Behavioral Health Specialist 2 / QMHP

State of Oregon; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 79,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Relocation assistance

Generous time-off

Job summary

The State of Oregon’s Oregon Youth Authority seeks a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) to provide comprehensive mental and behavioral health services to youth at the Camp Florence Youth Transitional Facility in Florence, OR. You’ll collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to create a supportive treatment environment within the living unit.

The position requires licensure as QMHP, a qualifying degree, and driving privileges; you will assess mental health, document DSM diagnoses,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing or occupational therapy with state licensing and 3 years' relevant experience.
• Or a Master’s degree in psychology, social work, recreation, art or music therapy, or behavioral health science with 2 years' experience.

Responsibilities

• Deliver counseling and guidance to youth in a group living setting.
• Lead evidence-based interventions within a group living setting.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team to support treatment planning and implementation.
• Encourage youth to take responsibility, develop healthy habits and engage in socially acceptable behavior.

Skills

Counseling

Group therapy

Clinical assessment

DSM diagnoses

Education

Bachelor’s degree with license (nursing or OT)

Master’s degree in psychology, social work, recreation, art or music therapy, or behavioral health science

Job description

Behavioral Health Specialist 2 – Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)

Location: Florence, OR – Camp Florence Youth Transitional Facility.

Position Type: Employee. Salary Range: $6,581.00 - $9,191.00.

Job Overview: Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) seeks a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) to provide comprehensive mental and behavioral health services to youth at the Camp Florence Youth Transitional Facility. You’ll collaborate with a multidisciplinary team—including psychiatrists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, psychologists, the Living Unit Manager (LUM), and Case Coordinator (CC)—to create a supportive treatment environment within the assigned living unit. Your mission is to cultivate a positive and dynamic atmosphere that encourages youth to take responsibility, develop healthy habits, lead productive lives, and engage in socially acceptable behavior.

We are a diverse and inclusive agency and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Deliver counseling and guidance to youth from diverse backgrounds.
• Lead evidence‑based interventions within a group living setting.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team to support treatment planning and implementation.
• Encourage youth to take responsibility, develop healthy habits, and engage in socially acceptable behavior.

Qualifications

• Either a Bachelor’s degree in nursing or occupational therapy and licensed by the State of Oregon with three years of progressively responsible experience, OR a Master’s degree in psychology, social work, recreational, art or music therapy, or behavioral health science with two years of progressively responsible experience.
• Eligible for certification as a Qualified Mental Health Professional at the time of application.
• Valid driver’s license; driving is an essential function; acceptable driving record required.
• Graduate degree in psychology or nursing with Oregon license, or graduate degree in social work, behavioral science, recreational, art or music therapy, or occupational therapy with Oregon license.
• Education and experience demonstrating competency to assess mental health, conduct mental status examinations, document DSM diagnoses, write and supervise treatment plans, and provide individual, family, or group therapy within scope of practice.

Special Qualifications

• License as a Qualified Mental Health Professional.
• Current valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.

Desired Attributes / Application Scoring Criteria

• Licensure in discipline.
• Certificates or work experience in substance use treatment.
• Certificates or work experience in sexual harm behaviors.
• Strong clinical skills with adolescents and young adults, able to provide independent clinical work.
• Experience providing treatment in gang affiliation, anger management, fire setting, and violent offending.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package including low‑cost, high‑coverage health insurance, generous time‑off, and a competitive retirement plan.
• Relocation assistance available; reimbursement package under approved policy.*

Working Conditions

• Tobacco‑free environment.
• Counseling and casework in a group living milieu with potentially emotionally unstable clientele; risk of physical assault.
• Daily face‑to‑face contact with adjudicated youth who may exhibit hostile or assaultive behavior; requires rule enforcement and crisis restraint.
• Possible hostage situations; recall during emergencies.
• Weekend, holiday, evening, on‑call duty possible.
• Travel to other OYA locations or trainings statewide.
• Potential exposure to communicable diseases; infection‑control procedures required.

Equal Opportunity

OYA is an equal‑opportunity and affirmative action employer. All aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need. No discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

Applicants with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process. For assistance, contact OYA Recruitment at 971‑345‑1236.

We do not offer Visa sponsorship.

Pre‑Employment Checks

OYA conducts criminal record checks, driving record checks, vulnerable population abuse and neglect checks, drug screening, education verification, and professional licensing verification as required.

Questions

For questions about the job announcement, email the HR Recruiter at [e-mail].