Mental Health Specialist 1 or 2 for Child Outpatient Treatment Team | Albany Office

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Mental Health Specialist 1 or 2 for Child Outpatient Treatment Team

Linn County Mental Health Department (Classification 771)
SEIU Represented | Full-Time (37.5 hours/week)

Are you looking for Mental Health Specialist jobs where you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of children, adolescents, and families? Do you have a passion for helping young people navigate challenging emotional and behavioral issues? If so, Linn County Mental Health Department invites you to consider our Mental Health Specialist 1 or 2 position on the Child Outpatient Treatment Team. In this role, you will work with a dynamic and supportive group of professionals who are dedicated to improving mental health outcomes in both rural and urban communities.

In the pages below, we will outline everything you need to know about these Mental Health Specialist jobs: from a detailed description of responsibilities to the qualifications required, from the benefits you can expect to the ways in which you will be making a difference each day. We invite you to read on, learn more, and imagine yourself as part of our dedicated team.


1. Position Overview

This Mental Health Specialist position focuses on providing therapeutic services, case management, and consultation to children and adolescents (and their families) who are experiencing mental health challenges. Linn County Mental Health Department boasts a client-centered, strengths-based approach and fosters an environment of collaboration and ongoing learning. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just beginning your journey in Mental Health Specialist jobs, you will find a supportive team ready to guide you.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Offer individual, family, and group therapy for children and adolescents.
  • Conduct mental health assessments to identify challenges and formulate treatment plans.
  • Collaborate with community resources, schools, and other support systems.
  • Participate in an interdisciplinary team, contributing unique insights to improve client outcomes.
  • Use established therapeutic modalities such as Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).

The person who fulfills this role may be assigned to a rural or an urban setting depending on departmental needs. Because we strive to meet clients in their own communities, the ability to adapt to various environments—whether in schools, clinics, or community centers—will be essential.


2. Why Consider Mental Health Specialist Jobs in Child Outpatient Services?

Many Mental Health Specialist jobs focus on adult populations, crisis interventions, or integrated care in hospitals. While these roles are crucial, child outpatient services offer a unique chance to intervene early and positively reshape a young person’s life trajectory. Here are a few reasons you might find this work especially rewarding:

  1. Long-Term Impact: Early intervention can prevent long-term mental health challenges, reducing future hospitalizations and improving overall quality of life.
  2. Family-Centered Approach: You will engage with parents, guardians, and extended family members, strengthening support systems around each child.
  3. Versatility of Treatment Settings: You may provide therapy in a clinic, in a client’s home, or in a school setting. This variety keeps the role dynamic and provides multiple ways to reach children who need care.
  4. Community Integration: Work closely with community resources, from after-school programs to pediatricians, to promote a holistic approach to mental health.
  5. Collaborative Environment: Join a team of specialists (case workers, psychiatrists, nurses, and counselors) who share the same vision of helping children and teens thrive.

If you are exploring Mental Health Specialist jobs because you have a heart for children and adolescents, then child outpatient services could be your ideal match. This is a specialized area where you can develop expertise, build strong community connections, and make a measurable difference in the lives of young individuals.


3. Essential Functions

In your role as a Mental Health Specialist on the Child Outpatient Treatment Team, you will:

  1. Conduct Comprehensive Assessments
    • Interview clients, review medical and educational records, and collaborate with family members to gather a well-rounded view of each child’s challenges and strengths.
    • Utilize standardized assessment tools to identify needs, set goals, and measure progress.
  2. Provide Individual, Family, and Group Therapy
    • Deliver evidence-based interventions, such as Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Trauma-Focused CBT.
    • Customize treatment modalities to meet the specific cultural, developmental, and emotional needs of each child.
    • Involve families in the therapeutic process, equipping them with strategies to support continued growth at home.
  3. Engage in Case Management and Consultation
    • Coordinate resources and services, both internal and external (e.g., special education, juvenile justice, medical providers).
    • Offer professional consultation to teachers, school counselors, and other community partners.
  4. Maintain Documentation and Compliance
    • Complete all required documentation in a timely and thorough manner, adhering to Oregon Administrative Rules and departmental policies.
    • Participate in team meetings, supervision, and ongoing quality improvement initiatives.
  5. Work in Multiple Settings
    • Provide mental health services in a variety of locations, such as clinics, schools, community centers, and occasionally via telehealth platforms.
    • Adapt to different schedules and environments to ensure service accessibility for diverse populations.

4. Qualifications: Mental Health Specialist 1 vs. Mental Health Specialist 2

Mental Health Specialist 1

  • Education: Master’s Degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a closely related field.
  • Experience: Practicum or internship experience in mental health services is preferred, but not always required.
  • Alternative Combinations: Linn County values diverse experiences. Therefore, any satisfactory combination of experience, education, and training demonstrating your capability to perform job duties may be considered.

Mental Health Specialist 2

  • Education: Master’s Degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a closely related field.
  • Experience: Two years of post-Master’s supervised experience in a mental health setting.
  • Licensure: Must be licensed in Oregon as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

These roles cater to professionals at varying levels of their career. If you are newly graduated or have limited post-graduate experience, you may qualify as a Mental Health Specialist 1. If you have accrued substantial supervised clinical experience and obtained licensure, you may qualify as a Mental Health Specialist 2.


5. Day-to-Day Responsibilities

In exploring Mental Health Specialist jobs, it’s crucial to understand the routine responsibilities you can expect. Here is a glimpse of a typical day in this role:

  1. Morning Preparation
    • Review client case files to prepare for scheduled appointments.
    • Consult with supervisors or team members about any pressing issues.
  2. Client Sessions
    • Conduct individual or family therapy with scheduled clients. This could include engaging activities with children, therapeutic play, or solution-focused discussions with teens.
    • Where appropriate, meet with parents or guardians to assess family dynamics and offer guidance.
  3. Collaboration with Schools
    • Connect with school counselors, teachers, and other staff members to discuss a child’s progress or challenges.
    • Conduct in-school observations to better understand a student’s behavior and environment.
  4. Case Management
    • Make phone calls to community resources (e.g., youth mentoring programs, after-school clubs, or medical providers) to coordinate comprehensive support.
    • Follow up on referral sources to ensure continuity of care.
  5. Record-Keeping
    • Document progress notes, treatment plans, and outcomes promptly and securely.
    • Ensure all documentation meets ethical standards and Oregon Administrative Rules.
  6. Team Meetings
    • Attend interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss complex cases and share treatment strategies.
    • Participate in department-wide training sessions or continuing education programs that align with best practices in mental health care.

6. Salary and Compensation

In alignment with many Mental Health Specialist jobs, Linn County offers a competitive salary range that reflects both the responsibilities of the position and the level of experience you bring.

  • Mental Health Specialist 1: $4,996–$6,377 (Depending on Qualifications)
  • Mental Health Specialist 2: $5,509–$7,035 (Depending on Qualifications)

This salary range is designed to attract highly qualified professionals who are passionate about serving children and adolescents. Pay increases are also possible over time, reflecting merit, performance, and years of service.


7. Outstanding Benefits

One of the best reasons to explore Mental Health Specialist jobs with Linn County is our remarkable benefits package. Our employees frequently mention how essential these benefits are to their overall job satisfaction. Here are some highlights:

  1. Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
    • Family coverage costs less than $15 per month—a budget-friendly way to keep you and your family healthy.
  2. Generous Paid Time Off
    • Enjoy vacation and floating days to recharge.
    • 10.5 paid holidays per year to celebrate and rest.
    • Sick and bereavement time to take care of yourself and loved ones when needed.
  3. Retirement and Long-Term Security
    • Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) fully funded by the County.
    • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility, helping you manage and potentially reduce educational debt.
  4. Additional Insurance and Assistance
    • County-paid life insurance and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind.
    • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential counseling and support.
  5. Longevity Incentive
    • We value commitment and experience, recognizing tenured employees with additional perks.
  6. Work/Life Balance
    • Our 37.5-hour workweek is specifically designed to encourage a healthy equilibrium between professional and personal life.

For more details, visit our Benefits webpage.


8. Career Growth and Professional Development

When you choose Mental Health Specialist jobs at Linn County, you’re choosing an employer that invests in your growth:

  • Licensure Support: If you’re on track for licensure as an LPC or LCSW, supervision is provided to help you meet the required hours.
  • Continuing Education: Access training sessions, workshops, and conferences that will keep you updated on best practices and emerging research in the mental health field.
  • Team Collaboration: Work alongside psychiatrists, case workers, nurse practitioners, and other therapists, gaining exposure to various aspects of mental health treatment.
  • Professional Advancement: As you gain experience and credentials, you can move from Mental Health Specialist 1 to Mental Health Specialist 2—or pursue leadership roles within the department.

9. How to Apply

Ready to take the next step in your search for Mental Health Specialist jobs?

  1. Complete a Linn County Employment Application
    • Visit www.linncountyhealth.org or pick up an application at the Linn County Board of Commissioner’s Office, Room 201, Linn County Courthouse, PO Box 100, Albany, OR 97321.
    • You may also obtain these materials at the Oregon Employment Division Office in Albany or online at http://www.co.linn.or.us.
  2. Submit Necessary Documents
    • Along with the application, include a copy of the Job Classification for this position and any supplemental materials detailing your qualifications.
  3. Application Deadline
    • Open Until Filled. We recommend applying as soon as possible, as we will review applications and schedule interviews on a rolling basis

10. About Linn County

Linn County, located in the heart of the Willamette Valley, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. Our communities are vibrant and welcoming, with excellent schools, family-friendly recreational opportunities, and a thriving local economy. Whether you enjoy exploring the outdoors, engaging with arts and culture, or supporting local businesses, Linn County is a wonderful place to live and work.

As an employer, Linn County is committed to public service and continually strives to implement innovative solutions that meet the needs of our residents. Our Mental Health Department plays a pivotal role in helping community members access quality mental health care. By joining our team, you become part of a broader mission to enhance well-being and resilience across the lifespan.


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