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Behavioral Health Specialist II, South County (Eligible for 10% Rural Service Differential)

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Behavioral Health Specialist II, South County (Eligible for 10% Rural Service Differential)

Salary

$6,004.15 - $8,448.45 Monthly

Location

La Pine, OR

Job Type

Regular, full time, full benefits

Job Number

2025-00157

Department

Health Services

Opening Date

10/31/2025

Closing Date

11/16/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

AFSCME

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Summary

This position is eligible for a 10% Rural Service differential for those assigned to the La Pine location.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

Deschutes County Health Services supports over 400 staff in Behavioral and Public Health programs working to promote and protect the health and safety of the community in a broad variety of community based settings.

Deschutes County Behavioral Health (DCBH) is the Community Mental Health Program providing safety net and core clinical services for community members in Deschutes County dealing with mental health and substance use conditions. DCBH is also a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). As such, DCBH relies on multi-disciplinary teams to provide innovative, evidence based, recovery oriented services in behavioral healthcare settings co-located with physical health providers.

To hear from staff about working at Deschutes County Behavioral Health, please click HERE. (https://vimeo.com/683937354/cce8815902)

ABOUT THE COUNTY:

We know where you choose to live, work and play matters. Deschutes County is one of the largest employers in Central Oregon and the largest municipal government in the region. Our dedicated and passionate workforce of more than 1,250 employees provide County services in a number of departments, divisions, and offices.

Located in the heart of Central Oregon, between the towering Cascade Mountain Range to the west and the high desert plateau to the east, Deschutes County is the outdoor recreation capital of Oregon. We enjoy a renowned quality of life, with big-city opportunities and small-town neighborhoods.

We hope you’ll consider joining our talented team.

ABOUT THE JOB:

The Behavioral Health Specialist II position provides ongoing mental health counseling within the South County Behavioral Health treatment team. This position will provide mental health and addiction services to individuals throughout the lifespan with a focus on young children and their families. This includes individuals with a variety of diagnoses or experiences including anxiety, depressions, attachment issues, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, substance use, and psychosis. This position will be willing to provide integrated health interventions, family focused treatment services including family therapy and parenting skills, case management services, lead therapy groups, and work as part of a multidisciplinary team. Clinicians utilize a variety of evidenced-based treatment models and perform a variety of community based treatment services.

The South County team plays an integral role in helping people receive needed counseling services and treatment. The ability to communicate clearly about challenges, competing deadlines, and priorities is also essential. We seek candidates who are passionate about delivering mental health services to rural communities. The successful candidate will be detail-oriented and adept at multitasking.

Typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.

Key Responsibilities:

+ Provide counseling services to children, families, and adults, and work with partner agencies as part of a multi-disciplinary and integrated health intervention and recovery program.

+ Maintain client records, documenting services provided to reflect progress of services.

+ Work closely within a team; communicating and collaborating client service delivery.

What You Will Bring:

Knowledge of or experience with:

+ DSM 5 and differential diagnoses.

+ Clinical interviewing and documentation skills.

+ State and Federal Rules that outline compliance standards.

Skill in:

+ Effective written and verbal communication.

+ Use of electronic health records systems such as EPIC platform.

+ Managing competing demands and supporting staff through change.

*This posting is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but rather constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function.

Notification to all candidates will be sent via email and/or text only. Please opt in for text messaging or check your email and your Governmentjobs.com account for application status.

Review the full job description by clickingHERE. (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/deschutes/classspecs)

Compensation

$6,004.15 to $8,046.13 per month for a 172.67 hour work monthplus a 10% differential for those assigned to the La Pine location.

$6,304.35 to $8,448.45 per month for a 172.67 hour work month plus a 10% differential for those assigned to the La Pine location and possessing current licensure without restrictions from a recognized governing board in Oregon as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

Excellent County benefit package when eligible. This union-represented position is available immediately.

BENEFITS:

Our robust health plan is offered at a minimal cost of $95 per month for employee only or $116 per month for employee plus dependents, which includes an innovative on-site clinic, pharmacy, and wellness and wellbeing services. Additionally, we include life insurance, retirement (PERS), generous paid time-off (14-18 hours/month to start, pro-rated for part-time), holidays, and professional development opportunities. Please clickHERE (https://www.deschutes.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/human\_resources/page/682/2025\_deschutes\_county\_benefits\_guide\_-\_final.pdf) for full benefit details.

Minimum Qualifications

+ Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Recreational Therapy, Music Therapy, Art Therapy or a behavioral science field;

+ AND one (1) year of experience in the behavioral health field;

+ OR any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills and knowledge to perform the essential functions of the job.

There are registration/certification requirements under the Mental Health and Addiction Counseling Board of Oregon (MHACBO) that apply to Qualified Mental Health Professionals (QMHP) hired by Deschutes County Health Services (DCHS). This only applies to QMHPs who do not possess current licensure or are currently pursuing licensure as an LCSW, LMFT, or LPC. Please see website for information on these requirements: https://mhacbo.org/en/.

There is no need to take action at this point. More information will be provided to candidates who progress to the final stage of the interview process.Registration and/or certification must be received within 14 days of hire date. Fees will be paid by DCHS if the candidate selected for the position meets the criteria for registration/certification.

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Experience working with children ages 3 to 12 and above.

+ Previous experience as an LCSW, LMFT or LPC.

+ Knowledge and experience in working with dual diagnosis mental health and substance abuse disorders.

+ Certification as an Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (CADC) II or III.

+ Experience documenting clinical services in an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system such as the EPIC platform.

+ Bilingual in Spanish and English.

Necessary Special Requirements

Driving is a requirement for this position. Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Oregon driver's license within 30 days of hire date. The employment offer will be contingent upon presentation of an acceptable and verifiable driver's license, pre-employment screening for criminal history, driving history, and controlled substances (NOTE: Positive test results for marijuana use may result in rescission of a contingent offer of employment). This screening must be completed with satisfactory findings in order for a formal offer of employment to be extended.

Must have dependable transportation and be able and willing to drive throughout Deschutes County in sometimes adverse weather conditions.

Must be willing to work a flexible schedule when necessary, to meet client and department needs.

NOTE:Per OAR 407-007-0000 to 407-007-0100 (https://www.oregon.gov/DHS/BUSINESS-SERVICES/CHC/Documents/crim-records-abuse-rules-dhs-employees-volunteers-contractors-407.pdf) this position requires a Criminal Background check through the State Background Check Unit/Orchards, which may also include being fingerprinted. These rules provide for the reasonable screening under ORS 181A.195, 181A.200, 409.027 AND 413.036 of the County’s employees to determine if they have a history of specific criminal behavior identified in federal or state law or rules such that they should not be allowed to work, be employed, or perform in positions covered by these rules. Please click HERE (https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/BUSINESS-SERVICES/CHC/Documents/DAS%20Criminal%20Records%20Checks%20rules%20eff%202016%20Jan%204.pdf) to review Criminal Records Check Rules. All offers of employment for this position are contingent upon the candidate receiving final approval from the State Background Check Unit/Orchards to work in this position.

BHS II, LIC only: Candidates must not be excluded (or Opt-out) from participation in the federal health care programs (Medicaid, Medicare and other federally funded programs that provide health benefits); AND must not be excluded from participating in federal procurement (Federal Acquisition Regulation) and non-procurement activities (Executive Order No. 12549). All clinicians providing Mental Health services must be eligible to be enrolled in Oregon Medicaid as a MH Provider within the first 30 days for hire.

Deschutes County is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build an inclusive environment that encourages, supports, and represents the diverse voices and needs of our communities. All are encouraged to apply - we welcome diverse perspectives and experiences.

If you are a veteran and would like to apply for Veterans' Preference, please click HERE (https://www.deschutes.org/hr/page/veterans-preference-information-and-instructions) for information.

Excellent County benefit package when eligible.

Deschutes County offers eligible employees a comprehensive health care package that covers medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage at a minimal cost of $95 per month for employee only or $116 per month for employee plus dependents. Coverage becomes effective the first of the month following 1 month of employment. Included in the health care package is the Deschutes Onsite Clinic (DOC), which provides a wide range of health, wellness, and primary care services to employees and their dependents. The DOC offers convenient hours and no out-of-pocket costs to patients. The DOC Pharmacy is a full service pharmacy available to employees and dependents to have their prescriptions filled at a discounted co-pay. In addition to the health care package, Deschutes County provides a generous and comprehensive benefits program to eligible employees.

Employer paid benefit offerings include:

+ Life Insurance for employee and dependents

+ Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance

+ Long-term Disability Insurance

+ Employee Assistance Program

+ Retirement Program through Oregon PERS

+ Time Management Leave

Employee paid voluntary benefit offerings include:

+ 125 Flexible Spending Program

+ 457 Deferred Compensation Program

+ Supplemental Life and Accident Insurance

To learn more about Deschutes County's generous benefit offerings, please visitwww.deschutes.org/hrand click on Employee Benefits.

01

This position requires Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Recreational Therapy, Music Therapy, Art Therapy or a behavioral science field; AND one (1) year of experience in the behavioral health field; OR any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills and knowledge to perform the essential functions of the job. Do you meet this requirement?

+ Yes

+ No

02

Please describe how you meet the minimum qualifications as listed above. Be specific with regard to education and years of experience.

03

Are you currently licensed without restrictions from a recognized governing board in Oregon as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)? Please check the box that describes your current licensure status.

+ Yes, I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). (Please skip to question # 6)

+ Yes, I am Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT). (Please skip to question # 6)

+ Yes, I am Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). (Please skip to question # 6)

+ No, but I am actively pursuing a license in Oregon as an LCSW, LMFT, or LPC. (Please skip to question # 5)

+ No, I am not currently licensed in Oregon as listed above, nor am I actively pursuing licensure. (Please go to question # 4)

04

Are you currently registered or certified as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) in the state of Oregon or eligible for registration into the QMHP certification program? (To check if you are registered or certified as a QMHP clickHERE (https://mhacbo.org/en/) ).

+ Yes, I am currently registered or certified as a QMHP in Oregon.

+ Yes, I am eligible to obtain registration into the QMHP certification program within 14 days from the date of hire.

+ No, I am not currently certified as a QMHP, nor am I eligible to obtain registration into the QMHP certification program within 14 days from date of hire.

05

If you are pursuing Oregon licensure, which license are you currently pursuing (LCSW, LMFT, or LPC) and what date do you expect to receive your license?

06

Have you ever held, or currently hold, licensure as an LCSW, LMFT, LPC, outside of the state of Oregon?

+ Yes

+ No

07

If yes, when and where?

08

Have you ever had, or currently have, restrictions imposed on your license?

+ Yes

+ No

09

If yes, provide details.

10

REQUIRED QUESTION FOR BHS II, LIC: If applying as a Behavorial Health Specialist II, Licensed, Deschutes County’s Mental Health providers serving Medicaid members must be enrolled with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) as an Oregon Health Plan (OHP) provider. This enrollment is required to comply with federal regulations and is a prerequisite for receiving reimbursement for services provided to OHP members. All clinicians providing Mental Health services must be eligible to be enrolled in Oregon Medicaid as a MH Provider within the first 30 days for hire. Therefore, Healthcare providers who choose not to participate in the Oregon Medicaid Program will not meet minimum qualifications for the position. Do you meet the requirements to be enrolled with OHA as an OHP provider?

+ Yes

+ No

11

Preference will be given for experience documenting clinical services in an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system such as the EPIC platform. Do you have experience with EHR systems?

+ Yes

+ No

12

If applicable, what Electronic Health Records systems have you utilized?

13

Preference will be given for individuals who have a CADC II or III. Do you possess a CADC II or III certification?

+ Yes

+ No

14

Preference will be given for experience in working with dual diagnosis mental health and substance abuse disorders. Do you have this experience?

+ Yes

+ No

15

If applicable, please describe your experience and treatment philosophy working with individuals with dual diagnosis mental health and substance abuse disorders.

16

Preference will be given for bilingual in English and Spanish. Do you speak and/or write in English and Spanish?

+ No.

+ Yes, I speak English and some Spanish.

+ Yes, I speak English and Spanish fluently.

+ Yes, I speak and write in English and Spanish.

17

Preference will be given for experience working with children ages 3 to 12 and above. Do you have this experience?

+ Yes

+ No

18

If yes, please describe your experience working with children ages 3 to 12 and above.

19

Please tell us why you are a good candidate for this position. Please be specific in respect to the job responsibilities.

20

Please describe your experience utilizing evidenced-based practices and outcome tools (such as motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, Trauma focused CBT, EMDR, DBT, Seeking Safety, Trauma informed care, ACORN, DLA-20 or others).

21

This position requires the ability to work a flexible schedule to meet client and program needs. Do you have the ability to work a flexible schedule to meet client and department needs?

+ Yes

+ No

22

Are you able to complete these tasks with or without accommodation?

+ Yes

+ No

Required Question

Employer

Deschutes County Human Resources

Address

1300 NW Wall Street Suite 201Bend, Oregon, 97703

Phone

(541) 388-6553

Website

https://www.deschutes.org/jobs

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