What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mental Health Specialist (Mobile Crisis Response Team - Overnight Shift) position at Clackamas County?
CLACKAMAS COUNTY
Clackamas County employees work to serve the public and enrich our community. Clackamas County is committed to building a community where people thrive, have a sense of safety, connection, and belonging, so that everyone is honored and celebrated for the richness in diversity they bring. We encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds and lived experience to apply.
Clackamas County is in a prime location in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area and is recognized nationally as one of the most livable areas in the United States. Located on the southern edge of the City of Portland and extending to the top of Mt. Hood, Clackamas County is part of a thriving region in the Northwest. It has a population of about 420,000 residents.
SPIRIT: Our Core Values
Explore Clackamas County
Recreation, Arts & Heritage
CLOSE DATE
This Job Posting closes at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time) on Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Please Note: The application deadline may be extended to expand the pool of qualified candidates. Any recruitment timeline changes will be communicated to all who have initiated an application process or have submitted an application.
Compensation
Pay rate ranges listed below are Post-COLA increase ranges and are effective July 1, 2026.
Mental Health Specialist 1 (unlicensed)
Clackamas County’s Behavioral Health Division (CCBHD) is seeking experienced, energetic and adaptable mental health professionals to join our Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT). As a Mental Health Specialist on the MCRT , you will provide face to face and telephonic crisis intervention services to individuals and families experiencing mental health emergencies in Clackamas County. Referrals for contact may come through the Clackamas Crisis and Support Line, from first responders, including law enforcement working within Clackamas County, emergency dispatch centers, or 988. This position is part of Clackamas County’s 24/7 mobile crisis response service and as such will receive support from clinical supervisors and other mobile crisis clinicians. The individual in these positions will partner closely with law enforcement and dispatch personnel.
Primary responsibilities for this position include providing field-based risk assessment, crisis intervention, case management, consultation, and referral for a variety of individuals in need. Secondary responsibilities include outreach engagement of clients and families struggling with symptoms of mental illness and substance abuse, support to frequent callers of crisis support lines and 911 as a result of symptoms of mental illness, and outreach and education to community organizations to help them better respond to individuals experiencing symptoms of mental health.
Since this is a field-based position, the ideal candidate will have a history of working with individuals in a variety of settings (i.e. field, homes, schools, etc.). Other desired skills and experience include: history of working with law enforcement, providing assessment and intervention to people across the lifespan in crisis; incorporating a person-centered, strengths-based recovery approach that includes peers and natural systems of support; a positive and collaborative attitude and approach in working with partners; a belief that every person we serve has the right to define and pursue their own definition of recovery ; and a commitment to serving a diverse population while promoting equity, diversity and inclusion .
The work location for this position will be at the Clackamas County 911 C-COM facility located in Oregon City, OR. This position is an overnight shift, on-site position, and will partner with law enforcement. These positions share on-call coverage with other members of the mobile crisis team. Mental Health Specialists provide treatment to vulnerable individuals, many of whom may have limited resources. Professionals in these positions should thrive in a setting where they will work independently as well as in a team environment.
Clackamas County is committed to building a workforce that reflects the community we serve. In that spirit, we encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds and experience, including those in recovery, or who identify as having lived experience.
Required Minimum Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*
A ”Qualified Mental Health Professional" (QMHP) means a Licensed Medical Provider or any other person meeting one or more of the following minimum qualifications as authorized by the Local Mental Health Authority or designee:
Graduate degree in Mental Health Counseling, Social Work, Psychology or other behavioral science fields
Duties may include but are not limited to the following:
This position is included in the County’s alternate workweek program. This position is a 40 hour per week position, working four (4) ten (10) hour days.
Specific hours of work will be discussed with the candidate selected for this position at the time an offer of employment is extended
Available Work Schedules
This position shares on-call coverage with other members of the mobile crisis team on a rotating basis as part of the regular work schedule .
Clackamas County proudly offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including competitive wages, cost-of-living adjustments, merit increases (for eligible employees), and a robust sick and vacation plan for regular status employees.
We encourage and support employee health and wellness by offering health and wellness classes and events, and alternative care benefits, so you can customize your wellness needs to fit your lifestyle.
Employee benefits become effective the first of the month following an employee’s date of hire.
Attractive benefits package and incentives for employees in regular status positions are detailed below.
Generous Paid Time Off Package, Including
There may be options for loan forgiveness while working with a government/public agency with the Public Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
This is a full time County position represented by the Employees' Association.
Learn More About Benefits
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The Clackamas County Behavioral Health Division strives to provide excellent mental health, substance use, care coordination, forensic, and peer services to those individuals who receive the Oregon Health Plan, Medicare or are uninsured and living in Clackamas County. Services are either provided by our own staff or through referral to partner providers located throughout the county.
Learn more about Clackamas County Behavioral Health Division
Behavioral Health is a Division of the Health, Housing, and Human Services (H3S) Department.
Health, Housing, and Human Services (H3S) consists of six divisions, dedicated to ensuring health families and strong communities in Clackamas County.
Mission Statement: We lead and learn with equity in serving individuals, families, and communities by providing access to high quality healthcare, housing, and services that strengthen social and economic resilience.
Vision Statement: Individuals, families, and communities are resilient and thriving.
H3S is committed to improving programs and ensuring better outcomes for the people served, and focuses on the following goals:
Clackamas County only accepts online applications.
Help with the Application
If you have any questions or issues you may contact the Department of Human Resources by calling 503-655-8459 or emails us at jobs@clackamas.us . Our office hours are Monday - Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time (closed on Fridays).
How To Claim Veteran's Preference
Requesting Veterans' Preference
Learn more about Oregon's Veterans' Preference
VISA SPONSORSHIP
Clackamas County does not offer visa sponsorships. Once a job applicant has accepted a position, they will be required to complete an I-9 and confirm authorization to work in the United States prior to their first day .
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNIT Y
Clackamas 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.
If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the Department of Human Resources prior to the recruitment close date. You may request an accommodation during the online application process.
RECRUITMENT CONTACT
Jimmy Henry, Recruiter
Email: JHenry@clackamas.us
Clackamas County employees work to serve the public and enrich our community. Clackamas County is committed to building a community where people thrive, have a sense of safety, connection, and belonging, so that everyone is honored and celebrated for the richness in diversity they bring. We encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds and lived experience to apply.
Clackamas County is in a prime location in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area and is recognized nationally as one of the most livable areas in the United States. Located on the southern edge of the City of Portland and extending to the top of Mt. Hood, Clackamas County is part of a thriving region in the Northwest. It has a population of about 420,000 residents.
SPIRIT: Our Core Values
Explore Clackamas County
Recreation, Arts & Heritage
CLOSE DATE
This Job Posting closes at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time) on Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Please Note: The application deadline may be extended to expand the pool of qualified candidates. Any recruitment timeline changes will be communicated to all who have initiated an application process or have submitted an application.
Compensation
Pay rate ranges listed below are Post-COLA increase ranges and are effective July 1, 2026.
Mental Health Specialist 1 (unlicensed)
- Annual Pay Range: $75,689.78 - $96,108.46
- Hourly Pay Range: $36.389318 - $46.205988
- Annual Pay Range: $91,682.43 - $115,982.52
- Hourly Pay Range: $44.078091 - $55.760829
- Eligible a pplicants with current licensure as an Oregon Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC); Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Licensed Psychologist (PsyD or PHD).
- Positions that require swing or overnight shift work schedules may be eligible for a shift differential
- Positions that require regular scheduled work on Saturday and/or Sunday may be eligible for a shift differential
- Positions that require on-call as part of their regular scheduled shift may be eligible for on-call pay
- Additional details regarding overnight, weekend and on-call schedule pay differentials can be found in the Employees Association Collective Bargaining Agreement, beginning from page 25-29: Click Here
Clackamas County’s Behavioral Health Division (CCBHD) is seeking experienced, energetic and adaptable mental health professionals to join our Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT). As a Mental Health Specialist on the MCRT , you will provide face to face and telephonic crisis intervention services to individuals and families experiencing mental health emergencies in Clackamas County. Referrals for contact may come through the Clackamas Crisis and Support Line, from first responders, including law enforcement working within Clackamas County, emergency dispatch centers, or 988. This position is part of Clackamas County’s 24/7 mobile crisis response service and as such will receive support from clinical supervisors and other mobile crisis clinicians. The individual in these positions will partner closely with law enforcement and dispatch personnel.
Primary responsibilities for this position include providing field-based risk assessment, crisis intervention, case management, consultation, and referral for a variety of individuals in need. Secondary responsibilities include outreach engagement of clients and families struggling with symptoms of mental illness and substance abuse, support to frequent callers of crisis support lines and 911 as a result of symptoms of mental illness, and outreach and education to community organizations to help them better respond to individuals experiencing symptoms of mental health.
Since this is a field-based position, the ideal candidate will have a history of working with individuals in a variety of settings (i.e. field, homes, schools, etc.). Other desired skills and experience include: history of working with law enforcement, providing assessment and intervention to people across the lifespan in crisis; incorporating a person-centered, strengths-based recovery approach that includes peers and natural systems of support; a positive and collaborative attitude and approach in working with partners; a belief that every person we serve has the right to define and pursue their own definition of recovery ; and a commitment to serving a diverse population while promoting equity, diversity and inclusion .
The work location for this position will be at the Clackamas County 911 C-COM facility located in Oregon City, OR. This position is an overnight shift, on-site position, and will partner with law enforcement. These positions share on-call coverage with other members of the mobile crisis team. Mental Health Specialists provide treatment to vulnerable individuals, many of whom may have limited resources. Professionals in these positions should thrive in a setting where they will work independently as well as in a team environment.
Clackamas County is committed to building a workforce that reflects the community we serve. In that spirit, we encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds and experience, including those in recovery, or who identify as having lived experience.
Required Minimum Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*
- Registered as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) as established by the State of Oregon
A ”Qualified Mental Health Professional" (QMHP) means a Licensed Medical Provider or any other person meeting one or more of the following minimum qualifications as authorized by the Local Mental Health Authority or designee:
Graduate degree in Mental Health Counseling, Social Work, Psychology or other behavioral science fields
- If Licensed: Must hold credentials as aClinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Licensed Psychologist (PsyD/PHD) AND a minimum of two (2) years of related experience that would provide the required knowledge and skills to perform the responsibilities of this position.
- If Unlicensed*: Must have a minimum of one (1) year of relevant experience that would provide the required knowledge and skills to perform the duties of the role.
- * Licensure is not required to be obtained within three (3) years of hire. However, if licensure is obtained while employed, a promotion to the Mental Health Specialist 2 classification may be considered.
- At least one (1) year experience working with adults and children with mental health and substance abuse issues.
- At least one (1) year experience providing assessment, triage, and crisis intervention with individuals who are in mental health crisis
- At least one (1) year experience assessing risk for suicide and/or danger to self or others
- Experience utilizing an electronic health record or similar computerized data system
- Must be willing to work overnight and weekend hours as part of the regular shift (*see benefits section below for overnight and weekend shift work compensation)
- Must be willing to participate in an on-call schedule rotation as part of the regular work schedule (*see benefits section below for on-call work compensation)
- Must possess or obtain a CPR/First Aid certificate within six (6) months of hire.
- Current licensure in a behavioral health related field (LCSW, LPC, LMFT, PsyD/PHD )
- Certification as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) I, II, Ill
- Experience working collaboratively with law enforcement, community partners, collateral service providers, and co-workers
- Experience working in a community based setting (i.e.: mobile outreach or crisis assessment, in-home counseling, schools, crisis clinics, etc.)
- Fluent in Spanish/English, both oral and written
- Must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test.
- Must pass a criminal history investigation which may include national or state fingerprint records check
- Must pass a comprehensive Clackamas 911/C-COM Background prior to employment. The background process involves a complete Statement of Personal History (SPH).
- Driving is necessary for County business. For position(s) with occasional/incidental driving, incumbents must possess a valid driver's license. Accommodation requests for an acceptable alternative method of transportation will be reviewed on an individual basis in compliance with State and Federal legislation. For position(s) with regular driving, incumbent(s) must also possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.
- For Veterans qualified for Veteran’s Preference: If you believe you have skills that would transfer well to this position and/or special qualifications that relate to this position, please list those skills and/or qualifications in the open-ended question at the end of the application and explain how those skills and/or qualifications relate to this position.
Duties may include but are not limited to the following:
- Provide emergent and urgent outreach assessments and crisis intervention (including case management) as needed for individuals in Clackamas County as part of the Clackamas County Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT). Collaborate closely with the crisis line, 988, 911 dispatch centers, and law enforcement. Make contacts in the community, face-to-face when safe and appropriate. Coordinate follow-up services with appropriate agencies. Enter and maintain documentation of services provided in the electronic clinical record in accordance with OAR and Division procedures.
- Conduct mental health crisis intervention, triage, and consultation via telephone. This may include assisting frequent callers to 911 who are experiencing mental health crises.
- Perform responsibilities associated with serving as a Mental Health Director’s designee, including initiating the involuntary commitment process through Director’s Custody under ORS 426.233.
- Document all contacts per Division guidelines. Compile statistics and assist with reporting requirements as directed.
- Attend meetings and assist with providing training to county and community partners as requested.
This position is included in the County’s alternate workweek program. This position is a 40 hour per week position, working four (4) ten (10) hour days.
Specific hours of work will be discussed with the candidate selected for this position at the time an offer of employment is extended
Available Work Schedules
- Wednesday to Saturday; 10:00pm-8:00am
- Sunday to Wednesday; 10:00pm-8:00am
This position shares on-call coverage with other members of the mobile crisis team on a rotating basis as part of the regular work schedule .
- For information regarding on-call, overnight and weekend shift compensation, please see the Compensation Section of this job posting.
Clackamas County proudly offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including competitive wages, cost-of-living adjustments, merit increases (for eligible employees), and a robust sick and vacation plan for regular status employees.
We encourage and support employee health and wellness by offering health and wellness classes and events, and alternative care benefits, so you can customize your wellness needs to fit your lifestyle.
Employee benefits become effective the first of the month following an employee’s date of hire.
Attractive benefits package and incentives for employees in regular status positions are detailed below.
Generous Paid Time Off Package, Including
- 12 hours of vacation accrued per month
- Eligible newly hired employees will have the one-time option to frontload their first year of vacation accruals! This means you have access to vacation time at time of hire.
- 8 hours of sick accrued per month
- 10 paid holidays and 1 personal day per year
- Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP):
- A Choice of Medical Plans that include chiropractic coverage, alternative care, vision, and prescription drug coverage
- A Choice of Dental Plans
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Longevity pay
- Other retirement Savings Options that allow for additional retirement funds savings, including an option to contribute a portion of employee earnings on a pre or post-tax basis to a 457b Deferred Compensation Plan
- A variety of additional optional benefits (see link below for additional information)
There may be options for loan forgiveness while working with a government/public agency with the Public Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
This is a full time County position represented by the Employees' Association.
Learn More About Benefits
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The Clackamas County Behavioral Health Division strives to provide excellent mental health, substance use, care coordination, forensic, and peer services to those individuals who receive the Oregon Health Plan, Medicare or are uninsured and living in Clackamas County. Services are either provided by our own staff or through referral to partner providers located throughout the county.
Learn more about Clackamas County Behavioral Health Division
Behavioral Health is a Division of the Health, Housing, and Human Services (H3S) Department.
Health, Housing, and Human Services (H3S) consists of six divisions, dedicated to ensuring health families and strong communities in Clackamas County.
Mission Statement: We lead and learn with equity in serving individuals, families, and communities by providing access to high quality healthcare, housing, and services that strengthen social and economic resilience.
Vision Statement: Individuals, families, and communities are resilient and thriving.
H3S is committed to improving programs and ensuring better outcomes for the people served, and focuses on the following goals:
- EMPOWERED AND THRIVING STAFF - H3S staff are empowered, engaged and have a sense of belonging while being valued and supported to thrive.
- EQUITY DRIVEN SERVICES - H3S promotes and provides accessible, equitable and culturally responsive services.
- ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE & CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT - H3S operates consistently, efficiently and effectively as a cohesive department, using our individual and collective skills and expertise.
Clackamas County only accepts online applications.
Help with the Application
If you have any questions or issues you may contact the Department of Human Resources by calling 503-655-8459 or emails us at jobs@clackamas.us . Our office hours are Monday - Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time (closed on Fridays).
How To Claim Veteran's Preference
Requesting Veterans' Preference
Learn more about Oregon's Veterans' Preference
VISA SPONSORSHIP
Clackamas County does not offer visa sponsorships. Once a job applicant has accepted a position, they will be required to complete an I-9 and confirm authorization to work in the United States prior to their first day .
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNIT Y
Clackamas 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.
If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the Department of Human Resources prior to the recruitment close date. You may request an accommodation during the online application process.
RECRUITMENT CONTACT
Jimmy Henry, Recruiter
Email: JHenry@clackamas.us
Salary : $75,690 - $96,108