Behavioral Health Specialist 2

Initial Posting Date: 07/10/2026

Application Deadline: 01/31/2027

Agency: Oregon Youth Authority

Salary Range: $6,581.00 - $9,191.00

Position Type: Employee

Position Title: Behavioral Health Specialist 2 / QMHP

Job Description

OREGON YOUTH AUTHORITY

Behavioral Health Specialist 2 – Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)

Florence, OR – CAMP FLORENCE YOUTH TRANSITIONAL FACILITY

Are you passionate about delivering counseling and guidance to youth from diverse backgrounds? Join Camp Florence Youth Transitional Facility as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) and make a meaningful impact

The Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) is looking for QMHPs dedicated to providing comprehensive mental and behavioral health services to youth at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including contracted psychiatrists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), and 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. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, as we believe diversity enriches our team and enhances our collective expertise.

What's in it for You?

OYA values our employees. We believe that your time outside of the workplace is as valuable as it is inside the workplace. We offer a competitive benefits package, including low-cost, high-coverage health insurance, generous time-off, and a competitive retirement plan.

Discover moreabout working in Oregon state government by clicking here.

What We Are Looking For:

• A Bachelor’s degree in nursing or occupational therapyANDlicensed by the State of OregonANDthree 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 scienceANDtwo years of progressively responsible experience related to the series concept.

Special Qualifications:

• 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. We will conduct pre-employment driving records checks on our final candidate(s).
• Eligible for certification as Qualified Mental Health Professional at the time of application.

DESIRED ATTRIBUTES/APPLICATION SCORING CRITERIA

If you have these qualities, let us know It’s how we will choose whom to move forward

Note: You do not need to have all of these qualities to be eligible for this position.

• Preference given to those candidates that has received licensure in their discipline.
• Certificates and/or work experience related to substance use treatment.
• Certificates and/or work experience related to sexual harming behaviors.
• Strong clinical skills with adolescents and young adults, with the ability to provide clinical work independently.
• Experience providing treatment in gang affiliation, anger management, fire setting, and violent offending.

NOTE:

• 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:

AND

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.

Working Conditions

• All OYA locations are tobacco-free environments.
• Counseling and casework management is performed in a group living milieu. This may involve the treatm