Behavioral Health Specialist II, Homeless Outreach Services Team (Limited Duration)

Summary

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.

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:
This position is a member of the Deschutes County Health Services (DCHS) Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST). This position works as part of an experienced, recovery focused, multi-disciplinary team providing services and supports to individuals with acute psychiatric and co-occurring substance use disorders. As a Behavioral Health Specialist II, this position will have the opportunity to provide direct street outreach and therapeutic services to individuals who are experiencing homelessness and mental health and/or substance use issues. The primary responsibility of this position is to provide in-depth biopsychosocial assessments and behavioral health screenings for individuals in the community. Services are provided in a variety of locations including the office, community, shelters, homeless encampments, jail, hospital, and congregate sites. Activities include building rapport, assessing functional skills and treatment needs, care coordination, crisis support, housing support, individual and group skills training, and support for meeting basic needs. Position will maintain records and be required to document in the Electronic Health Record. This position requires the ability to develop and maintain critical community partnerships and extensive knowledge of community resources.
The incumbent will be instructed on the use of psychometric tools and surveys to assist in determining necessary levels of care, will need to provide appropriate treatment recommendations, and collaboratively develop service plans with clients. Duties may also include brief treatment interventions with individuals and will carry a small caseload of clients. Positions can accrue hours towards licensure and certification in both clinical and substance-use fields. Clinical supervision is provided as part of employment.
Typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though minor schedule adjustments can be discussed. This position is primarily located in Bend, though travel to community settings throughout Deschutes County may be required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide comprehensive behavioral health screenings and in-depth bio-psycho-social assessments with DSM 5 diagnoses for individuals who are seeking mental health and addiction services.
• Prepare concise and complete reports and documentation related to client diagnoses, treatment, progress, and services in a timely and professional manner.
• Determine necessary levels of care, appropriate treatment recommendations, collaborative service plans, and provide coordination of care with internal and external partners.

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.
• Community outreach and engagement of marginalized populations.

Skill in:

• Conducting comprehensive assessments, with justified diagnoses and measurable treatment plan objectives.
• Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Working effectively both independently and in a team setting.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other employees, clients, other agencies and the public at all times.

*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 clicking HERE.

Compensation

$5,851.99 to $7,842.22 per month for a 172.67 hour work month.

$6,144.60 to $8,234.36 per month for a 172.67 hour work month for those 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 click HERE for full benefit details.

This is a limited-duration employment position as defined by Deschutes County HR Personnel Rules 2.010. The position has identified funding through December 31, 2026. Extending the position beyond December 31, 2026 will depend on a continued business need for the position and approval of additional funding. Should this occur, the County may at a later date extend the position end date or offer regular employment status to the incumbent in this position.

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 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 :

• Current licensure without restrictions as an LCSW, LMFT, or LPC.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Experience with evidence-based models of behavioral health assessments.
• Experience providing substance use disorder assessments.
• Preference will be given for experience working with mental health, substance use concerns and/or dual diagnosis.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English communication.

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

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

NOTE: Per OAR 407-007-0000 to 407-007-0100 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 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.

Excellent County benefit package when eligible.
Deschutes Countyoffers eligible employeesa comprehensive healthcare 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 following1month 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, DeschutesCounty 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 visit www.deschutes.org/hr and click on Employee Benefits.

Closing Date/Time: 2/27/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

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• Deschutes County

• 541-388-6553

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