Behavioral Health Specialist II, La Pine

Salary: $6,004.15 - $8,448.45 Monthly
Location : La Pine, OR
Job Type: Regular, full time, full benefits
Job Number: 2026-00091
Department: Health Services
Opening Date: 06/11/2026
Closing Date: 6/25/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: AFSCME


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:
As a part of the South County Behavioral Health team, the Behavioral Health Specialist II provides individual and group counseling, assessment and service planning services to children and adults throughout the lifespan. You will have the opportunity to provide outpatient services to a diverse group of individuals with mental health and co-occurring medical and/or substance use conditions. This includes children and adults with a variety of diagnoses or experiences including, but not limited to anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar disorder, and psychosis. In addition to being skilled at providing individual and group counseling, a successful candidate is one who is willing and able to provide integrated health interventions, family focused treatment services, case management services, lead therapy groups, and work as part of a multidisciplinary team.


The South County team provides collaborative team-based care, so you will work closely with case managers, peer support specialists, psychiatry providers and RNs for treatment planning and service coordination. We offer a variety of services to clients within an episodic model of care, so that our focus is on stabilizing clients and readying them to graduate from our care and move to a lower level of care, when indicated. Services will be provided face-to-face in the clinic or community, via video, and over the phone with clients.
Typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.

Key Responsibilities:

• Providing individual and group services to adults, children and families.
• Prepare comprehensive assessments using the DSM-V-TR, service plans, and progress notes.
• Provide crisis risk assessment, crisis care, and safety plans.
• Coordination with medical providers, child welfare, and other community partners.
• Collaboration with other Deschutes County Behavioral Health teams.

What You Will Bring:
Knowledge of or experience with:

• Preparing concise and complete assessments, service plans and documentation related to client treatment, progress and services in a timely and professional manner.
• Working effectively both independently and in a team setting within a rural community.
• Screening, assessing and diagnosing clients for services.
• Implementing evidence-based therapy practices and core counseling skills.

Skill in:

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other employees, clients and their families, other agencies, and the public at all times.
• Maintaining professionalism in accordance with ethical standards and confidentiality requirements.
• Effective written and verbal communication.

*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


$6,004.15 to $8,046.13 per month for a 172.67-hour work month.


$6,304.35 to $8,448.45 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).


10% differential for those assigned to the La Pine location.

This position may also be eligible for a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) on June 22, 2026, pending budget adoption by the Board of County Commissioners.

Excellent County benefit package when eligible. This union-represented position is available immediately.

BENEFITS:

Our robust healthcare package covers medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage at a minimal cost of $100 for employee only and $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, pro-rated for part-time), holidays, and professional development opportunities. Please click HERE for full benefit details.

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 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:


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 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).
• Certification as an Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (CADC) II or III.
• Knowledge and experience in working with dual diagnosis mental health and substance use disorders.
• Experience with evidence-based models of therapy, such as PCIT, ABFT, DBT, CBT, EMDR and/or CPT.
• Experience treating individuals with SPMI, bipolar, and/or PTSD disorders.
• Experience with EPIC platform.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English.

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.
NOTE: 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 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.


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.

BHS II, Licensed only:

• Candidates must not be excluded (or Opt-out) from participation in the federal health care programs (Medicaid, Medicare and other federally funded programs that provide health benefits); AND must not be excluded from participating in federal procurement (Federal Acquisition Regulation) and non-procurement activities (Executive Order No. 12549).
• All clinicians providing Mental Health services must be eligible to be enrolled in Oregon Medicaid as a MH Provider within the first 30 days for hire.

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 for information.
Excellent County benefit package when eligible.
Deschutes County offers eligible employees a comprehensive healthcare package that covers medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage at a minimal cost of $100 for employee only and $121 per month for employee plus dependents. 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, Deschutes County provides a generous and comprehensive benefits program to eligible employees.


When Are you Eligible:
If you are hired on the first business day of the month, your benefits will start on the first of that month (immediate benefits, either that day or back to the first of the month if the first is on a Saturday or Sunday). If you are hired after the first business day of the month, your benefits will start on the first day of the following month.

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 our page and click on Employee Benefits or click HERE for full benefits guide.
01


This position requires a Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Recreational Therapy, Music Therapy, Art Therapy or a behavioral science field. Do you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

02


This position requires 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. Do you meet the minimum requirements as listed above?

• Yes
• No

03


Please describe how you meet the minimum qualifications as listed above. Be specific with regard to education and years of experience.
04


Are you currently licensed 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). Please check the box that describes your current licensure status.

• Yes, I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). (Please skip to question #7)
• Yes, I am Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT). (Please skip to question #7)
• Yes, I am Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). (Please skip to question #7)
• No, but I am actively pursuing a license in Oregon as an LCSW, LMFT, or LPC. (Please skip to question #6)
• No, I am not currently licensed in Oregon as listed above, nor am I actively pursuing licensure. (Please go to question #5)

05


Are you currently registered or certified as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) in the state of Oregon or eligible for registration into the QMHP certification program? (To check if you are registered or certified as a QMHP click ).

• Yes, I am currently registered or certified as a QMHP in Oregon.
• Yes, I am eligible to obtain registration into the QMHP certification program within 14 days from the date of hire.
• No, I am not currently certified as a QMHP, nor am I eligible to obtain registration into the QMHP certification program within 14 days from date of hire.

06


If you are pursuing Oregon licensure, which license are you currently pursuing (LCSW, LMFT, or LPC) and what date do you expect to receive your license?
07


Have you ever held, or currently hold, licensure as an LCSW, LMFT, LPC, outside of the state of Oregon?

• Yes
• No

08


If yes, when and where?
09


Have you ever had, or currently have, restrictions imposed on your license?

• Yes
• No

10


If yes, provide details.
11


REQUIRED QUESTION FOR BHS II, LIC:If applying as a Behavioral Health Specialist II, Licensed, Deschutes County's Mental Health providers serving Medicaid members must be enrolled with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) as an Oregon Health Plan (OHP) provider. This enrollment is required to comply with federal regulations and is a prerequisite for receiving reimbursement for services provided to OHP members. All clinicians providing Mental Health services must be eligible to be enrolled in Oregon Medicaid as a MH Provider within the first 30 days for hire. Therefore, Healthcare providers who choose not to participate in the Oregon Medicaid Program will not meet minimum qualifications for the position. Do you meet the requirements to be enrolled with OHA as an OHP provider?

• Yes
• No

12


Preference will be given for experience with evidence-based models of therapy, such as PCIT, ABFT, DBT, CBT, EMDR, and/or CPT. Do you have this experience?

• Yes
• No

13


If yes, please describe your experience with evidenced-base models of therapy, such as PCIT, ABFT, DBT, CBT, EMDR, and/or CPT for working with children, young adults, and/or families.
14


Preference will be given for individuals who have a Certification as an Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (CADC) II or III. Do you possess this certification?

• Yes
• No

15


If yes, please list your certification.
16


Preference will be given for knowledge and experience in working with dual diagnosis mental health and substance use disorders. Do you have this knowledge and experience?

• Yes
• No

17


If yes, please describe your knowledge and experience in working with dual diagnosis mental health and substance use disorders.
18


Preference will be given for experience treating individuals with SPMI, bipolar, and/or PTSD disorders. Do you have this experience?

• Yes
• No

19


If yes, please describe your experience and treatment philosophy working with individuals with SPMI, bipolar and/or PTSD disorders.
20


Preference will be give for experience with EPIC platform. Do you have this experience?

• Yes
• No

21


If yes, please describe your experience with EPIC platform.
22


Preference will be given for bilingual in English and Spanish. Do you speak and/or write in English and Spanish?

• No.
• Yes, I speak English and some Spanish.
• Yes, I speak English and Spanish fluently.
• Yes, I speak and write English and Spanish.

23


Please describe your professional experience working with children, young adults, and families with mental health and/or alcohol and drug issues. Include details about a) the length of each experience, b) your role and duties in each experience, and c) the number of clients typically served in each role.
24


Do you have experience documenting clinical services in an Electronic Health Record?

• Yes
• No

25


If applicable, please list the Electronic Health Record systems you have utilized.
26


Please tell us why you are a good candidate for this position. Please be specific in respect to the job responsibilities.
27


This position requires the ability to work a flexible schedule when necessary to meet client and department needs. Can you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

28


Successful candidates must have the ambulatory ability to drive throughout Deschutes County and to provide face-to-face services in a variety of settings in the community, including hospitals, jails, clinics, client homes, schools, etc. Applicants must also be willing and able to drive throughout Deschutes County in sometimes adverse weather conditions. Can you meet these requirements?

• Yes
• No

29


Are you able to meet the requirements of the position with or without accommodation?

• Yes
• No

Required Question