Mental Health Specialist (Bilingual Spanish)

WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO PRINT OR SAVE THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT FOR YOUR REFERENCE.

IT WILL NOT BE ACCESSIBLE AFTER THE CLOSE DATE.

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.

This Job Posting closes at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time) on Monday, August 7, 2023.

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

Mental Health Specialist 2 (licensed):

Annual Pay Range: $83,420.32 - $105,530.57

Hourly Pay Range: $40.105921 - $50.735849

Mental Health Specialist 1 (unlicensed):

Annual Pay Range: $68,868.87 - $87,447.48

Hourly Pay Range: $33.110035 - $42.042059

Bilingual Spanish/English skills are required for this position. An additional 5% of base compensation is added to pay.

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.

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!

Clackamas County proudly offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including competitive wages, cost-of-living adjustments, merit increases (for eligible employees), and a robust sick and vacation plan for regular status employees.

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):
  • Employer paid 6% PERS retirement contribution (The county currently pays the employee’s share of the retirement contribution.)
  • OPSRP members get vested after five years of contributions or when they reach age 65
• 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
• 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

Clackamas County's Health Centers- Behavioral Health Clinics seeking a motivated, adaptable and bilingual (Spanish/English) licensed, mental health and substance abuse clinician to join the Adult Outpatient Treatment Team at the Oregon City DSB clinic location with a strong commitment to providing equitable services to the community and supporting Clackamas County’s commitment to equity, inclusions and diversity. Successful applicants will be able to provide culturally competent treatment modalities, 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 outpatient 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.

As a Mental Health Specialist, you will provide a variety of advanced level professional treatment and program services to individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues primarily servicing Medicaid, Medicare, and uninsured populations. You will be expected to participate as effective members on a team of professionals who regularly conduct mental health and addictions assessments, treatment plans and services for a wide range of individuals. You will also be expected to participate in and support increased diversity and equity within our team, clinic and county. These positions include management of client crises and coverage of other duties as necessary, which could involve working as a generalist in any of our adult, child and family programs.

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 mental health treatment provides positive outcomes in the lives of each person, their chosen family, and the community in which they reside. The therapists providing services to the community are responsible for the highest quality of care and should be diverse in their treatment skills. Candidates with a strong commitment to providing equitable services to the community and supporting Clackamas County’s commitment to equity, inclusion and diversity are encouraged to apply. This is your opportunity to give back to the community!

• This position is currently open for a licensed, Mental Health Specialist 2. Clackamas County will consider unlicensed candidates who have a background providing mental health treatment to individuals in a health clinic or relatable environment serving the vulnerable population. Licensure is however required within 4 years of hire for applicants who are unlicensed and they must still meet QMHP criteria (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 recreational, art, or music therapy; or
• Graduate degree in a behavioral science field.

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

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - preferred, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Licensed Psychologist (PsyD/PHD).
• If unlicensed, must have minimum of two (2) years 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 four (4) years of hire.
• Fluency in Spanish/English (bilingual skills to be validated/tested at time of interview and/or selection)
• Experience, knowledge and commitment to serving a diverse population and promoting equity, diversity and inclusion
• Experience working with Evidence Based Treatment Practices
• Experience working with adults with mental health and substance abuse issue
• Experience facilitating therapy groups for adults
• Ability to perform concurrent (collaborative) documentation/charting with clients
• Must possess and maintain a Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate
• The ability to complete 60 documented hours of alcohol and drug training, if licensed, or obtain a CADC within 2 years of hire
• Must successfully pass the credentialing process
• 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 may be necessary for County business. For position(s) with occasional/incidental driving, incumbents must possess a valid driver's license. Accommodation requests for an acceptable alternative method of transportation will be reviewed on an individual basis in compliance with State and Federal legislation. For position(s) with regular driving, incumbent(s) must also possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the County's driving policy

Preferred Special Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*

• Current Licensure (LCSW preferred)
• Certification as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) I, II, III

• 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.

Duties may include but are not limited to:

• Conducts culturally appropriate and sensitive interviews with consumers and collects critical information necessary to complete comprehensive assessments/ reassessments, for both mental health and substance use disorders that include psychosocial, developmental, financial and physical factors, substance use history, trauma history, diagnosis and mental status; evaluates functional impairments of consumers. Completes the client level of care tool as part of the evaluation process.
• Develops and implements culturally appropriate service plans, determines appropriate treatment, skills training and care service needs, matches consumer needs with potential services and resources. Refers clients to other internal/ external providers to match service needs.
• Monitors client progress during treatment. Writes treatment progress notes and maintains electronic case records in accordance with OARs and agency policies and procedures; completes program related assignments as required.
• Coordinates with internal and external health care providers and social service personnel to obtain services for consumers or to participate in problem solving; consult with other staff as assigned; meet with community agencies as assigned to coordinate care and meet client needs.
• Provides individual, group and family therapy and other therapeutic interventions to clients and significant family members or caregivers in accordance with the service plan to meet the treatment needs of the clients.
• Coordinate and consults on the client's behalf with family, providers, public and private agencies, law enforcement agencies, justice system, schools and others to maximize treatment goals; responds to emergencies and negotiations resolution of problems.

Working Knowledge of: Accepted principles and theories of equity, cultural competence, human behavior, personality and development, and social interaction and development; techniques and procedures employed in diagnosing, evaluating, modifying and motivating human behavior; principles and techniques of group and individual therapy; principles and methods of community intervention; techniques of identifying and utilizing community resources; case management methods and techniques; rules, laws, regulations, and ethics governing the treatment of mental patients and clients; office equipment, including personal computers and software programs.

Skill to: Apply social and psychological theories of behavior and personality to the treatment of difficult mental and emotional disorders and handicaps; diagnose, evaluate and implement a treatment plan and monitor the client's progress toward established goals; analyze and evaluate social, psychological, and physical factors affecting clients and their families; treat clients and their families in order to enhance their social, psychological, and physical functioning; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; make formal presentations to the public, community groups, and other mental health professionals; work effectively as a member of a professional mental health team to diagnose and treat clients; keep accurate and timely records; operate computer software and other office equipment; establish and maintain effective relationships.

This position works 40 hours during a standard workweek of Monday through Friday or alternate workweek of Monday through Thursday, Friday's off. 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.

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.

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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.

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 503-655-8459 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.

Jimmy Henry, Recruiter
JHenry@clackamas.us