Behavioral Health Specialist I

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 1,200 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 works as part of a multi-disciplinary team providing services and supports to individuals in crisis. This position will provide case management services for individuals including high-risk children and adults needing hospital, residential, or respite care presenting to the Deschutes County Stabilization Center in crisis, and will also respond to crisis calls in the community alongside the Community Crisis Response Team (CCRT). Some of the case management services include outreach and welfare checks, crisis support, support for client's basic needs, support for gaining entitlements, and helping to secure crisis placements. Additionally, this position provides phone and face-to-face crisis screenings and referrals, comprehensive crisis assessments, and crisis interventions in consultation with a Qualified Mental Health Professional. This position is a night shift position and typical work hours are Sunday from 7pm-7am and Monday through Wednesday from 10:00pm to 7:30am, plus additional off-shift hours as necessary to attend program meetings and fulfill duties of the position as assigned. As our clinic is open 24 hours/7 days a week, staff are expected to work some holidays. Key Responsibilities: Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Handle crisis situations. Work effectively both independently and in a team setting. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, clients and their families, other agencies and the public at all times. Collaborate with team members. Act professionally with regard to code of ethics and confidentiality. What You Will Bring: Knowledge of or experience with: Community behavioral health and addictions concepts. Risk assessment and case management. Treatment services, planning and protocols. Skill in: Well-developed human relations skills with an appreciable interpersonal sensitivity and awareness of client situations and values. Interviewing, skill-building, and case management skills. Writing skills to prepare clear and concise reports. Preparing reports and documenting client services in a timely and professional manner. Demonstrating professional and ethical behavior. 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 account for application status. Review the full job description by clicking HERE.$4,879.33 to $6,538.74 per month for a 173.33-hour work month, plus a 10% shift differential for night shift. Excellent County benefits 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. Bachelor's degree in a behavioral sciences field; OR any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills and knowledge to perform the job. Preferred Qualifications: Previous experience providing crisis intervention. Previous experience with the SPMI population. Bilingual in English and Spanish communication. There are registration/certification requirements under the Mental Health and Addiction Counseling Board of Oregon (MHACBO) that apply to Qualified Mental Health Associates (QMHA) hired by Deschutes County Health Services (DCHS). Please see website for information on these requirements: 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. 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 to 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.