Salary: $6,370.00 - $8,131.00 Monthly
Location : Mental Health Washington St, 445 3rd Ave SW, Albany, OR
Job Type: Full Time- SEIU
Job Number: 26-00022
Department: Mental Health
Program: Crisis
Opening Date: 07/28/2026
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: SEIU

Description

Mental Health Specialist 1 or 2 - Crisis Center
Mental Health Department (Classification 771 and 772)SEIU Represented Full-Time position (37.5 hours/week)

Mental Health Specialist 1: $6,370 - $8,131 Depending on Qualifications
Mental Health Specialist 2: $7,023 - $8,966 Depending on Qualifications
This position is open until filled.

First review of applications will be on August 11, 2026. Any applications received after August 11 will be reviewed and considered as needed, and this posting may close at any time after that date.

Linn County requires on-site work. Remote work is not available.

Linn County Mental Health is looking for an experienced therapist to work with a wide range of consumers entering mental health treatment or experiencing a mental health crisis at the new Crisis Center.
Job Summary

• Duties include conducting admission screenings and intakes. Must be willing to work as part of an interdisciplinary team and follow documentation requirements in accordance with the Oregon Administrative Rules and department policies and procedures. Having upgraded skills in medical management information system that support clinical work is desired.
• Provide immediate, short-term, and flexible services to individuals experiencing an acute mental health crisis who are at risk of serious adverse outcomes and are not currently enrolled in traditional outpatient services.
• This position will respond to individuals who:
  
  • Have co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges
  • Are involved in the criminal legal system, including individuals who are incarcerated or participating in diversion, re-entry, or supervision programs
  • Experience barriers to accessing traditional services due to mistrust, cognitive limitations, or other challenges
  • Are unable to complete traditional intake processes due to symptoms or functional limitations
  • Present with high acuity needs beyond the scope of a single crisis outreach
  • Require intensive and individualized engagement strategies
  • Are frequently in contact with law enforcement, emergency departments, or other high-utilization community systems
  • May benefit from creative scheduling and nontraditional approaches to outreach and engagement
• Collaborate with crisis team members, agency staff, MH circuit courts, and community partners to coordinate response and ensure safety, continuity, and effective resource linkage.
• Maintain a combination of crisis response contacts and a small ongoing caseload, providing both immediate interventions and continued support as clinically indicated.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members and community partners to develop and implement effective care plans.
• Develop and maintain effective, harmonious and reasonable work relationships with others.
• Maintain regular and predictable work attendance.

Minimum Qualifications

Masters degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or related field is required. Professional or supervised practicum-level experience in providing similar services to persons with similar problems or concerns is desirable but not required. Any satisfactory equivalent combination of experience, education and training which demonstrates the ability to perform the work described may be acceptable.

This is a non-supervisory position. Lead work and coordination of work of others is not a typical function assigned to this position. Incumbents in this position may provide training and orientation to newly assigned personnel.

Must be able to pass a criminal history check and possess or obtain a valid Oregon driver's license with an acceptable driving record that meets the County's requirements.
Special Requirements

VISA sponsorship

Linn County does not offer VISA sponsorship. Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. If your employment authorization and documentation is contingent on sponsorship now or in the future, you will not meet Agency employment eligibility standards.

Linn County employees say their benefits play a large role in what makes the County such a great place to work. We offer competive benefit plans.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
  • Family plans are less than $15 per month
• Vacation and Floating Days
• Paid Holiday Time
  • 10.5 paid holidays
• Sick & Bereavement Time
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• County Paid Life and Long Term Disability Benefits
• Longevity Incentive
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Public Employee Retirement System (PERS)
  • Fully Paid by County

For a full list of our benefits, please visit our Benefits webpage:
01

Have you graduated from an accredited college or university with a Master's Degree in social work, counseling, psychology, psychiatric nursing, or a related field? To see qualifying related degrees please review: https://www.mhacbo.org/en/certifications/

• Yes, Masters Degree or Higher
• Yes, Masters Degree within the next 6 months
• No

02

Please check any of the following credentials you have earned either from the State of Oregon or from a state which is transferrable to the State of Oregon. You will be asked to upload and attach a copy of your current license or certification for all boxes checked.

• Licensed Professional Counselor
• Licensed Professional Social Worker
• Licensed Marriage Family Therapist
• Registered as a QMHP with Mental Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO) https://www.mhacbo.org/en/
• On path to Licensure for LCSW or LPC
• None

03

How many years of experience do you have working with patients who are diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness?

• No Experience
• Less than 1 year
• One year to 3 years
• More than 3 years

04

Do you have experience practicing individual, group and family therapy techniques?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have experience working with individuals who endorse suicidal ideation, plan or intent? Please explain.
06

What Electronic Medical Records System have you used?
Required Question