Behavioral Health Specialist - Qualified Mental Health Professional; QMHP - Part-Time

Job Overview

Agency: Oregon Youth Authority

Position Title: Behavioral Health Specialist 2 – Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) (Part‑Time, Full‑Time, or Temp)

Location: Eastern Oregon Youth Correctional Facility, Burns, Oregon

Salary Range: $6,420.00 – $8,967.00

We are currently seeking qualified mental health professionals to provide counseling, guidance, and evidence‑based behavioral interventions to youth in a secure, group‑living environment. The role requires strong collaboration with psychiatrists, PMHNPs, psychologists, the Living Unit Manager, and the Case Coordinator to foster growth, responsibility, and healthy living among our residents.

• Deliver individual, family, and group therapy within scope of practice.
• Conduct mental status exams, develop and supervise treatment plans, and document multiaxial DSM diagnoses.
• Implement and sustain evidence‑based interventions in a living unit setting.
• Collaborate with the LUM and CC to maintain a supportive treatment environment.
• Enforce rules and provide crisis intervention, including restraining youth when necessary.
• Participate in unit case planning and multidisciplinary team meetings.
• Maintain accurate case records and comply with mandatory reporter obligations.
• Follow infection control measures and respond to emergencies, including potential hostage situations.

• Education: Graduate degree in psychology, social work, behavioral science, recreational, art, or music therapy; or Bachelor’s in nursing or occupational therapy with state licensing.
• Experience: For graduate candidates: 2+ years of progressive mental health practice; for licensed nurses/therapists: 3+ years.
• Driver’s license required; acceptable driving record necessary.
• Must be a Qualified Mental Health Professional at time of application.
• Knowledge of DSM classification and the full assessment and treatment process.

• Familiarity with drug, alcohol, and sexual‑harmful behavior treatment.
• Experience facilitating treatment groups and working with crisis clients.
• Strong documentation and client‑centered service skills.

• All OYA locations are tobacco‑free.
• Physical contact with adjudicated youth; potential for aggression and assaults.
• Weekend, holiday, evening, stand‑by, and on‑call work may be required.
• Travel to other OYA locations or statewide trainings may be required.
• Exposure to communicable diseases; use of infection‑control materials mandatory.

• Competitive salary based on experience within stated range.
• Annual salary increases on the anniversary date until maximum of range is reached.
• Full benefits package for full‑time employees—health insurance, retirement plan, generous time‑off.
• SEIU/OPEU union representation (life insurance, disability, legal insurance, tuition reimbursement).
• Possible relocation assistance (subject to approval and policy limits).
• Paid time off for union membership and optional benefits.

• Complete online application and upload resume.
• Answer the questionnaire and public records authorization.
• Veterans receive preference information during the process.

OYA is an equal‑opportunity, affirmative‑action employer. All employment decisions are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need. We actively encourage candidates from historically marginalized communities, individuals with disabilities, and protected classes to apply.

Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations. Contact OYA Recruitment at 971‑345‑1236 or Oregon Relay Service 7‑1‑1 for assistance.

• Criminal background check, driving record, and vulnerable population abuse/neglect check.
• Additional checks may include fingerprinting, drug screening, education verification, and board certification.
• Non‑participating in OPA/PERS program is noted.

• No visa sponsorship.
• Mandatory reporting of child abuse is required for all positions.

For more information or questions, email the HR Recruiter .