Behavior Health Specialist 2, Qualified Mental Health Professional (Salem)

Initial Posting Date: 09/30/2026 Application Deadline: 10/14/2026 Agency: Department of Corrections Salary Range: $7,541 - $9,986 Position Type: Employee

Behavior Health Specialist 2, Qualified Mental Health Professional (Salem)

Oregon Department of Corrections is looking for a Qualified Mental Health Professional in one of our mental health special housing units, the Behavioral Health Unit at OSP. This exciting employment opportunity exists within the Oregon State Penitentiary located in Oregon, Oregon. The Behavioral Health Services has a multidisciplinary team that works hard to bring innovative and creative experiences to the clients in their care, and to provide compassionate and individualized treatment.

About the Job - Your Role

This position identifies, according to specific criteria, all mentally ill and developmentally disabled (DD) AICs within the institution, coordinates regular contact with AICs to conduct mental status examinations, conducts suicide assessments, develops treatment interventions, behavior plans and risk management plans, and provides crisis services.

Responsibilities

The position is responsible for:

• Initial identification/Assessments
• Crisis Intervention
• Suicide Prevention
• Case Management
• Treatment Services
• Records Management
• Release Planning
• Consultation and Training
• Group Facilitation

These positions: Perform work inside an adult prison Have contact with adults in custody during treatment/consultation, at times out of visual range of security staff Are exposed to adults in custody that may become physically and/or verbally abusive Require vigilance and awareness.

What’s in it for you?

DOC employee benefits include medical, dental, vision, and basic employee life coverage through the Public Employees' Benefit Board (PEBB) and retirement benefits through the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Paid vacation leave and sick leave are accrued monthly and wage increases are awarded in accordance with the applicable labor contract.

• 4.75% differential for licensed QMHPs
• 5% for bilingual QMHPs
• 5% for leader worker QMHPs

This position is represented by Association of Oregon Corrections Employees, (AOCE). This position may be eligible for Police & Fire (P&F) benefits through Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), as defined by statute.

Minimum Qualifications

A graduate degree in psychology, social work, recreational therapy, art therapy, music therapy, or behavioral health science; OR Possession of a current Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) certification; OR A bachelor’s degree in nursing AND licensed by the State of Oregon; OR A bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy AND licensed by the State of Oregon; OR a qualified Mental Health Intern, as defined in (61). Note: Some positions may require qualification as a QMHP (Qualified Mental Health Professional). The equivalent of one year of full- time experience (1,920 hours), which may include applicable internships, of the experience which demonstrates the competencies noted in the Qualifications and Required Skills sections.

Requested Skills

• Assessment and Diagnosis
• Case Conceptualization
• Treatment Planning
• Crisis Intervention
• Suicide Assessment
• Behavior Management
• Case Management
• Relationship Building with Clients

Special Qualifications

Your application will be reviewed to verify that you are a Qualified Mental Health Professional at the time of hire. NOTE: To be qualified as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (OAR (26)) you must have: a Graduate degree in psychology; OR a Bachelor's degree in nursing and be licensed by the State of Oregon; OR a Graduate degree in social work; OR a Graduate degree in a behavioral science field; OR a Graduate degree in recreation, art, or music therapy; OR a Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and be licensed by the State of Oregon; AND HAVE 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 multi axial DSM diagnosis; write and supervise a treatment plan, conduct a comprehensive mental health assessment; and provide individual, family, and/or group therapy within the scope of their training.

Working Conditions

This full- time position is in Salem at the Oregon State Penitentiary in one of our mental health special housing units. You will work in close contact with adults in custody in the institution setting and may be exposed to hostile situations or incidents. May be exposed to chemicals, radiation, communicable disease, or other hazards inherent in a health care facility and correctional setting. You will perform work inside a 24/7 facility, shifts may vary to include early shifts, late shifts, and weekends. You will have contact with adults in custody during treatment/consultation, at times out of visual range of security staff. You will be exposed to adults in custody that may become physically and/or verbally abusive and requires vigilance and awareness.

About the Department

The Oregon Department of Corrections is responsible for over 12,000 adults in custody in 12 state prisons throughout Oregon. It advises and evaluates counties regarding administration of probation and parole programs supervising more than 24,000 offenders in Oregon communities. The mission is to protect communities, promote accountability, and transform lives. The Oregon Department of Corrections serves a diverse and changing population of people who are incarcerated and on supervision. We commit to creating an organization both reflecting the diversity of the population we serve and ensuring all employees thrive in a culture of safety, trust, and belonging. We strive to be an anti-racist corrections system. Welcoming, inclusive, and respectful of all people. Free of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. The Department offers a variety of programs and opportunity to create a safe and healthy environment to for our staff, volunteers, and adults in custody. Joining the Oregon Department of Corrections is joining a team working for the benefit of our communities through innovative and proven correctional practices.

Benefits

• Family health, vision, and dental insurance
• Vacation, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays
• 21 days paid military leave for national guard and reserve components
• Optional short and long-term disability
• Term life insurance
• Fully paid retirement program Oregon Saving Growth Plan
• Flexible spending accounts for health and childcare
• And more

Requirements for Employment

The successful candidate for this position must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, there may be some felony convictions that could disqualify you for this position. However, having a felony record does not exclusively restrict you from being considered as an applicant. CJIS clearance is done at the conditional job offer.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDI&B)

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDI&B) is embedded in the Department of Corrections core values. The department strives to be a model employer committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Ensuring legal compliance, efficiency, and exceeding expectations to deliver the best public services. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. Additional information can be found from The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Know Your Rights. The Oregon Department of Corrections is responsible for complying with the Federal Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA 42 U.S.C. 1997). PREA prohibits the Oregon Department of Corrections from hiring, promoting, or contracting with anyone, (that will have direct contact with residents), who has engaged in, been convicted of, or been civilly or administratively adjudicated for engaging in sexual abuse in confinement settings. Learn more about PREA.

Veteran Preference

Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources. Please note – if you are a veteran, you will receive a task in Workday to upload your documents immediately after you submit your initial application. You will have up until 24 hours after the posted application deadline to submit the appropriate documentation. The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.