Mental Health Specialist 1 or 2

Lane County Government; Eugene (OR); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Student loan repayment

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

National Health Service Corps

Job summary

Lane County Behavioral Health in Eugene, Oregon is seeking a skilled mental health clinician to serve as a Civil Commitment Investigator. This full-time role offers telework after 6 months and flexible scheduling, with no billing requirements.

Ideal candidates hold a QMHP certification and Oregon licensure, with strong clinical writing and independent-working abilities. The team operates across hospitals, community, and office settings, supporting adults with severe mental health needs.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in mental health field.
• QMHP Certification or enrolled as Clinical Social Work Associate, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate.
• Must obtain Civil Commitment Investigator certification with OHA within 60 days of hire.
• Unencumbered background check and drug screening required.
• Strong clinical writing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Investigate inpatient psychiatric holds by interviewing individuals and families.
• Review medical records and police reports; consult with treatment providers.
• Write clear investigation court reports for civil commitment proceedings.
• Coordinate with counties and the Oregon State Hospital; attend virtual hearings.
• Cross-train as post-commitment liaison to support patients in hospital and community settings.

Skills

Clinical writing

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in mental health field

QMHP Certification

Oregon licensure (LCSW/LPC/LPS/Licensed LMFT)

Job description

Description

Mental Health Specialist 1: $32.60 - $43.48

Mental Health Specialist 2: $36.89 - $49.25

About The Position

Lane County Behavioral Health in Eugene, Oregon is seeking a skilled mental health clinician to serve the community of Lane County as a Civil Commitment Investigator. This is a full-time position within a supportive team environment. This position is eligible for telework after 6 months of employment and may also be eligible for an alternate work schedule. This position has no billing requirements.

Regular Duties

Regular duties include investigating inpatient psychiatric mental health holds by interviewing individuals alleged to have a mental illness and their families; reviewing medical records and police reports; and consulting with treatment providers to determine if an individual meets criteria for a civil commitment hearing. The investigator uses clinical knowledge and skills to determine recommendations.

This work occurs in hospitals, the community, and in office. In this role, the investigator writes clear and succinct investigation court reports that captures evidence for civil commitment proceedings. Additional responsibilities include coordinating with other counties and the Oregon State Hospital, writing director’s custodies when appropriate, attending virtual hearings, and consulting with members of the community on issues pertaining to dangerousness and involuntary treatment.

Investigators will also be cross trained as a post-commitment liaison to support committed patients in hospital and community settings.

Our ideal candidate works as part of a cohesive team, seeks consultation when needed, has strong clinical writing skills, and communicates effectively. This investigator will be flexible, is able to prioritize, has time management skills, and successfully works independently.

For this position, we are looking for individuals with a passion to serve adults with severe and persistent mental health needs who are also engaged in the Civil Commitment process. This position requires an unencumbered QMHP certification as well as certification as a Civil Commitment Investigator with OHA within 60 days of hire.

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.

Benefits and Programs

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

Schedule

Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 5:00pm

Qualifications

Mental Health Specialist 1 Training & Experience

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a mental health field, psychology, counseling, social work or a related field.
• One year of some experience working directly with mentally or emotionally disturbed clients in the provision of behavioral health services is highly desirable.
• QMHP Certification or enrolled as Clinical Social Work Associate, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate.

Mental Health Specialist 2 Training & Experience

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a mental health field, psychology, counseling, social work, or a related field.
• Two years of responsible professional mental health experience, including one year of experience specific to the program or area of assignment.
• Oregon Health Licensure required: Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Psychologist, or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
• An equivalent combination of experience and training that will demonstrate the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Special Requirements

• This position is subject to an ODHS ORCHARDS background check.
• 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 license and certification status.

Notes

• This position is subject to a ODHS ORCHARDS background check.
• QMHP Certification through MHACBO
• NPI number
• Transcripts
• Diploma
• CV or Resume

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.

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].

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.

Collective Bargaining Units

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