Mental Health Specialist (Adult Drug Court Program)

CLACKAMAS COUNTY CORE VALUES

Clackamas County employees work to serve the public and enrich our community. In that spirit, we pledge to hold ourselves to these standards at all times in our interactions with customers and one another:

• Service Professionalism Integrity Respect Individual accountability Trust

By incorporating these values into our daily routines, we can better serve our customers, ourselves and our projects. We're always looking to improve. That's the Clackamas County SPIRIT.

Clackamas County Core Values

Clackamas County is committed to building a community where people thrive, have a sense of safety, connection, and belonging, so that everyone is honored and celebrated for the richness in diversity they bring.

We encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds and lived experience to apply.

CLOSE DATE

This Job Posting closes at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time) on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

Please Note: The application deadline may be extended to expand the pool of qualified candidates.

Any recruitment timeline changes will be communicated to all who have initiated an application process or have submitted an application.

PAY AND BENEFITS

Clackamas County is committed to offering a high-quality benefits package to support employees and their families.

In addition to competitive wages, Clackamas County offers an attractive benefits package for employees in regular status positions.

Most benefits, including Medical & Dental, start the first of the month after date of hire!

Mental Health Specialist 2 (licensed):

Annual Pay Range: $89,272.08- $112,933.33

Hourly Pay Range: $42.919271 - $54.294868

Mental Health Specialist 1 (unlicensed):

Annual Pay Range: $73,699.88- $93,581.75

Hourly Pay Range: $35.432637 - $44.991225

Salary offers will be made within the posted pay range and will be based on a candidate's experience (paid or unpaid) that is directly relevant to the position.

We encourage and support employee health and wellness by offering, health and wellness classes and events, and alternative care benefits, so you can customize your wellness needs to fit your lifestyle.

Employee benefits become effective the first of the month following an employee's date of hire.

Attractive benefits package and incentives for employees in regular status positions are detailed below.

Generous paid time off package, including:

• 12 hours of vacation accrued per month
• Eligible newly hired employees will have the one-time option to frontload their first year of vacation accruals in compliance with EPP 66 - Vacation Leave! This means you have access to vacation time at time of hire.
• 8 hours of sick accrued per month
• 10 paid holidays and 1 personal day per year

Other Benefits:

• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP):
• A Choice of Medical Plans that include chiropractic coverage, alternative care, vision, and prescription drug coverage
• A Choice of Dental Plans
• Robust EAP and wellness programs, including gym discounts and wellness education classes
• Longevity pay
• Other retirement Savings Options that allow for additional retirement funds savings, including an option to contribute a portion of employee earnings on a pre or post-tax basis to a 457b Deferred Compensation Plan

Health Centers-Behavioral Health provides licensure supervision to all regular status employees who have completed a Graduate degree in a behavioral health related field (social work, counseling, marriage and family therapy, etc.) and are actively pursuing a licensure in that field.

Group supervision is available for CADC hours for those on a CADC track.

Clackamas County's Health Centers are Federally Qualified Health Centers.

There may be options for loan forgiveness while working with a government / public agency through programs such as the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program or the Public Services Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

Generous training package that covers costs and allows for paid days to attend training.

Opportunities for training and consultation with a variety of clinical interventions including (but not limited to) Neurofeedback, EMDR, ACT, Brain spotting, IFS. A variety of additional optional benefits (see links below for additional information)

This is a full time County position represented by the Employees' Association.

Employees' Association (EA) Full Time Benefits

Learn More About Benefits

JOB DETAILS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Clackamas County's Health Centers is seeking a Mental Health Specialist to join and support the Adult Drug Court Program.

This role includes providing clinical assessments, individual and group therapy, and formulating accurate diagnosis to determine the appropriate level of care and treatment plans for adults referred to the Adult Drug Court Program.

Additionally, responsibilities include ensuring certain targeted service plans are up to date and accurate; ensuring progress notes reflect accurate documentation and making sure progress toward achievement of goals is obtained. The clinician in this position will work as a key member of the Adult Drug Court team and as a member of the Clackamas Health Centers; make referrals to other community clinics, agencies, or care facilities; provide crisis interventions both in person and by telephone; develop and negotiate treatment plans; and maintain accountability for assigned clients including monitoring urinalysis drug screening coordination. All candidates must meet criteria and qualifications to provide alcohol and drug treatment services.

Successful candidates will be able to provide culturally competent treatment strategies, have an anti-racist lens, will have completed some personal reflection and growth in their own equity journey, have a strong commitment to providing equitable services to the community, fostering an open and productive environment, and demonstrating sensitivity to and respect for the diverse populations we serve. Mental Health Specialists provide treatment to vulnerable individuals, many of whom may have limited resources. Professionals in these positions should thrive in a setting where they will work independently as well as in a team environment.

The ideal candidate will have experience in clinical assessments, treating individuals involved in the justice system with mental health and substance use issues, certification as a CADC or 60 hours of Alcohol and Drug Training, experience facilitating therapy groups, and commitment to serving a diverse population while promoting equity, diversity and inclusion. Most competitive candidates will have experience working within a treatment court program.

Clackamas County Health Centers' aim is to work with each individual to help them be as healthy as they can be. We believe engagement and participation in behavioral health treatment provides positive outcomes in the lives of each person, their chosen family, and the community in which they reside. The clinicians providing services to the community are responsible for the highest quality of care and be diverse in their treatment skills. This is your opportunity to give back to the community!

• This position is currently open for a licensed or unlicensed, Mental Health Specialist. Clackamas County will consider unlicensed candidates with experience and/or a background providing mental health and substance use disorder treatment to individuals involved with the justice system or individuals within the vulnerable population. If unlicensed, LCSW, LPC, LMFT or PsyD/PHD licensure is required within three (3) years of hire and applicants must still need to meet QMHP criteria at time of hire (outlined below).

Required Minimum Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*

• Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) as established by the Mental Health and Addiction Counseling Board of Oregon (MHACBO)

A "Qualified Mental Health Professional" (QMHP) means a Licensed Medical Provider or any other person meeting one or more of the following minimum qualifications as authorized by the Local Mental Health Authority or designee:

Graduate degree in psychology;

Graduate degree in social work;

Graduate degree in behavioral science field.

QMHPs must demonstrate the ability to conduct an assessment, including identifying precipitating events, gathering histories of mental and physical heath, alcohol and other drug use, past mental health services and criminal justice contacts, assessing family, cultural, social and work relationships, and conducting mental status examination, complete a DSM diagnosis, write and supervise the implementation of a ISSP and provide individual, family or group therapy within the scope of their training.

• If licensed, must be credentialed as an Oregon Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC); Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Licensed Psychologist (PsyD or PHD) AND have a minimum of two (2) years of related experience that would provide the required knowledge and skills to perform the responsibilities of this position.
• If unlicensed, must have minimum of one (1) year of relevant experience that would provide the required knowledge and skills to perform the duties of the role AND must also receive licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Licensed Psychologist (PsyD/PHD) within three (3) years of hire.
• Must possess and maintain a Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate.
• Must successfully pass the credentialing process.

Preferred Special Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*

• Current licensure (LCSW, LPC, LMFT)
• Certification as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) I, II, III
• Experience working on Treatment Court Team, or similar treatment court environment, providing behavioral health assessment and treatment to clients
• Experience working with justice involved clients or court ordered clients

Pre-Employment Requirements:*

• Must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. Learn more about the County's drug testing policy.
• Must pass a criminal history check which may include national or state fingerprint records check.
• Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license, and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the County's driving policy
• For Veterans qualified for Veteran's Preference: If you believe you have skills that would transfer well to this position and/or special qualifications that relate to this position, please list those skills and/or qualifications in the open-ended question at the end of the application and explain how those skills and/or qualifications relate to this position.

TYPICAL TASKS

• Provide clinical assessments, and individual and group therapy to adults referred to the Adult Drug Courts Program. Formulate accurate DSM5 diagnosis and determines the appropriate level of care.
• Provide information and referral to callers, including individuals, professionals and agencies. Consult with community care providers, families and agencies as needed.
• Provide crisis intervention, both in person and by telephone.
• Develop and negotiate service plans and Continuing Stay Criteria with clients.
• Write timely and accurate clinical notes, monitoring logs, statistical data regarding services and other required paperwork consistently.
• Develop and maintain structured support and accountability for mandated clients, including monitoring results for urine drug screens and coordinating with the lab.
• Maintain knowledge of ongoing changes in laws, regulations, programs eligibility criteria, payment methodology, reporting requirements and resources affecting the client population.
• Participate and serve on various committees, consult with or provide information to agency and staff and other social service professionals.
• Participate in inter agency staffing and maintain regular contact with referral sources.
• Provide therapeutic services in off-site settings, i.e., social service agencies and criminal justice settings.
• Communicate with colleagues in a professional and collegial manner to achieve client and program goals.
• Submit request for authorization of treatment in a timely manner.
• Attend and contribute in staff meeting and peer review groups.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Working knowledge of accepted principles and theories of human behavior, personality and development, and social interaction and development. Knowledge of techniques and procedures employed in diagnosing, evaluating, modifying and motivating human behavior. Knowledge of principles and techniques of group and individual therapy. Ability to work effectively as a member of a professional mental health team to diagnose and treat clients. Knowledge of techniques of identifying and utilizing community resources. Understanding case management methods and techniques; rules, laws, regulations, and ethics governing the treatment of mental patients and clients. Ability to treat clients and their families in order to enhance the Basic knowledge of office equipment, including personal computers and software programs. Ability to operate computer software and other office equipment.

Skills to apply social and psychological theories of behavior and personality to the treatment of difficult mental and emotional disorders and handicaps. Skills to diagnose, evaluate and implement a treatment plan. Ability to keep accurate and timely records. Ability to analyze and evaluate social, psychological, and physical factors affecting clients and their families.

WORK SCHEDULE

This position works 40 hours during a standard workweek of Monday through Friday.

Specific hours of work will be discussed with the candidate selected for this position at the time an offer of employment is extended.

This position is eligible for hybrid on-site/telework subject to the Clackamas County Teleworking Policy and based on the Department's business needs. The exact amount of on-site/telework and schedule will be discussed with the hiring manager during time of offer. Telework locations cannot be located outside of Oregon or Washington. Washington residents must perform 50% of their time on-site at Clackamas County.

EXPLORE CLACKAMAS COUNTY

Clackamas County is in a prime location in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area and is recognized nationally as one of the most livable areas in the United States. Located on the southern edge of the City of Portland and extending to the top of Mt. Hood, Clackamas County is part of a thriving region in the Northwest. It has a population of about 420,000 residents.

Explore Clackamas County

Working for Clackamas County

Recreation, Arts & Heritage

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

Clackamas County Health Centers provide direct medical, dental, and mental health services to Clackamas County residents.

We provide services at our Integrated Primary Health Care Clinics, our mental health clinics, or through our School Based Health Centers.

Health Centers is a Division of the Health, Housing, and Human Services (H3S) Department.

Learn more about Clackamas Health Centers.

Health, Housing, and Human Services (H3S) consists of six divisions, dedicated to ensuring health families and strong communities in Clackamas County.

Mission Statement: We lead and learn with equity in serving individuals, families, and communities by providing access to high quality healthcare, housing, and services that strengthen social and economic resilience.

Vision Statement: Individuals, families, and communities are resilient and thriving.

H3S is committed to improving programs and ensuring better outcomes for the people served, and focuses on the following goals:

• EMPOWERED AND THRIVING STAFF - H3S staff are empowered, engaged and have a sense of belonging while being valued and supported to thrive.
• EQUITY DRIVEN SERVICES - H3S promotes and provides accessible, equitable and culturally responsive services.
• ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE & CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT - H3S operates consistently, efficiently and effectively as a cohesive department, using our individual and collective skills and expertise.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Clackamas County only accepts online applications.

Help With Your Application:

Application Process

Help with the Application

If you have any questions or issues you may contact the Department of Human Resources at ... or e-mail us. Our office hours are Monday - Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time (closed on Fridays).

HOW TO CLAIM VETERAN'S PREFERENCE

Request Veterans' Preference

Learn more about the County's Veterans' Preference

VISA SPONSORSHIP

Clackamas County does not offer visa sponsorships. Once a job applicant has accepted a position, they will be required to complete an I-9 and confirm authorization to work in the United States prior to their first day.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Clackamas 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.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the Department of Human Resources prior to the recruitment close date. You may request an accommodation during the online application process.

RECRUITING QUESTIONS?

E.D. Barnett, Recruiter

...