Mental Health Associate

DESCRIPTION

About the Position

Lane County Behavioral Health is looking for a dynamic Qualified Mental Health Associate to join our team.

• Support individuals in achieving the highest possible level of independent functioning.
• Assist in diverting individuals from admission to the Oregon State Hospital (OSH).
• Support safe, timely, and appropriate discharges from OSH into the community.
• Coordinate services with community providers and programs to ensure continuity of care.

• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Provide case management services.
• Deliver skills training to clients.
• Initiate and maintain contact with clients in both clinic and community settings.
• Conduct client screenings and follow-up callbacks.
• Assess clients' case management needs.
• Coordinate care with community partners, including:
  • Hospitals
  • Developmental Disabilities (DD) Services
  • Medical clinics
  • Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs)
• Receive and process referrals from community partners.

• Support CHOICE staff with administrative tasks.
• Attend team meetings and participate on committees.
• Collaborate with community providers and partners.
• Work with Trillium Community Health Plan as appropriate to assigned responsibilities.

• May be required to provide transportation for clients to appointments and activities.
• May be required to conduct home visits.
• Must possess a valid Oregon driver's license.

For this recruitment we are looking for individuals with a passion to serve adults with mental health needs in our community. This position does require a current 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

*This is an AFSCME represented position*

QUALIFICATIONS

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.

• 
  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.

CLASSIFICATION DETAILS

Mental Health Associate (Download PDF reader)

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

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 (Download PDF reader) 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.

Careers with Lane County Offer Extraordinary Benefits

If you enroll in the HDHP the County will contribute to your HSA:

For eligible members of unions LCPOA, 626, Admin Pro, and AFSCME Physicians $1,700 for individual coverage and $3,400 for family coverage.

For eligible members of unions AFSCME General, AFSCME Nurses, FOPPO, PAA, and non-represented employees $1,600 for individual coverage and $3,200 for family coverage. Those who complete the requirements to receive the Live Well Credit by November 30, 2026, will receive an additional contribution of $400 individual or $800 family, funded in 2027.

These amounts are prorated based on date of hire.

All eligible employees who complete a Health History Risk Assessment (HHRA), Biometric Screening, and Comprehensive Health Review (CHR) at the Live Well Center receive a $20 per month credit.

Wellness Clinic - The Live Well Center is for Lane County benefits-eligible employees, spouses and dependents (ages 2 and up) who are enrolled in the Lane County health plan. Marathon Health manages the Live Well Center and their clinical team provides confidential, affordable care for your acute and preventive healthcare needs. The Live Well Center also provides health coaching, chronic disease counseling, comprehensive primary care services, and much more.

Dental - Lane County provides dental coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Lane County provides this counseling and concierge service to employees and members of their immediate households.

Fitness Center Membership - Lane County provides employees with a free membership to a local fitness center.

Benefits to keep you & your family well - Financially

Retirement - Lane County pays for and enrolls employees in the Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP) and the Individual Account Program (IAP) following six full months of employment.

Disability - Lane County provides Long-Term Disability coverage. Lane County complies with all State and Federal disability laws for employee, family, parental and pregnancy leaves regulations.

Time Management - Lane County provides employees with a generous bank of hours to be used for sick, vacation, family emergencies and personal days.

Life Insurance - Lane County pays for employee group term life insurance.

County-paid Training & Development to keep your career well

On-site Classes - Lane County offers a variety of on-site classes to develop employees' soft and technical skills.

Online Training - Lane County offers a variety of online classes through LEAP to help employees continually improve their skills.

Conferences & Seminars - Lane County will consider reimbursement for employees to attend professional conferences, dependent upon budget, to encourage continuous learning and professional development.

Lane County offers these other valuable benefits

Deferred Compensation Retirement Savings - Employees may enroll in a deferred compensation program 457(b) to save for retirement.

Vision - Eligible employees may purchase supplemental vision insurance.

Supplemental Life Insurance - Employees may purchase supplemental life insurance for themselves and their dependents/spouse.

Aflac - Optional employee-paid voluntary group coverage is available through Aflac.

Group Discounts - Group discounts may include homeowners and auto insurance, pet health insurance, credit union membership.

Paid medical, dental and vision coverage for dependents is determined by labor agreement or APM, as applicable. Physicians should contact their supervisor for health plan options and rates. Please note that Temporary and Extra Help positions are not typically eligible for benefits. This is only brief summary of benefits available to eligible Lane County employees. In all cases, plan documents govern.

For additional information about these extraordinary benefits contact the Benefit Resource Center at 1-866-468-7272, or Lane County HR at (541) 682-3124.