Mental Health Associate

About the Position Lane County Youth Services is accepting applications for a Mental Health Associate to join a multi-disciplinary clinical team in proving integrated mental health treatment services to justice involved youth. This position will focus on providing mental health support and skills intervention to justice-involved youth and young adults, ages 10 to 21. It will also assist in the implementation of the Lane County Youth Services INSPIRE Program (Innovative Services for Prevention, Intervention, and Educational Support). This full-time position is funded through grant funding in partnership with Youth Development of Oregon and Lane County Youth Services. This position requires the skills to consider barriers such as mental health and developmental needs as they relate to youth in custody and the community, and their reengagement in the community and education. Day-to-day work includes providing support for youth treatment goals through facilitation of evidence-based skills and crisis support services and community outreach to youth and families receiving diversion services from Lane County Youth Services. Lane County Youth Services values a positive workplace environment that fosters a growth mindset, resilience, and strong emotional intelligence. We follow Performance-based standards with a focus on data-driven continuous improvement and growth-focused case management. The Division fosters positive youth development and prosocial attitudes and values through evidence-based and innovative treatment practices. This position will work with youth in community and closed-custody settings. The position may require the use of verbal and physical skills to de-escalate volatile situations or response to crisis situations with youth presenting with violent or dysregulated behavior. The work of the division is complex and covers multiple, diverse subject matter areas, governed by multiple regulatory bodies and requiring specialized knowledge. The division is deeply focused on cultivating a positive workplace culture and addressing long standing structural and cultural deficits. If you are driven to serve justice-involved youth and families, this is the career for you! About the Division The Youth Services Division operates 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, and has approximately 65 full-time staff, six program units, and is located in three different buildings on the John Serbu Youth Campus in Eugene, Oregon. The division is comprised of the following units: Administration: Division planning and management, data, grants administration, information systems, and administrative support. Juvenile Department: Screening, assessment, diversion, and probation services. Detention: 10-bed secure intake unit, 16-bed secure stabilization unit, and 16-bed behavioral-focused unit serving youth ages 12-19, including youth being held on adult criminal charges, and health services (medical, dental, mental health, and psychiatric) for youth. Clinical Services: Clinical outpatient, closed-custody crisis and stabilization support, psychiatric and MAT support, and youth and family skills support. Martin Luther King (MLK) Education Center: A collaboration between the division and Lane Education Service District (Lane ESD). Services provided include alternative school for high-risk, adjudicated, community youth; education for youth in Detention and Phoenix Treatment; horticulture and culinary arts vocational programs; and community service and restitution crews for youth. Nutrition Services: Provides approximately 30,000 meals and snacks per year to youth housed in Detention and youth in school and on vocational crews at and through the MLK Education Center. *Lane County employees may be eligible for student loan repayment: Public Service Loan Forgiveness National Health Service Corps Schedule: Schedule will include weekends and non-traditional business hours. These hours are subject to change based on 24/7 operational needs. Employees are expected to work scheduled overtime and be available for emergency overtime when needed. *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. Preferred Requirements: Experience working with justice-involved youth is preferred. Special Requirements: Registration as a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA) through the Mental Health and Additions Certification Board of Oregon(MHACBO) is required within 60 days hire. Must possess a valid Oregon Driver’s License, at time of hire, and maintain an acceptable driver's record. Possession of, or obtain within 60 days of hire, a current CPR and Basic First Aid certification. This position is subject to a full criminal offender information record check and ODHS ORCHARDS background 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 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.