Behavioral Health Specialist - Qualified Mental Health Professional; QMHP

Overview

Position Title: Behavioral Health Specialist 2 - Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)

Agency: Oregon Youth Authority (OYA)

Location: Grants Pass – Rogue Valley Youth Correctional Facility

Job Description: OYA is looking for a full-time QMHP dedicated to providing comprehensive mental and behavioral health services to youth at Rogue Valley Youth Correctional Facility. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including contracted psychiatrists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), or psychologists, to create a supportive treatment environment within the assigned living unit. Your mission is to cultivate a positive and dynamic atmosphere that encourages youth to take responsibility, develop healthy habits, lead productive lives, and engage in socially acceptable behavior.

You will work with the Living Unit Manager (LUM) and Case Coordinator (CC) to offer leadership and implement evidence-based interventions within a group living setting.

Posting details: Initial Posting Date 01/21/2026
• Final date to receive applications listed in original posting; refer to agency for current deadline.

• Provide mental and behavioral health services to youth within a group living setting as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Collaborate with contracted psychiatrists, PMHNPs, or psychologists to develop and implement treatment plans.
• Apply evidence-based interventions and provide leadership in the living unit.
• Support youth in developing responsibility, healthy habits, and prosocial behavior.

• From “What We Are Looking For”: A Bachelor’s degree in nursing or occupational therapy and licensure by the State of Oregon plus three years of related experience OR A Master’s degree in psychology; social work; recreational, art, or music therapy; or behavioral health science plus two years of related experience.
• Special
  
  Qualifications:
  
  Driver’s license required; eligible for certification as QMHP at time of application.

• Open to multiple positions; limited duration, temporary, and permanent placements anticipated.
• Open Until Filled; may close announcement anytime after sufficient applications.
• Representation: SEIU/OPEU.
• Salary range listed; COLA possible 2.5% effective Feb 1, 2026; salary does not reflect COLA at posting.
• Annual increases occur until the maximum of the salary range is reached.
• Comprehensive benefits, pay equity considerations, and further details available in posting.

• All OYA locations are tobacco-free.
• Group living milieu; potential exposure to emotionally unstable clientele and risk of physical altercations; may involve crisis restraint.
• Face-to-face interactions with adjudicated youth; may involve hostile or assaultive behavior.
• May be subject to hostage situations and recall during emergencies.
• Weekend/holidays/evenings possible; standby/on-call duties may be required.
• Travel to other OYA locations or trainings; potential exposure to communicable diseases; infection-control precautions required.

• Equal Opportunity Employer; DEI-focused culture; diversity encouraged.
• OYA does not sponsor visas; requires eligibility to work in the U.S.; E-Verify used.
• Pre-employment checks include criminal record, driving record, vulnerable population checks, and other verifications as required.

Note: This description keeps the information from the original posting while improving structure and readability. For any application questions, please consult the agency’s official posting.