Job Title: Mental Health Associate
Lane County Behavioral Health is looking for dynamic Qualified Mental Health Associates to join our team as mobile crisis service responders for our new Mobile Crisis Service of Lane County program (MCS) which was created to better serve individuals in behavioral health crisis across our county. These positions will work in two-person teams to respond to calls for service in rural and metro areas of Lane County. Duties will include providing phone-based, office-based, and community-based crisis assessment, intervention, and safety planning services to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises, using standardized tools and strategies following training, with oversight from and access to back-up support from behavioral health clinical staff. These positions will also provide follow-up referrals and case management support to individuals served following a behavioral health crisis. Lane County Behavioral Health is looking for dedicated individuals who are focused on solutions, with a passion to serve and who are driven to connect. These positions do require a QMHA Certification through MHACBO.
Lane County Behavioral Health provides services to more than 1,600 individuals with behavioral health conditions. We work with community partners to provide a continuum of care from prevention through treatment and aftercare in an environment that promotes a culture of resilience and recovery.
Schedule: Dependent on operational needs schedule would be either Sunday - Thursday shift, either 2:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m., or Tuesday - Saturday shift either 2:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. The initial training will include three weeks of training 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. There will be the opportunity to take on variable shifts. This program may include overtime, and/or non-traditional work hours including nights and weekends, and some holidays. These positions include community-based work and related travel for routine job tasks.
*This is an AFSCME represented position*
Qualifications
Training:
- Bachelor's degree in a behavioral science field from an accredited university with major course work in a mental health field, psychology, sociology or a related field.
Or:
Experience:
- At least one year of work experience working directly with mentally or emotionally disturbed clients, and a combination of education, training and/or work experience in a behavioral sciences field that totals two additional years, plus the required competencies.
Or:
- A combination of at least three year's relevant work, education, training or experience, AND have the competencies necessary to a) communicate effectively, b) understand mental health assessment treatment and service terminology and to apply the concepts, and c) provide psychosocial skills development and to implement interventions prescribed on a treatment plan within their scope of practice, is qualifying.
Special Requirements:
- QMHA Certification through MHACBO
- NPI
- Transcripts
- Diploma
- CV or Resume
DRIVER'S LICENSE:
- Must be in possession of a valid driver's license at time of application, and a valid Oregon Driver's license by time of appointment.
Notes:
- This position is subject to a full criminal offender information record check.
- Offers of employment are contingent upon consenting to, and successfully passing, a drug screening test.
- Please note that as part of the screening process Lane County will verify license and certification status.
Studies have shown that women and BIPOC individuals are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. The county will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
Supplemental Information
Selection Process
Equal Employment Opportunity
Lane County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.
Strategic Plan
In alignment with Lane County's Strategic Plan, incumbent(s) will be expected to demonstrate the following core behaviors: Passion to Serve, Driven to Connect, and Focused on Solutions.
The 2025 - 2027 Strategic Plan focuses on the areas that Lane County will pursue as a way to deliver on our vision for the residents of Lane County. To meet these challenges, we know that the basis of our efforts lies in leveraging our people and partnerships to achieve our Strategic Priorities. We also recognize that the quality and commitment of our staff is essential to a shared future where Lane County is the best place in which to live, work, and play.
Veteran Preference Information
Trauma Informed Care Statement
Lane County Health & Human Services is committed to providing Trauma Informed Care. As an organization, we recognize that many of the people we serve have experienced trauma, either currently, recently or in their past. Our agency is dedicated to incorporating an understanding of trauma, both with our clients and with each other. Our employees receive ongoing training to develop or deepen their understanding of trauma and its impacts.
Benefits
Careers with Lane County Offer Extraordinary Benefits
At Lane County, we value our employees and we show it with our extraordinary benefits. We know that you chose public service for more than a paycheck, and our outstanding benefits are designed to help you Live Well, Live Lane - throughout your career.
Health insurance coverage becomes effective the first of the month following your first 30-days as an eligible employee. Lane County offers medical, prescription and vision exam coverage for you and your eligible dependents. The plan options and costs per month for 2026 are outlined below:
If you enroll in the HDHP the County will contribute to your HSA:
For eligible members of unions LCPOA, 626, Admin Pro, and AFSCME Physicians $1,700 for individual coverage and $3,400 for family coverage.
For eligible members of unions AFSCME General, AFSCME Nurses, FOPPO, PAA, and non-represented employees $1,600 for individual coverage and $3,200 for family coverage. Those who complete the requirements to receive the Live Well Credit by November 30, 2026, will receive an additional contribution of $400 individual or $800 family, funded in 2027.
These amounts are prorated based on date of hire. All eligible employees who complete a Health History Risk Assessment (HHRA), Biometric Screening, and Comprehensive Health Review (CHR) at the Live Well Center receive a $20 per month credit. The Live Well Center is for Lane County benefits-eligible employees, spouses and dependents (ages 2 and up) who are enrolled in the Lane County health plan. Marathon Health manages the Live Well Center and their clinical team provides confidential, affordable care for your acute and preventive healthcare needs.
Lane County provides dental coverage for employees and their eligible dependents. Lane County provides this counseling and concierge service to employees and members of their immediate households. Lane County provides employees with a free membership to a local fitness center.
Lane County pays for and enrolls employees in the Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP) and the Individual Account Program (IAP) following six full months of employment. Lane County provides Long-Term Disability coverage. Lane County complies with all State and Federal disability laws for employee, family, parental and pregnancy leaves regulations. Lane County provides employees with a generous bank of hours to be used for sick, vacation, family emergencies and personal days.
Lane County provides 10 paid holidays per year: New Year's Day, Independence Day, Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday, Labor Day, Presidents' Day, Veterans' Day, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving Day, Juneteenth, and Christmas Day. Lane County pays for employee group