participation in the federal health care programs (Medicaid, Medicare and other federally funded programs that provide health benefits); AND must not be excluded from participating in federal procurement (Federal Acquisition Regulation) and non-procurement activities (Executive Order No. 12549). All clinicians providing Mental Health services must be eligible to be enrolled in Oregon Medicaid as a MH Provider within the first 30 days for hire.

Deschutes County is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build an inclusive environment that encourages, supports, and represents the diverse voices and needs of our communities. All are encouraged to apply - we welcome diverse perspectives and experiences.