Behavioral Health Specialist I, Navigation Center Case Manager (Limited-Duration)

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:
Deschutes County Health Services supports over 400 staff in Behavioral and Public Health programs working to promote and protect the health and safety of the community in a broad variety of community based settings.
 
Deschutes County Behavioral Health (DCBH) is the Community Mental Health Program providing safety net and core clinical services for community members in Deschutes County dealing with mental health and substance use conditions. DCBH is also a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). As such, DCBH relies on multi-disciplinary teams to provide innovative, evidence based, recovery oriented services in behavioral healthcare settings co-located with physical health providers.

To hear from staff about working at Deschutes County Behavioral Health, please click HERE.   

ABOUT THE COUNTY:
We know where you choose to live, work and play matters. Deschutes County is one of the largest employers in Central Oregon and the largest municipal government in the region. Our dedicated and passionate workforce of more than 1,250 employees provide County services in a number of departments, divisions, and offices.  
 
Located in the heart of Central Oregon, between the towering Cascade Mountain Range to the west and the high desert plateau to the east, Deschutes County is the outdoor recreation capital of Oregon. We enjoy a renowned quality of life, with big-city opportunities and small-town neighborhoods.
 
We hope you’ll consider joining our talented team.

ABOUT THE JOB:
The Behavioral Health Specialist I, Navigation Center Case Manager is a member of the Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST) with the primary responsibility being to provide case management support to those accessing the Lighthouse Navigation Center in partnership with Shepherds House. This position works as part of an experienced, recovery focused, multi-disciplinary team providing services and supports to individuals with acute psychiatric and co-occurring substance use disorders. This position will work alongside Lighthouse staff members to connect individuals to available community resources and may run small group therapy services onsite at the Lighthouse. A large focus of this position will be to address all treatment needs including crisis management, substance use treatment, medication management, physical health treatment, mental health treatment, accessing benefits and entitlements, accessing appropriate and available housing and shelter options, accessing employment and educational opportunities.
 
Typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though minor schedule adjustments can be discussed; located in Bend at the Lighthouse Navigation Center, though travel throughout Deschutes County may be required to meet client needs.
 
Key Responsibilities:

• Work cooperatively and in coordination with Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST) members to ensure client needs are being met.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, clients, other agencies and the public at all times.
• Assist individuals with access to shelter as well as resources for mental health, substance use treatment and other needed assistance and services.

What You Will Bring:
Knowledge of or experience with:

• Local behavioral health, substance abuse, medical and social services delivery systems.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse partners and stakeholders, including community members and volunteers, and engage in strategic partnerships.
• Community outreach and engagement of marginalized populations.

Skill in:

• Being organized, responsive, and having the ability to adapt to an ever-changing community need.
• Rapid response to a situation. 
• Working effectively as a team and individually.

*This posting is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but rather constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function.
 
Notification to all candidates will be sent via email and/or text only. Please opt in for text messaging or check your email and your Governmentjobs.com account for application status.
 
Review the full job description by clicking HERE.$5,055.17 to $6,774.40 per month for a 172.67 hour work month. Excellent County benefit package when eligible. This union-represented position is available immediately.

This is a limited-duration employment position as defined by Deschutes County Code Chapter 3.08.010. The position has identified funding through March 31, 2026. Extending the position beyond  March 31, 2026 will depend on a continued business need for the position and approval of additional funding. Should this occur, the County may at a later date extend the position end date or offer regular employment status to the incumbent in this position.  

BENEFITS:
Our robust health plan is offered at a minimal cost of $95 per month for employee only or $116 per month for employee plus dependents, which includes an innovative on-site clinic, pharmacy, and wellness and wellbeing services. Additionally, we include life insurance, retirement (PERS), generous paid time-off (14-18 hours/month to start, pro-rated for part-time), holidays, and professional development opportunities. Please click HERE for full benefit details.

• Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral sciences field; 
• OR any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills and knowledge to perform the essential functions of the job. 

There are registration/certification requirements under the Mental Health and Addiction Counseling Board of Oregon (MHACBO) that apply to Qualified Mental Health Associates (QMHA) hired by Deschutes County Health Services (DCHS). Please see website for information on these requirements: https://mhacbo.org/en/. 

There is no need to take action at this point. More information will be provided to candidates who progress to the final stage of the interview process. Registration and/or certification must be received within 14 days of hire date. Fees will be paid by DCHS if the candidate selected for the position meets the criteria for registration/certification.Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual in Spanish and English.
• Preference will be given for certification in CADC.
• Dual diagnosis experience; mental health and substance abuse.
• Experience working with individuals with behavioral health issues and providing case management and/or skills training.
• Experience working with the unhoused population.

Driving is a requirement for this position. Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Oregon driver's license within 30 days of hire date. The employment offer will be contingent upon presentation of an acceptable and verifiable driver's license, pre-employment screening for criminal history, driving history, and controlled substances (NOTE: Positive test results for marijuana use may result in rescission of a contingent offer of employment). This screening must be completed with satisfactory findings in order for a formal offer of employment to be extended.


Must have dependable transportation and be able and willing to drive throughout Deschutes County in sometimes adverse weather conditions.

Requires sufficient ambulatory ability to drive throughout Deschutes County and to provide face-to-face services in a variety of settings in the community, including but not limited to hospitals, jails, clinics, client homes, and community and residential settings within required response times.

Salary : $5,055 - $6,774