Mental Health Associate

About the Position Lane County Behavioral Health is looking for a dynamic Qualified Mental Health Associates to join our team as a mobile crisis service responder for our new Mobile Crisis Service of Lane County program (MCS-LC) which was created to better serve individuals in behavioral health crisis across our county. These positions will work in two-person teams to respond to calls for service in rural and metro areas of Lane County. Duties will include providing phone-based, office-based, and community-based crisis assessment, intervention, and safety planning services to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises, using standardized tools and strategies following training, with oversight from and access to back-up support from behavioral health clinical staff. These positions will also provide follow-up referrals and case management support to individuals served following a behavioral health crisis. Lane County Behavioral Health is looking for dedicated individuals who are focused on solutions, with a passion to serve and who are driven to connect. These positions do require a QMHA Certification through MHACBO. 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: See links below. 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: This permanent schedule will run four 10-hour shifts between 9:30pm - 7:30am, either Sunday - Wednesday or Wednesday - Saturday. As this is a developing service, the initial training will include three weeks of training 8:00am - 5:00pm, Monday - Friday, then swing shift before transitioning to the regular NOC shift. 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* 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: This position is subject to a full criminal offender information record check. 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 license and certification status. 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. Mental Health Associate Classification Details 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.