Mental Health Specialist 2

Lane County Government; Springfield (OR); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Mental Health Specialist at Lane County Health & Human Services is part of an integrated care team within a Community Health Center setting. You will provide comprehensive mental health and behavioral services to a diverse patient population using a team-based approach.

Responsibilities include consultations, assessments, treatment planning, and delivering individual, group, and crisis interventions, along with education and referrals to address patient needs.

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, 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.

Responsibilities

• Provide consultations, perform assessments, develop treatment plans.
• Deliver individual, group and crisis intervention services.
• Provide education and referrals for patients as appropriate.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Education

Master's degree in mental health field

Job description

Description

The Community Health Centers of Lane County (CHCLC) is seeking a Mental Health Specialist to be part of an integrated team that provides primary care within the Patient Centered Medical Home model. This mission driven individual will work as part of an interdisciplinary team at one of the CHCLC seven clinics. They will provide professional, comprehensive mental health and behavioral services to a diverse population of patients in a community health center setting using a team based approach. The Mental Health Specialist treats a wide variety of behavioral health conditions, provides education and referrals for patients as appropriate, and performs related duties as assigned.

About The Position

Do you have a passion and dedication to caring and advocating for your patients? We are looking for individuals who want to make a difference in our community.

The Mental Health Specialist will be part of a team of practitioners including physicians, nurses and other behavioral health staff serving individuals with a wide spectrum of behavioral care needs. This individual will provide consultations, perform assessments, develop treatment plans, and provide individual, group and crisis intervention services as well as education and support to help address a patient's mental health needs. The position may be eligible for additional bilingual compensation upon completion of a bilingual exam. All candidates are encouraged to apply and explore this opportunity.

About The Division

At Lane County Health & Human Services, we believe healthy people are the foundation of healthy communities. The CHCLC provide affordable primary care for the whole family – infants, children, adolescents, adults, and seniors – as well as integrated behavioral health, alternative services such as acupuncture, and preventative dental services. At the Community Health Centers of Lane County, we focus on integrated care that values the whole person. Our services encompass not only treatment and prevention of illness, but also health education and behavioral health services.

At the Community Health Centers of Lane County, we have adopted a model of primary care called Patient Centered Medical Home. Our services are organized around care teams who work collaboratively to support our patients. Our integrated care teams include primary care providers, nurses, pharmacists, medical assistants, patient care coordinators, community health workers, and behavioral health specialists. This model of primary care prioritizes the patient, who has increased access to other services beyond general medical care at our clinics. Our care teams also help patients reach their optimal health status by addressing social determinants of health barriers to care such as transportation, food insecurity, or housing.

• Lane County employees may be eligible for student loan repayment:


• Public Service Loan Forgiveness


• National Health Service Corps

*This is an AFSCME represented position*

May be eligible for additional bilingual compensation upon completion of bilingual exam

Schedule

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

Qualifications

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.

An equivalent combination of experience and training that will demonstrate the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Special Requirements

• State of Oregon Clinical Licensure - acceptable licensures include Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist, Licensed Psychologist


• Transcripts


• Diploma (copy of original is fine)


• CV or Resume


• NPI (downloaded copy acceptable) NPI should reflect Oregon address by time of hire


• Note date of birth and social security number when submitting credentialing documents


• Valid Photo ID


• Please attach a copy of your resume to your application

Notes

• This position is subject to a full criminal offender information record 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.

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.

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.

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

• 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.

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