Behavioral Health Specialist - Qualified Mental Health Professional; QMHP

Initial Posting Date: 12/16/2025

Final date to receive applications: TBD

Agency: Oregon Youth Authority

Salary Range: 6,420.00 - 8,976.00

Position Type: Employee

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

Are you passionate about delivering counseling and guidance to youth from diverse backgrounds? Join the Rogue Valley Youth Correctional Facility team as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) and make a meaningful impact!

The Oregon Youth Authority (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 will be 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. Working alongside the Living Unit Manager (LUM) and Case Coordinator (CC), you will offer strong leadership and implement evidence-based interventions within a group living setting.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

• Multiple Positions:
  This recruitment will fill multiple positions that are limited duration, temporary, and permanent positions.
• Open Until Filled:
  This recruitment will remain open until filled but we may close the announcement at any time when we have received an adequate number of applications.
• Representation:
  This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU/OPEU).
• Comprehensive and equitable base salary offer within the listed range based on your experience, skills and education.
• The salary range listed is the non-PERS participating rate. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6%.
• This position receives annual increases on anniversary date until the maximum of the salary range is reached.
• Please save a copy of this job announcement for your reference, as it may not be available for you to view after the job closes.

• A Bachelor's degree in nursing or occupational therapy AND licensed by the State of Oregon AND three years of progressively responsible experience related to the series concept; OR
• A Master's degree in psychology; social work; recreational, art, or music therapy; or behavioral health science AND two years of progressively responsible experience related to the series concept.

• Driver's license required:
  Driving is an essential function of this position. A valid driver license and an acceptable driving record are required for this position.
• Eligible for certification as Qualified Mental Health Professional at the time of application.

• Graduate degree in psychology; or
• Bachelor's degree in nursing and be licensed by the State of Oregon; or
• Graduate degree in social work; or
• Graduate degree in a behavioral science field; or
• Graduate degree in recreational, art, or music therapy; or
• Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and be licensed by the State of Oregon.
• Education and experience which demonstrates the competencies to identify precipitating events; gather histories of mental and physical disabilities, alcohol and drug use, past mental health services and criminal justice contacts; assess family, social and work relationships; conduct a mental status examination; document a multiaxial DSM diagnosis; write and supervise a treatment plan, conduct comprehensive mental health assessment; and provide individual, family, and/or group therapy within the scope of practice.

• Preference given to those candidates that has received licensure in their discipline.
• Strong clinical skills providing mental health treatment to adolescents and young adults.
• Experience providing treatment in gang affiliation, anger management, fire setting, and violent offending.
• Certificates and/or work experience related to substance use treatment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to provide clinical work independently.

• All OYA locations are tobacco-free environments.
• Counseling and casework management is performed in a group living milieu. This may involve the treatment of emotionally unstable clientele and the danger of physical assault is present.
• Daily face to face contact with…