Mental Health Therapist 1 - Pendleton Cottage

Oregon Department of Human Services; Westgate (IA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent medical, vision and dental

Retirement: PERS/OPSRP

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Oregon Health Authority seeks a Mental Health Therapist 1 for Pendleton Cottage in Pendleton, Oregon. Under supervision of licensed staff, you will implement individualized treatment plans aligned with the Recovery Model for high‑risk residents in a state-operated facility.

You will conduct group and individual therapy, support socialization, manage daily activities, and maintain safety. Requires QMHA certification or willingness to obtain within one month, CPR/First Aid, and a valid Oregon

Qualifications

• Two years of experience working with mentally, behaviorally or physically impaired clients.
• Substitution: associate or bachelor’s degree in social science may substitute for 6 months of experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct group and individual therapy sessions.
• Support socialization skills development.
• Facilitate daily program schedule.
• Ensure safety and security of residents and staff.

Skills

Mental health experience

Interpersonal skills

Recovery Model understanding

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in social science

Job description

Initial Posting Date: 09/29/2026 Application Deadline: 10/08/2026 Agency: Oregon Health Authority Salary Range: $4,512 - $5,691 Position Type: Employee

Position Title: Mental Health Therapist 1 - Pendleton Cottage

Job Description: Opportunity Awaits, Apply Today! – Mental Health Therapist 1 Pendleton Cottage, located in Pendleton, Oregon, is currently accepting applications for the position of Mental Health Therapist 1. As a Mental Health Therapist 1, under the supervision of licensed professional staff, you will assist in implementing individualized treatment plans aligned with the Recovery Model within the State-Operated Secure Residential Treatment Facility. This facility serves high-risk and high-profile individuals currently residing at Pendleton Cottage. Responsibilities include conducting group and individual therapy sessions, supporting socialization skills development, facilitating the daily program schedule, and ensuring the safety and security of residents and staff. For a full review of the position description, please click here.

Work Schedule: Wednesday-Sunday, 2:00pm – 10:30pm Days off: Monday and Tuesday.

What We Are Looking For

Minimum Qualifications

• Two years of experience working with mentally, behaviorally or physically impaired clients.
• OR An associate or a bachelor’s degree in social science (such as social work, human services, psychology, child development, gerontology, health, or health education) may be substituted for 6 months of the required experience.

Desired Attributes

• Experience in implementing and supporting the principles of the Recovery Model.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to adapt effectively to diverse and dynamic situations involving a wide range of individuals.
• The ability to think quickly and proactively address potential issues before they occur.
• Experience in addressing the needs of residents with persistent and chronic mental health conditions, including individuals diagnosed with Personality Disorders.
• Experience working with forensic populations.
• Experience in leading and instructing groups utilizing the Recovery Model framework.

Special Qualifications

• Must possess QMHA (Qualified Mental Health Associate) certification or willing to obtain within the first month of employment. Note: QMHA certification requires 3 years of education/work experience.
• Must possess CPR and First Aid certifications or willing to obtain within the first month of employment.
• Must possess a valid Oregon driver's license.

Benefits

• Excellent, low-cost medical, vision, and dental coverage for you and your family.
• Optional benefits like life insurance, disability coverage, deferred compensation, and FSA options for health and childcare.
• Generous paid time off: 11 holidays, 3 personal days, monthly sick leave, and vacation accrual starting at 8 hours/month.
• Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Retirement security through Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP).
• Training and development opportunities to grow your career with the State of Oregon.

Additional Details

This announcement is for one (1), full-time, permanent, SEIU represented, Mental Health Therapist 1, located in Pendleton, Oregon. This is a 100% on-site position. Employment is contingent upon a criminal records check and a driving records check that meets OHA criteria at the time of hire and throughout employment. The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying range. If the successful candidate qualifies for PERS, the salary range will increase by 6.95%. For more information, see the Classification and Compensation page. The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an education institution during the application process. This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States. OHA will use E-Verify to verify work authorization. If your employment eligibility depends on sponsorship now or in the future, you will not meet the requirements for this position. We evaluate candidates based on their own skills and experience. Unless explicitly approved, outside resources – including Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools – are not permitted during assessments or interviews. Use of unauthorized resources will disqualify a candidate from further consideration.

Company Culture - Why Join Us

At the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), we value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and experiences to help us build a stronger, more equitable future for all.

OHA is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer, committed to fair employment practices and pay equity for all employees. We do not discriminate based on protected class – including race, sex, veteran status, disability, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, or sexual orientation – and does not screen applicants based on current or past compensation. Salary is determined through a fair review of your education, experience, and training as it relates to the position. OHA is an anti-racist organization working to eliminate health inequities and dismantle structural barriers that impact underserved communities.

OHA is an anti-racist organization working to eliminate health inequities and dismantle structural barriers that impact underserved communities.

Join us in advancing our Strategic Plan and building a more equitable Oregon. Oregon state government is a large organization by nearly any standard. With over 40,000 employees working all over the state, in small communities and large, we are proving that government can be innovative. We work as a team, challenging ourselves to be better, faster and more efficient with taxpayer dollars. After all, when every day we are responsible for caring for the needs of a diverse population and thriving business community, we simply must have the best and brightest workforce. If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move? Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background. If you’re looking at us from across the country (or beyond!), know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between. Oregon “flies with her own wings.”