CLOSE DATE This Job Posting closes at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time) on Monday, September 7, 2026. Please Note: The application deadline may be extended to expand the pool of qualified candidates. Any recruitment timeline changes will be communicated to all who have initiated an application process or have submitted an application.
COMPENSATION Mental Health Specialist 2 Salary Range: Annual Pay Range: $91,682.43 - $115,982.52
Hourly Pay Range: $44.078091 - $55.760829
Mental Health Specialist 1 Salary Range: Annual Pay Range: $75,689.78 - $ 96,108.46
Hourly Pay Range: $36.389318 - $ 46.205988
*Bilingual Spanish/English skills are required for this position. An additional 5% of base compensation is added to pay. Salary offers will be made within the posted pay range and will be based on the candidate's experience (paid or unpaid) that is directly relevant to the position.
JOB DETAILS AND QUALIFICATIONS Clackamas County's Health Centers - Behavioral Health Clinics is seeking a motivated and adaptable Mental Health clinician to provide assessment and treatment services. The clinician in this position should be licensed or eligible to obtain licensure. 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 a variety of professional counseling and program services to individuals receiving mental health services. Services will include but are not limited to conducting assessments, service planning, ongoing therapy, crisis support and leading therapy groups. The Mental Health Specialist manages a client caseload; participates as an effective member on a team of mental health professionals which conducts evaluations, treatment planning, and placement for clients; participates in one or more programs providing services; participates in and supports increased diversity and equity within our team, clinic and county; and completes other work as required. This position will also manage client crises and will be assigned to cover additional duties as necessary, which could involve working as a generalist within our clinics.
Successful applicants will be able to provide culturally competent treatment modalities, have an anti-racist lens, will have completed some personal reflection and growth in their own equity journey, have a strong commitment to providing equitable services to the community, foster an open and productive environment, and demonstrating sensitivity to and respect for the diverse populations we serve. Mental Health Specialists provide outpatient treatment to vulnerable individuals, many of whom may have limited resources. Professionals in these positions should thrive in a setting where they will work independently as well as in a team environment.
Required Minimum Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:* - Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) as established by the Oregon Administrative Rules by time of hire.
- A "Qualified Mental Health Professional" (QMHP) means a Licensed Medical Provider or any other person meeting one or more of the following minimum qualifications as authorized by the Local Mental Health Authority or designee:
Graduate degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or in a behavioral science field
- If Licensed, must be 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 (2) years of related experience that would provide the required knowledge and skills to perform the responsibilities of this position.
- If Unlicensed, must have minimum of one (1) year of relevant experience that would provide the required knowledge and skills to perform the duties of the role AND must also receive licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Licensed Psychologist (PsyD/PHD) within three (3) years of hire.
- Fluent in Spanish/English, both oral and written
- Must possess and maintain a Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate
- Must successfully pass the credentialing process
Preferred Special Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:* - Current Licensure as a LCSW, LPC, or LMFT
- Experience working with Evidence Based Treatment Practices
- Experience working with individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance abuse issues
- Experience providing behavioral health services to individuals across the lifespan, including children, adolescents, adults, and older adults.
- Experience facilitating therapy groups
- Ability to perform concurrent (collaborative) documentation/charting with clients
- The ability to complete 60 documented hours of alcohol and drug training, if licensed, or obtain a CADC within 2 years of hire
Pre-Employment Requirements: - Must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test.
- Must pass a criminal history check which may include national or state fingerprint records check
- Driving is necessary for County business. For position(s) with occasional/incidental driving, incumbents must possess a valid driver's license. Accommodation requests for an acceptable alternative method of transportation will be reviewed on an individual basis in compliance with State and Federal legislation. For position(s) with regular driving, incumbent(s) must also possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.
* For Veterans qualified for Veteran's Preference: If you believe you have skills that would transfer well to this position and/or special qualifications that relate to this position, please list those skills and/or qualifications in the open-ended question at the end of the application and explain how those skills and/or qualifications relate to this position.
TYPICAL TASKS Typical Tasks: - Provides individual, family, and group therapy and other therapeutic interventions to clients and families in accordance with service plans to meet clients' treatment needs.
- Develops and implements service plans; determines appropriate treatment, skills training, and care service needs; matches clients with appropriate services and resources; makes referrals to internal and external providers; and completes level-of-care tools as part of service planning.
- Conducts client interviews to gather information and complete comprehensive assessments and reassessments for mental health and substance use disorders, including psychosocial, developmental, financial, physical, trauma, substance use, diagnostic, and mental status information; evaluates clients' functional impairments.
- Monitors client progress during treatment; prepares treatment progress notes; updates assessments and service plans in accordance with Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) and agency policies and procedures; and completes program-related assignments as required.
- Coordinates with internal and external health care providers and social service personnel to obtain, problem-solve, and coordinate services for clients; consults with other staff as assigned; and meets with community partners as needed or assigned to address client needs.
- Coordinates and consults with families, DHS, juvenile departments, schools, and other providers to optimize treatment outcomes and responds to emergencies and urgent requests.
- Works closely with multidisciplinary providers and team members, including physicians, psychiatrists, therapists, case managers, and peer support staff, to evaluate, plan, and provide appropriate care for clients.
View the full classification specification (Search Mental Health Specialist 1 or 2 classifications).
WORK SCHEDULE This position works 40 hours during a standard workweek of Monday through Friday.
Specific hours of work will be discussed with the candidate selected for this position at the time an offer of employment is extended.
This position is designated as
on-site/in-person. It is expected that the selected candidate will perform duties at the specified on-site work location. As the team grows, hybrid schedules may be considered.
BENEFITS INFORMATION Health Centers-Behavioral Health provides licensure supervision to all regular status employees who have completed a Graduate degree in a behavioral health related field (social work, counseling, marriage and family therapy, etc.) and are actively pursuing a licensure in that field.
Group supervision is available for CADC hours for those on a CADC track.
Clackamas County's Health Centers are Federally Qualified Health Centers.
There may be options for loan forgiveness while working with a government / public agency through programs such as the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program or the Public Services Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
Generous training package that covers costs and allows for paid days to attend training.
Clackamas County proudly offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including competitive wages, cost-of-living adjustments, merit increases (for eligible employees), and a robust sick and vacation plan for regular status employees.
We encourage and support employee health and wellness by offering health and wellness classes and events, and alternative care benefits, so you can customize your wellness needs to fit your lifestyle.
Employee benefits become effective the first of the month following an employee's date of hire.
Attractive benefits package and incentives for employees in regular status positions are detailed below. Generous paid time off package, including: - 12 hours of vacation accrual per month
- Eligible newly hired employees will have the one-time option to frontload their first year of vacation accruals! This means you have access to vacation time at time of hire.
- 8 hours of sick accrual per month
- 10 paid holidays and 1 personal day per year
Other Benefits: - Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP)
- A Choice of Medical Plans that include chiropractic coverage, alternative care, vision, and prescription drug coverage
- A Choice of Dental Plans
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Longevity pay
- Other retirement Savings Options that allow for additional retirement funds savings, including an option to contribute a portion of employee earnings on a pre or post-tax basis to a 457b Deferred Compensation Plan
- A variety of additional optional benefits (see link below for additional information)
This is a full time County position represented by the Employees' Association.
Learn More About Benefits
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT Clackamas County Health Centers provide direct medical, dental, and mental health services to Clackamas County residents.
We provide services at our Integrated Primary Health Care Clinics, our mental health clinics, or through our School Based Health Centers.
Health Centers is a Division of t he Health, Housing, and Human Services (H3S) Department.
Learn more about Clackamas Health Centers.
Health, Housing, and Human Services (H3S) consists of six divisions, dedicated to ensuring heal th families and strong communities in Clackamas County.
Mission Statement: We lead and learn with equity in serving individuals, families, and communities by providing access to high quality healthcare, housing, and services that strengthen social and economic resilience.
Vision Statement: Individuals, families, and communities are resilient and thriving.
H3S is committed to improving programs and ensuring better outcomes for the people served, and focuses on the following goals:
- EMPOWERED AND THRIVING STAFF - H3S staff are empowered, engaged and have a sense of belonging while being valued and supported to thrive.
- EQUITY DRIVEN SERVICES - H3S promotes and provides accessible, equitable and culturally responsive services.
- ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE & CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT - H3S operates consistently, efficiently and effectively as a cohesive department, using our individual and collective skills and expertise.
APPLICATION PROCESS Clackamas County only accepts online applications.
Help with the Application
If you have any questions or issues you may contact the Department of Human Resources by calling 503-655-8459 or emails us at
[email protected] . Our office hours are Monday - Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time (closed on Fridays).
HOW TO CLAIM VETERAN'S PREFERENCE Req
