Mental Health Associate - Swing Shift

Lane County Government; Eugene (OR); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Lane County Behavioral Health seeks Qualified Mental Health Associates to join Mobile Crisis Services in Lane County. Two-person response teams provide crisis assessment, intervention and safety planning across rural and metropolitan areas, with on-scene and community-based support.

Successful candidates will remain calm under pressure, show sound judgment, and work effectively with diverse communities. Training includes three weeks of onboarding; a valid driver's license is required; QMHA

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a behavioral science field from an accredited university with major course work in a mental health field, psychology, sociology or a related field.
• At least one year of work experience working directly with mentally or emotionally disturbed clients, and a combination of education, training and/or work experience in a behavioral sciences field that totals two additional years, plus the required competencies.
• A combination of at least three year's relevant work, education, training or experience, AND have the competencies necessary to a) communicate effectively, b) understand mental health assessment treatment and service terminology and to apply the concepts, and c) provide psychosocial skills development and to implement interventions prescribed on a treatment plan within their scope of practice, is qualifying.
• QMHA Certification through MHACBO, NPI, Transcripts, Diploma, CV or Resume

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis assessment, intervention and safety planning in two-person response teams.
• Offer phone, office and community-based crisis support and follow-up referrals.
• Stabilize immediate concerns and connect individuals with appropriate resources.
• Work with clinical staff for oversight and backup support while maintaining compassionate engagement with diverse communities.

Skills

Compassion

Calm under pressure

Effective communication

Crisis assessment

Education

Bachelor's degree in behavioral science or related field

1 year experience with mentally/emotionally disturbed clients

Combined education/experience totaling two years in behavioral sciences

Job description

About the Position

Lane County Behavioral Health is seeking compassionate and skilled Qualified Mental Health Associates to join Mobile Crisis Services of Lane County. This program provides timely, community-based support to people experiencing behavioral health crises throughout rural and metropolitan Lane County.

Description

Working in two-person response teams, Mobile Crisis Responders provide phone, office and community-based crisis assessment, intervention and safety planning. Using standardized tools and evidence-informed strategies, responders help stabilize immediate concerns, connect individuals with appropriate resources, and provide follow-up referrals and case management.

Clinical staff provide oversight and backup support. Successful candidates will remain calm in challenging situations, use sound judgment, work effectively with diverse communities, and approach people in crisis with dignity and compassion.

About the Division

Lane County Behavioral Health provides services to more than 1,600 individuals with behavioral health conditions. We work with community partners to provide a continuum of care from prevention through treatment and aftercare in an environment that promotes a culture of resilience and recovery.

• Lane County employees may be eligible for student loan repayment:
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• National Health Service Corps

Find out from Lane County employees how it is to work for the Behavioral Health division.

Schedule

Wednesday - Saturday, 2:00 pm - 12:00 am. The initial training will include three weeks of training 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.

As the program expands to 24-hour coverage, there will be the opportunity to take on variable shifts. This program may include overtime, and/or non-traditional work hours including nights and weekends, and some holidays. These positions include community-based work and related travel for routine job tasks.

*This is an AFSCME represented position*

Qualifications

Training

• Bachelor's degree in a behavioral science field from an accredited university with major course work in a mental health field, psychology, sociology or a related field.

OR

• At least one year of work experience working directly with mentally or emotionally disturbed clients, and a combination of education, training and/or work experience in a behavioral sciences field that totals two additional years, plus the required competencies.

OR

• A combination of at least three year's relevant work, education, training or experience, AND have the competencies necessary to a) communicate effectively, b) understand mental health assessment treatment and service terminology and to apply the concepts, and c) provide psychosocial skills development and to implement interventions prescribed on a treatment plan within their scope of practice, is qualifying.

Special Requirements

• QMHA Certification through MHACBO
• NPI
• Transcripts
• Diploma
• CV or Resume

DRIVER’S LICENSE

• Must be in possession of a valid driver's license at time of application, and a valid Oregon Driver's license by time of appointment.

Notes

• These positions are subject to the DHS ORCHARDS background check process.
• Offers of employment are contingent upon consenting to, and successfully passing, a drug screening test.
• Please note that as part of the screening process Lane County will verify certification status with MHACBO.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Lane County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

Strategic Plan

In alignment with Lane County's Strategic Plan, incumbent(s) will be expected to demonstrate the following core behaviors: Passion to Serve, Driven to Connect, and Focused on Solutions.

The 2025 - 2027 Strategic Plan focuses on the areas that Lane County will pursue as a way to deliver on our vision for the residents of Lane County. To meet these challenges, we know that the basis of our efforts lies in leveraging our people and partnerships to achieve our Strategic Priorities. We also recognize that the quality and commitment of our staff is essential to a shared future where Lane County is the best place in which to live, work, and play.

Trauma Informed Care Statement

Lane County Health & Human Services is committed to providing Trauma Informed Care. As an organization, we recognize that many of the people we serve have experienced trauma, either currently, recently or in their past. Our agency is dedicated to incorporating an understanding of trauma, both with our clients and with each other. Our employees receive ongoing training to develop or deepen their understanding of trauma and its impacts.

Careers With Lane County Offer Extraordinary Benefits

At Lane County, we value our employees and we show it with our extraordinary benefits. We know that you chose public service for more than a paycheck, and our outstanding benefits are designed to help you Live Well, Live Lane - throughout your career. Read on to learn what great benefits await you in a career with Lane County.

Introducing ALEX, Lane County's benefit advisor! ALEX is an interactive tool that will help you understand the benefits being offered, out of pocket expenses and coverage available. You will need the Collective Bargaining Unit found in your job posting and when asked for your date of hire, please put in today's date.

• The below information describes typical benefits available for Regular Full-time Employees. Actual benefits received may differ by position, employment status (regular, temporary, or extra help) and/or bargaining group.

Collective Bargaining Units

• Admin-Pro
• AFSCME
• AFSCME Nurses
• AFSCME Physicians
• FOPPO
• LCPOA
• Local 626
• Prosecuting Attorney's

Benefits to keep you & your family well - Physically

Health insurance coverage becomes effective the first of the month following your first 30-days as an eligible employee.

Medical/Rx/Vision

Lane County Offers Medical, Prescription And Vision Exam Coverage For You And Your Eligible Dependents. The Plan Options And Costs Per Month For 2026 Are Outlined Below:

If you enroll in the HDHP the County will contribute to your HSA:

• For eligible members of unions LCPOA, 626, Admin Pro, and AFSCME Physicians $1,700 for individual coverage and $3,400 for family coverage.
• For eligible members of unions AFSCME General, AFSCME Nurses, FOPPO, PAA, and non‑represented employees $1,600 for individual coverage and $3,200 for family coverage. Those who complete the requirements to receive the Live Well Credit by November 30, 2026, will receive an additional contribution of $400 individual or $800 family, funded in 2027.
• These amounts are prorated based on date of hire.
• All eligible employees who complete a Health History Risk Assessment (HHRA), Biometric Screening, and Comprehensive Health Review (CHR) at the Live Well Center receive a $20 per month credit.

Wellness Clinic

The Live Well Center is for Lane County benefits‑eligible employees, spouses and dependents (ages 2 and up) who are enrolled in the Lane County health plan. Marathon Health manages the Live Well Center and their clinical team provides confidential, affordable care for your acute and preventive healthcare needs. The Live Well Center also provides health coaching, chronic disease counseling, comprehensive primary care services, and much more.

Dental

Lane County provides dental coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Lane County provides this counseling and concierge service to employees and members of their immediate households.

Fitness Center Membership

Lane County provides employees with a free membership to a local fitness center.

Benefits to keep you & your family well - Financially

Retirement

Lane County pays for and enrolls employees in the Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP) and the Individual Account Program (IAP) following six full months of employment.

Disability

Lane County provides Long-Term Disability coverage. Lane County complies with all State and Federal disability laws for employee, family, parental and pregnancy leaves regulations.

Time Management

Lane County provides employees with a generous bank of hours to be used for sick, vacation, family emergencies and personal days.

Holidays

Lane County provides 10 paid holidays per year:

• New Year's Day
• Independence Day
• Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday
• Labor Day
• Presidents' Day
• Veterans' Day
• Memorial Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Juneteenth
• Christmas Day

Life Insurance

Lane County pays for employee group term life insurance.

County-paid Training & Development to keep your career well

On-site Classes: Lane County offers a variety of on-site classes to develop employees' soft and technical skills.

Online Training

Lane County offers a variety of online classes through LEAP to help employees continually improve their skills.

Conferences & Seminars

Lane County will consider reimbursement for employees to attend professional conferences, dependent upon budget, to encourage continuous learning and professional development.

Lane County Offers These Other Valuable Benefits

• Deferred Compensation Retirement Savings: Employees may enroll in a deferred compensation program 457(b) to save for retirement.
• Vision: Eligible employees may purchase supplemental vision insurance.
• Supplemental Life Insurance: Employees may purchase supplemental life insurance for themselves and their dependents/spouse.
• Aflac: Optional employee-paid voluntary group coverage is available through Aflac.
• Group Discounts: Group discounts may include homeowners and auto insurance, pet health insurance, credit union membership.

Paid medical, dental and vision coverage for dependents is determined by labor agreement or APM, as applicable. Physicians should contact their supervisor for health plan options and rates. Please note that Temporary and Extra Help positions are not typically eligible for benefits. This is only brief summary of benefits available to eligible Lane County employees. In all cases, plan documents govern.

For additional information about these extraordinary benefits contact the Benefit Resource Center at 1-866-468-7272, or Lane County HR at [phone].