CLOSE DATE This Job Posting closes at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time) on Wednesday, October 14, 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: $91,682.43 - $115,982.52
- Hourly Pay Range: $44.078091 - $55.760829
Mental Health Specialist 1 (unlicensed):
- 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% 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's Behavioral Health Division (CCBHD) is seeking an experienced, energetic, and adaptable mental health professional to join the Crisis Program at the Clackamas Mental Health Center (Clackamas MHC).
As a
Spanish Bilingual Mental Health Specialist, you will deliver comprehensive crisis response and short-term intervention to clients across the lifespan. In this versatile role, you will perform triage, conduct mental health assessments, provide brief treatment and case management, serve as a Mental Health Director's designee (training provided), and connect individuals to vital community, legal, medical, and social resources.
Under general direction, your primary responsibilities will include clinic-based risk assessments, crisis intervention, case management, consultation, and referrals. You will also provide outreach and engagement to individuals with serious mental illness who frequently need crisis services. This role serves vulnerable individuals, many of whom have limited resources, and requires the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
The ideal candidate brings a person-centered, strengths-based approach that includes peers and natural support systems; works collaboratively with community partners; respects each person's right to define and pursue their own recovery; and is committed to serving a diverse population and promoting equity and inclusion.
Clackamas County is committed to building a workforce that reflects the community we serve. We encourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds and with a range of experiences to apply, including those in recovery and those with lived experience.
Required Minimum Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:* - Registered as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) as established by the State of Oregon:
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 Mental Health Counseling, Social Work, Psychology or other behavioral science fields.
- If Licensed: Must hold credentials as aClinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or Licensed Psychologist AND have 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 a minimum of one (1) year of relevant experience that would provide the required knowledge and skills to perform the responsibilities of this position.
- *Licensure is not required to be obtained within three (3) years of hire. However, if licensure is obtained while employed, a promotion to the Mental Health Specialist 2 classification may be considered.
- Fluent in Spanish/English, both oral and written.
- At least one (1) year experience working with adults and children with mental health and substance abuse issues.
- At least one (1) year experience providing assessment, triage, and crisis intervention with individuals who are in mental health crisis.
- At least one (1) year experience assessing risk for suicide and/or danger to self or others.
- Experience utilizing an electronic health record or similar computerized data system.
- Must possess or obtain a CPR/First Aid certificate within six (6) months of hire.
Preferred Special Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:* - Current licensure in a behavioral health related field (LCSW, LPC, PsyD/PHD ).
- Certification as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) I, II, Ill.
- Experience working collaboratively with law enforcement, community partners, collateral service providers, and co-workers.
- Experience working in a community based setting (i.e.: mobile outreach, crisis assessment, in-home counseling, schools, crisis clinics, etc.).
Pre-Employment Requirements: - Must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test.
- Must pass a criminal history investigation which may include national or state fingerprint records check. This may include a completed Statement of Personal History (SPH).
- Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license and 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 - Provide emergent and urgent assessment and treatment services (including brief counseling and case management) for individuals across the life span in Clackamas County as part of the Behavioral Health Division's crisis program.
- Conduct mental health triage, crisis intervention, and consultation in person and/or via telehealth (phone or video).
- Be responsible for a caseload of clients suitable for short-term outpatient crisis stabilization treatment.
- Coordinate referrals and follow-up services with appropriate agencies.
- Document all contacts per Division guidelines. Enter and maintain documentation of services provided in the electronic clinical record in accordance with OAR and Division procedures.
- Perform responsibilities associated with serving as a Mental Health Director's designee, including initiating the involuntary commitment process through Director's Custody under ORS 426.233.
- Compile statistics and assist with reporting requirements as directed.
- Attend meetings and assist with providing training to county and community partners as requested.
WORK SCHEDULE This position works 40 hours during a standard workweek of Monday through Friday.
Standard work hours for this position are mid-day/evening shifts.
- Available work schedule: 10:30AM - 7:00PM
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.
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):
- 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)
The Behavioral Health Division provides licensure supervision to all regular status employees who have completed a Graduate degree in a behavioral science-related field (social work, counseling, clinical psychology, etc.), and is actively pursuing licensure in that field.
There may be options for loan forgiveness while working with a government/public agency with the Public Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
This is a full time County position represented by the Employees' Association.
Learn More About Benefits
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT The Clackamas County Behavioral Health Division strives to provide excellent mental health, substance use, care coordination, forensic, and peer services to those individuals who receive the Oregon Health Plan, Medicare or are uninsured and living in Clackamas County. Services are either provided by our own staff or through referral to partner providers located throughout the county.
Learn more about Clackamas County Behavioral Health Division
Behavioral Health is a Division of the Health, Housing, and Human Services (H3S) Department.
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 jobs@clackamas.us . 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 Jimmy Henry, Recruiter
Email: JHenry@clackamas.us
