Washington County Community Corrections is now hiring two Residential Mental Health Specialists to join our team. One position is designated bilingual for Spanish and English fluency.
The Department
Washington County Community Corrections serves an important role in keeping our community safe. This department works to prevent the recurrence of crime among adult justice-involved individuals (JIIs) by supervising them and connecting them with the resources they need to change problem behavior. Community Corrections supervises approximately 3,000 JIIs using evidence-based strategies while working in partnership with the courts, law enforcement, and the State Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision.
The Opportunity
The Residential Mental Health Specialists provide mental health assessment services to adult offenders in a 24-hour residential, minimum-security treatment and work-release facility. This position also refers clients to other programs and maintains case records.
Duties of this position include:
- Interviewing and assessing clients who are referred to or are residents of the Community Corrections Center to determine mental health needs.
- Gathering information from clients and other records related to social, emotional, criminal, and substance abuse history.
- Evaluating information gathered during interview and assessment of clients to determine potential treatment options.
- Developing treatment plans for clients from a full program of services and resources available, and works with clients to establish goals, objectives, and methods of treatment.
- Referring clients to agencies for additional social, economic, and medical services; arranges and coordinates services with service providers.
- Responding to inquiries from clients and family members regarding department and community mental health, alcohol, and drug treatment programs, and provides information and educational materials on specific mental health, alcohol, and drug treatment programs and related information.
- Managing caseloads by maintaining files and recording treatment plans of clients; and prepares progress reports, which are used to keep referring agencies and supervisor informed about clients' status.
To review the complete classification, use this link: Residential Mental Health Specialist
Our Ideal Candidate will be experienced in case management, assessment, evaluation, and treatment of adults who have a diagnosis of severe and persistent mental illness and/or co-occurring substance use in a residential setting. They have excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills. A successful candidate approaches their work with integrity, are committed to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion throughout the department and countywide, and actively promote an environment that is respectful of living and working in a multicultural society. Although not required to be considered, knowledge of the criminal justice system in Oregon is preferred.
Bilingual Positions
Designated bilingual positions require that the incumbent have knowledge of the Spanish language, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Skills in writing Spanish accurately; ability to speak Spanish fluently; and ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing are required. An additional $75 per paycheck is provided to employees occupying positions designated as bilingual.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that candidate may come from a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role, even if you believe you do not meet all the hiring criteria described above.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
- Master's Degree in criminology, criminal justice, counseling, social work, psychology, or a related field AND one (1) year of experience working with individuals with severe and persistent mental health and/or co-occurring substance use diagnosis; OR
- Bachelor's Degree in criminology, criminal justice, counseling, social work, psychology, or a related field AND three (3) years of experience working with individuals with severe and persistent mental health and/or co-occurring substance use diagnosis.
Additional Requirements:
- Possession of a driver's license valid in the State of Oregon and an acceptable driving record per Washington County policy. To review the Driver's License and Record Policy, please use this link: Driver's License & Records Policy
- Successful completion of a background and criminal history check in accordance with Oregon Administrative Rules and Community Corrections Departmental procedures and guidelines
- Successful completion of a psychological evaluation in accordance with Community Corrections Departmental procedures and guidelines
- Must be at least 21 years of age by September 22, 2024