Mental Health Specialist 1 or 2 (Internal)
Lane County Government
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Lane County Behavioral Health seeks qualified Mental Health Specialists to join the Access Team, providing screenings, assessments and ongoing care for adults with severe mental illness in a community setting.
Roles require QMHP certification; positions involve therapy, treatment planning and collaboration across a multidisciplinary team. Competitive benefits and background checks apply.
Qualifications
- 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 for MHS2; one year for MHS1; experience with SPMI populations preferred.
Responsibilities
- Provide mental health screenings and assessment for adults entering outpatient services.
- Deliver assessment, treatment planning, individual and group therapy, crisis intervention and some community outreach.
- Coordinate care with a team of therapists, case managers, and other professionals.
Education
Job description
Lane County Behavior Health is looking for a highly trained Mental Health Clinician to fill the role of Mental Health Specialist on our Access Team. This person will spend part of their time providing mental health screenings and assessment for individuals entering Adult Outpatient services with Lane County Behavioral Health while also getting to provide ongoing care to a smaller caseload of individuals seeking ongoing care.
In this role you are a part of a team that provides evidence-based treatments and supports for adults with severe and persistent mental illness in a community mental health setting. We are looking for a skilled, experienced mental health professional to provide assessment, treatment planning, individual and group therapy as well as some community outreach and crisis intervention.
This position coordinates care with a team of therapists, case managers, licensed medical professionals and peer specialists. They may also work in partnership with government, law enforcement, primary care, and community partners. Competitive candidates will have experience working with and be skilled at engaging, assessing and appropriate treatment planning with the SPMI population. They will contribute to our community mental health clinic development and continuous improvement efforts.
For this recruitment we are looking for individuals with a passion to serve adults with severe and persistent mental health needs. This position requires a QMHP Certification. If you are driven to serve, this is the job for you!
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: See links below.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness
- National Health Service Corps
Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 5:00pm
This is an AFSCME represented position.
- 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.
- 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.
An equivalent combination of experience and training that will demonstrate the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.
- QMHP Certification through MHACBO
- NPI number
- Transcripts
- Diploma
- CV or Resume
For MHS1 - QMHP Certification or enrolled as Clinical Social Work Associate, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate.
For MHS2 - Oregon Health Licensure required: Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Psychologist, or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
- 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.
Studies have shown that women and BIPOC individuals are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. The county will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
Mental Health Specialist 1/2
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- ALEX Benefit Advisor (click here)
- Admin-Pro
- AFSCME
- AFSCME Nurses
- AFSCME Physicians
- FOPPO
- LCPOA
- Local 626
- Prosecuting Attorney's
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.
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.
Lane County provides dental coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
Lane County provides this counseling and concierge service to employees and members of their immediate households.
Lane County provides employees with a free membership to a local fitness center.
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.
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.
Lane County provides employees with a generous bank of hours to be used for sick, vacation, family emergencies and personal days.
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
Lane County pays for employee group term life insurance.
Lane County offers a variety of on-site classes to develop employees' soft and technical skills.
Lane County offers a variety of online classes through LEAP to help employees continually improve their skills.
Lane County will consider reimbursement for employees to attend professional conferences, dependent upon budget, to encourage continuous learning and professional development.
Deferred Compensation Retirement Savings - Employees may enroll in a deferred compensation program 457(b) to save for retirement.
Eligible employees may purchase supplemental vision insurance.
Employees may purchase supplemental life insurance for themselves and their dependents/spouse.
Optional employee-paid voluntary group coverage is available through Aflac.
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 (541) 682-3124.
IMPORTANT: Please ensure you have included all RELEVANT education, employment and experience in your application. To ensure compliance with Oregon Equal Pay laws, Human Resources will conduct a wage analysis based on the information you have provided in your application to determine the appropriate starting wage if you are selected.
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