School Based Mental Health Therapist - Temporary

ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The School Based Mental Health (SBMH) Program is a unique partnership between Polk County and 4 local school districts. Housed within the Family & Community Outreach Department, SBMH staff are placed in Elementary, Middle,and High School settings throughout rural Polk County. SBMH team members get to work with all students to addressbarriers to coming to school and being successful regardless of insurance or ability to pay.

SCHOOL BASED MENTAL HEALTH THERAPIST
This position provides a range of short-term and evidence based services, including individual and group skill-building, emotional support, crisis intervention and suicide assessments. Staff consult with families and school staff to assist with connecting students and families to community resources. Staff further develop a range of skills according to interests and individual school needs which may include classroom presentations on character education, anti-bullying, problem solving, suicide prevention, or social skill development.

Students served are diverse and unique. Staff may work with a student impacted by grief, anxiety, depression or behavior struggles, or a student with a goal around communication and increasing positive relationships, The school-based mental health staff additionally assist with referring students to more intensive therapeutic services according to the specific needs and challenges of individual students.

WORK SCHEDULE
Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a 30 minute lunch.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelors degree in a behavioral science, educational field, or three years of experience working in social services, educational, or related field; or any equivalent combination of experience and training.

REQUIRED SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Must possess and maintain a valid Oregon driver’s license and automobile insurance, and have access to and use ofapersonal automobile as a condition of employment.
Polk County, the Organization:

Polk County takes pride in knowing that our employees are what makes the County a great place to work. We have astrong desire for each employee to feel respected; connected to the department they work for as well as other Countydepartments and the community at large; and know that they are critical to County business. We understand that workmay be necessary, but not what should define each individual. We all have diverse personalities and interests away fromthe job, and at Polk County we encourage our employees to be connected to something bigger than work.

Our Community:
Polk County is located in the Willamette Valley just an hour from the Pacific Coast to the west and an hour from Portlandto the north. The population is approximately 87,000 and the area spans about 744 square miles, with two thirds of thewestern part of the county being forest. National protected areas include the Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refugeand Siuslaw National Forest.

The County is part of the agricultural richness the Willamette Valley has to offer. In recent decades, the valley has alsobecome a major wine producer, with Polk County being one of the best in the area. The valley is often known as the“Oregon Wine Country.” Polk County has over 25 wineries alone.

Polk County also houses the beautiful liberal arts college, Western Oregon University (WOU), and is only 30 miles fromOregon State University. WOU was an inaugural winner of the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award.This award recognizes universities and colleges that have demonstrated the highest level of commitment and actiontowards fostering a campus community that celebrates all the many facets of diversity. WOU is one of the most diverseuniversities in Oregon and has a higher percentage of Latino students in the Oregon University system.

Please refer to the Class Specification for the full job description and minimum experience, education and training requirements for this position.

** A cover letter is required. If you are a military veteran and want to apply for Veterans' Hiring Preference, you must attach supporting documentation and complete the Veteran’s Preference Form **

** DO NOT ATTACH ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS (transcripts, letters of recommendation, certificates, etc.) They will not be considered at the application stage. You may bring them to the interview if you are selected to interview.**

Salary : $31 - $40