Behavioral Health Specialist II, Corrections

Behavioral Health Specialist II

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is a full service agency that oversees the Adult Jail, provides Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Civil Process and Search and Rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with five K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by Sheriff Ty Rupert, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office serves over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County.

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.

Deschutes County is accepting applications for a Behavioral Health Specialist II. This position will work with inmates at the Deschutes County Jail to provide crisis intervention; intake and treatment assessments; and individual and group therapy. Incumbent will perform consultation and case planning with Parole & Probation, the District Attorney's Office, public defenders, and the medical, mental health, and chemical dependency treatment community. In addition to collaborating frequently with Behavioral Health agencies in the county, this position will collaborate with outside department contacts such as law enforcement agencies from the community, families of patients, court personnel, community hospital staff, and other county agencies such as Public Health.

Key Responsibilities:

• Interviewing and assessing the needs of incarcerated adults who may be in emotional and behavioral crisis.
• Apply theory in mental health diagnosis and the planning and implementation of intervention programs.
• Prepare concise and complete reports and documentation related to client treatment, progress and services in a timely manner.

What You Will Bring:

• Knowledge of or experience with: Behavioral health and chemical dependency theory.
• Advanced interpersonal sensitivity and human relations skills to work effectively with the population served including the ability to understand client situations and values.
• Act professionally with regard to code of ethics and confidentiality.

• Skill in: Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing, with the ability to carry out instructions in an efficient manner.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, clients, agencies and the public at all times.
• Work effectively both independently and in a team setting within a corrections facility.

Compensation: $6,027.10 to $8,076.88 per month for a 173.33 hour work month. $6,328.45 to $8,480.74 per month for a 173.33 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 $100 per month for employee only or $121 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), holidays, and professional development opportunities. Please click HERE for full benefit details.

This position is re-opened until 11:59pm on June 1, 2026.

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 essential functions of 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. 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: . 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 fees will be paid by DCHS, if the candidate selected for the position meets the criteria for registration/certification.

Preferred Qualifications: Possession of 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). Experience and training in drug/substance and alcohol abuse. Experience working in a corrections or confined environment-type setting. Experience working with high-conflict populations involving emotionally distressed clients. Master's degree in a behavioral health field with one year of experience in the delivery of mental health services.

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.

Physical Requirements: Requires sufficient ambulatory ability to provide face-to-face services in a variety of settings including but not limited to hospitals, jails and clinics within required response times. Must have the ability to work in an office that is environmentally controlled; possess sufficient hand coordination to perform keyboarding and data entry; arm/hand movements to retrieve work materials and operate a variety of general office equipment; and an ability to sit, walk, stoop, bend, kneel, reach, stand, grasp, talk, hear, see, and lift up to 10 pounds on an occasional basis.

Application and Selection Process: Candidates are required to meet certain standards in order to be considered for hire by the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, including the ability to maintain physical and mental capabilities to complete required job tasks. The selection process includes a thorough examination of the application, attachments, and supplemental responses. The application review will be used to assess each candidate's ability to follow instructions and give complete and accurate information in written form. Must pass a pre-qualifying driving record review and criminal history background. A successful candidate will complete a full background investigation prior to receiving a conditional job offer. The psychological and medical evaluation will require completion after the conditional job offer.

Deschutes County is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build an inclusive environment that encourages, supports, and represents the diverse voices and needs of our communities. All are encouraged to apply - we welcome diverse perspectives and experiences.

If you are a veteran and would like to apply for Veterans' Preference, please click HERE for information.