Job Description

Posting number: 202600190

Department: Health & Human Services

Division: HHS BH Behavioral Health Svcs

Job classification: Mental Health Associate

Posting type: Open

Categories: Mental Health, Paraprofessional, Human Services, Community and Social Services

Summary

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About the Position

Lane County Behavioral Health is seeking compassionate and skilled Qualified Mental Health Associates to join Mobile Crisis Services of Lane County. This program provides timely, community-based support to people experiencing behavioral health crises throughout rural and metropolitan Lane County.

Working in two-person response teams, Mobile Crisis Responders provide phone-, office- and community-based crisis assessment, intervention and safety planning. Using standardized tools and evidence-informed strategies, responders help stabilize immediate concerns, connect individuals with appropriate resources, and provide follow-up referrals and case management.

Clinical staff provide oversight and backup support. Successful candidates will remain calm in challenging situations, use sound judgment, work effectively with diverse communities, and approach people in crisis with dignity and compassion.

About the Division

Lane County Behavioral Health provides services to more than 1,600 individuals with behavioral health conditions. We work with community partners to provide a continuum of care from prevention through treatment and aftercare in an environment that promotes a culture of resilience and recovery.

*Lane County employees may be eligible for student loan repayment:

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• National Health Service Corps

Find out from Lane County employees how it is to work for the Behavioral Health division.

Schedule: Wednesday - Saturday, 2:00pm - 12:00am. The initial training will include three weeks of training 8:00am - 5:00pm Monday through Friday.

As the program expands to 24-hr coverage, there will be the opportunity to take on variable shifts. This program may include overtime, and/or non-traditional work hours including nights and weekends, and some holidays. These positions include community-based work and related travel for routine job tasks.

*This is an AFSCME represented position*

Examples of duties

Training:

• Bachelor's degree in a behavioral science field from an accredited university with major course work in a mental health field, psychology, sociology or a related field.

OR:

Experience:

• At least one year of work experience working directly with mentally or emotionally disturbed clients, and a combination of education, training and/or work experience in a behavioral sciences field that totals two additional years, plus the required competencies.

OR:

• A combination of at least three year's relevant work, education, training or experience, AND have the competencies necessary to a) communicate effectively, b) understand mental health assessment treatment and service terminology and to apply the concepts, and c) provide psychosocial skills development and to implement interventions prescribed on a treatment plan within their scope of practice, is qualifying.

Special Requirements:

• QMHA Certification through MHACBO
• NPI
• Transcripts
• Diploma
• CV or Resume

DRIVER’S LICENSE:

• Must be in possession of a valid driver's license at time of application, and a valid Oregon Driver's license by time of appointment.

Notes:

• These positions are subject to the DHS ORCHARDS background check process.
• Offers of employment are contingent upon consenting to, and successfully passing, a drug screening test.
• Please note that as part of the screening process Lane County will verify certification status with MHACBO.

Studies have shown that women and BIPOC individuals are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. The county will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

Qualifications

Mental Health Associate

Supplemental information

Selection Process

Equal Employment Opportunity

Lane 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.

Strategic Plan

In alignment with Lane County's Strategic Plan, incumbent(s) will be expected to demonstrate the following core behaviors: Passion to Serve, Driven to Connect, and Focused on Solutions.

The 2025 - 2027 Strategic Plan focuses on the areas that Lane County will pursue as a way to deliver on our vision for the residents of Lane County. To meet these challenges, we know that the basis of our efforts lies in leveraging our people and partnerships to achieve our Strategic Priorities. We also recognize that the quality and commitment of our staff is essential to a shared future where Lane County is the best place in which to live, work, and play.

Veteran Preference Information

Trauma Informed Care Statement

Lane County Health & Human Services is committed to providing Trauma Informed Care. As an organization, we recognize that many of the people we serve have experienced trauma, either currently, recently or in their past. Our agency is dedicated to incorporating an understanding of trauma, both with our clients and with each other. Our employees receive ongoing training to develop or deepen their understanding of trauma and its impacts.