Mental Health Therapist

Position Title Oregon Health Authority – Mental Health Therapist 2 – Pendleton Cottage, Pendleton, Oregon. Salary Range: $4,945 – $6,258. Position Type: Employee. Job Description The Oregon State Hospital’s Pendleton Cottage, located in beautiful Pendleton, Oregon, is seeking a passionate, driven, and compassionate professional to join our team as a Mental Health Therapist 2. In this meaningful role, you’ll work closely with experienced staff to support high‑risk and high‑profile individuals on their recovery journey, helping shape and implement individualized treatment plans within our secure residential treatment facility. You’ll play a vital part in delivering group and individual therapies, guiding socialization skill development, creating lesson plans, teaching groups, providing case management, and facilitating a structured daily program—all while contributing to a safe, supportive environment for residents and staff alike. If you are passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of others, we encourage you to join our team dedicated to promoting recovery and well‑being. Work Schedule Monday – Friday | 1:00pm – 9:30pm. Days Off: Saturday and Sunday. Minimum Qualifications Three years of experience working with mentally, emotionally, behavioral or physically impaired clients. An associate or a bachelor’s degree in social science (such as social work, human services, psychology, child development, gerontology, health, or health education) may be substituted for 6 months of the required experience. Desired Attributes Experience in implementing and supporting the principles of the Recovery Model. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to adapt effectively to diverse and dynamic situations involving a wide range of individuals. The ability to think quickly and proactively address potential issues before they occur. Experience working with forensic populations. Skilled in creating therapeutic, Recovery Model–aligned lesson plans that support individualized resident goals. Experience coordinating resident care and supporting treatment through consistent, collaborative case management. Experience in leading and instructing groups utilizing the Recovery Model framework. Special Qualifications Must possess a valid Oregon driver's license. Must possess QMHA (Qualified Mental Health Associate) certification or be willing to obtain within the first month of employment. Must possess CPR and First Aid certifications or be willing to obtain within the first month of employment. Must possess Safe Together certification or be willing to obtain within the first month of employment. Benefits of Joining Excellent, low-cost medical, vision, and dental coverage for you and your family. Optional benefits like life insurance, disability coverage, deferred compensation, and FSA options for health and childcare. Generous paid time off: 11 holidays, 3 personal days, monthly sick leave, and vacation accrual starting at 8 hours/month. Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Retirement security through Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP). Training and development opportunities to grow your career with the State of Oregon. Additional Details This announcement is for one (1), full-time, permanent, SEIU represented, Mental Health Therapist 2, located in Pendleton, Oregon. This is a 100% on-site position. Employment is contingent upon a criminal records check and a driving records check that meets OHA criteria at the time of hire and throughout employment. Candidates who are offered employment at Pendleton Cottage must satisfactorily pass a pre‑employment drug screening. The salary listed is the non‑PERS qualifying range. If the successful candidate qualifies for PERS, the salary range will increase by 6.95%. For more information, see the Classification and Compensation page. The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an education institution during the application process. This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States. OHA will use E-Verify to verify work authorization. If your employment eligibility depends on sponsorship now or in the future, you will not meet the requirements for this position. We evaluate candidates based on their own skills and experience. Unless explicitly approved, outside resources – including Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools – are not permitted during assessments or interviews. Use of unauthorized resources will disqualify a candidate from further consideration. Equal Opportunity Statement The Oregon Health Authority is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer, committed to fair employment practices and pay equity for all employees. We do not discriminate based on protected class – including race, sex, veteran status, disability, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, or sexual orientation – and does not screen applicants based on current or past compensation. Salary is determined through a fair review of your education, experience, and training as it relates to the position. OHA is an anti-racist organization working to eliminate health inequities and dismantle structural barriers that impact underserved communities. Join us in advancing our Strategic Plan and building a more equitable Oregon. Oregon state government is a large organization by nearly any standard. With over 40,000 employees working all over the state, in small communities and large, we are proving that government can be innovative. We work as a team, challenging ourselves to be better, faster and more efficient with taxpayer dollars. After all, when every day we are responsible for caring for the needs of a diverse population and thriving business community, we simply must have the best and brightest workforce. If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move? Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background. If you’re looking at us from across the country (or beyond!), know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between. Oregon “flies with her own wings.” #J-18808-Ljbffr