WHO MAY APPLY We welcome candidates who are interested in providing culturally responsive behavioral health services and who meet the qualifications for either level of this opportunity.
One position may be filled at the
Mental Health Specialist 1 (unlicensed) level, depending on the selected candidate's experience, qualifications, and licensure pathway. Licensure is required 3 years from date of hire.
Spanish/English bilingual skills are preferred for both positions. Candidates with bilingual and bicultural experience, particularly those who can effectively serve diverse individuals and families, are strongly encouraged to apply.
CLOSE DATE This Job Posting closes at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time) on
Tuesday, September 8, 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 (licensed): Annual Pay Range: $89,272.08 - $112,933.33
Hourly Pay Range: $42.919271 - $54.294868
Mental Health Specialist 1 (unlicensed): Annual Pay Range: $73,699.88 - $93,581.75
Hourly Pay Range: $35.432637 - $44.991225
- Bilingual Spanish/English skills are preferred for this position. An additional 5% compensation is added to pay.
- Salary offers will be made within the posted pay range and will be based on a candidate's experience (paid or unpaid) that is directly relevant to the position.
JOB DETAILS AND QUALIFICATIONS Clackamas County Health Centers is seeking compassionate and collaborative
Mental Health Specialists to join the Adult Outpatient Treatment Care Team. The clinicians selected for this position should have a strong commitment to providing equitable services to the community and 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, as well as fostering an open and productive environment, and demonstrating sensitivity to and respect for the diverse populations we serve. This clinician will join our team at our clinic located in Milwaukie, Oregon.
These positions provide professional behavioral health services to individuals and families, including comprehensive mental health and substance use assessments, treatment planning, individual, group and family therapy, crisis intervention, and care coordination. As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will collaborate with healthcare providers, community partners and other professionals to connect clients with appropriate treatment, services and resources and support continuity of care. You will participate in mental health and substance use assessments, develop and implement treatment plans, and provide services to a wide range of individuals with diverse needs. These positions also manage client crises and provide coverage as needed, which may include working as a generalist across adult, child and family programs. You will contribute to a collaborative and inclusive environment and support the County's commitment to diversity, equity and culturally responsive services.
While the positions share similar clinical responsibilities,
one position may be filled as an unlicensed, Mental Health Specialist 1, depending upon experience, qualifications and licensure pathway.
Spanish/English bilingual skills are preferred for both opportunities. We encourage candidates with bilingual and bicultural experience and the ability to provide culturally responsive behavioral health services to apply.
Required Minimum Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:* - Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) as established by the Mental Health and Addiction Counseling Board of Oregon (MHACBO) and Oregon Administrate Rules.
- If Licensed, must be credentialed as aClinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) 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), or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) within three (3) years of hire.
- Experience working with adults with mental health and substance abuse issues
- Experience facilitating therapy groups for adults.
- Ability to perform concurrent (collaborative) documentation/charting with clients.
- Must possess and maintain a Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate.
- Must successfully pass the credentialing process.
Preferred Special Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:* - Fluency in Spanish/English (bilingual skills to be validated/tested at time of interview and/or selection, if applicable)
- Current licensure as LCSW, LPC or LMFT
- Certification as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) I, II, III
- Experience working with Evidence Based Treatment Practices
Pre-Employment Requirements: - Must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. Learn more about the County's drug testing policy.
- Must pass a criminal history check which may include national or state fingerprint records check
*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 - Conduct comprehensive mental health and substance use assessments and reassessments, including psychosocial, developmental, financial and physical factors, substance use and trauma history, diagnosis, mental status, and functional impairment.
- Develop and implement individualized service and treatment plans, determine appropriate treatment and care needs, and connect clients with appropriate services and resources.
- Provide individual, group, and family therapy and therapeutic interventions to clients and their families or caregivers.
- Provide crisis intervention, including pre-admission screening, crisis intervention, and brief crisis counseling.
- Monitor treatment progress and maintain timely and accurate clinical documentation and electronic health records.
- Coordinate care with internal and external healthcare providers, social service professionals, and community agencies.
- Work collaboratively with physicians, psychiatrists, therapists, case managers, and other providers to evaluate, treat, and plan appropriate client care.
- Coordinate with families, schools, public and private agencies, law enforcement, the justice system, and other partners to support treatment goals and address client needs.
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 eligible for hybrid on-site/remote subject to the Clackamas County Teleworking Policy and based on the Department's business needs.
- The work schedule, when hybrid on-site/remote, will include working 50% on-site at the Lake Road Clinic.
- Telework remote locations cannot be located outside of Oregon or Washington. Washington residents must spend 50% of their time on-site at Clackamas County.
BENEFITS INFORMATION 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 accrued 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 accrued 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):
- Employer paid 6% PERS retirement contribution (The county currently pays the employee's share of the retirement contribution.)
- OPSRP members get vested after five years of contributions or when they reach age 65
- 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 the 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 health 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 Requesting Veterans' Preference
Learn more about Oregon's Veterans' Preference
VISA SPONSORSHIP Clackamas County does not offer visa sponsorships. Once a job applicant has accepted a position, they will be required to complete an I-9 and confirm authorization to work in the United States prior to their first day.
RECRUITMENT CONTACT E.D. Barnett, Recruiter
Email:
[email protected] 
