Initial Posting Date:

07/08/2026

Application Deadline:

07/22/2026

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$6,574 - $9,190

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Psychiatric Crisis Counselor (Behavioral Health Specialist 2) – Central Region (Salem/Keizer/Turner Area)

Job Description:

The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Star and our vision for a positive RiSE organizational culture that advances equity and diversity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

Opportunity awaits! Are you ready to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities, often with co-occurring mental health diagnoses? Do you have experience using positive behavior support services with individuals who experience intellectual or developmental disabilities, or other related conditions? Does working in a fast-paced work environment energize you?  Then, come #JoinTeamSACU!

To review the full list of duties and responsibilities, please click here to view the Position Description (PD).

We are seeking a Psychiatric Crisis Counselor (Behavioral Health Specialist 2) to join our Stabilization and Crisis Unit Crisis Outreach Assessment Team (COAT).

This is the schedule we are filling in the (Salem/Keizer/Turner) Area:

• Monday - Friday, noon 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

If you are bilingual, we encourage you to apply! You do not need to be bilingual to apply or be considered for these positions. We serve diverse communities and recognize the importance of serving people in their preferred language.

Summary of Duties

As an employee working within the Stabilization and Crisis Unit (SACU), you will be a part of a program that provides 24-hour residential care to Oregonians with intellectual/developmental disabilities, often with co-occurring mental health diagnoses, whose support needs exceed the supports offered or provided by other community-based residential programs. SACU provides development and support to assist individuals in safely transitioning back to their home community. We model positive attitudes while offering assistance with access to: health and medical supports, psychological services, emotional and behavioral support, educational supports. SACU staff also provide life skills training, recreational opportunities and community integration. SACU is dedicated to providing the support necessary to maintain the quality of life, achieve the highest possible level of independence and promote social opportunities, which benefit the individuals served and their communities.

We operate 17 residential group homes along the I-5 corridor from Portland to Eugene.

As a Psychiatric Crisis Counselor, you will:

• Provide mental health/psychiatric intervention during crisis and assess the individual to determine which therapeutic approaches are most effective to support stabilization.

• Build rapport, when there isn’t an active crisis, with the individuals we support and the interdisciplinary support team to collaboratively build person centered specific plans to support stabilization.

• Provide crisis support and consultation services as a member of an interdisciplinary support team. The services include, but are not limited to conducting mental health assessments, skills building, group and individual therapy and educational sessions; provide triage functions to determine priority response; networking with community resources to help bridge the gap of mental health supports for the individuals we support.

Minimum Qualifications

A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.

A Master’s degree in psychology; social work; recreational, art, or music therapy; or behavioral health science AND two years of progressively responsible experience that included completing comprehensive mental health assessments, developing behavioral health interventions, and providing specialized counseling and therapy.

OR

A Bachelor’s degree in nursing or occupational therapy AND licensed by the State of Oregon AND three years of progressively responsible experience that included completing comprehensive mental health assessments, developing behavioral health interventions, and providing specialized counseling and therapy.

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with strong attention to detail by following written and verbal instructions and accurately communicating and documenting information:

• Experience communicating clearly in writing and directly with a variety of individuals and adjusting your communication style to meet the needs and communication style of the recipient.

• Crisis intervention experience.

• Experience working with individuals who experience intellectual/developmental disabilities, often with co-occurring mental health diagnoses.

• Experience using computers, tables, and cell phones for documenting, reporting, and communicating information (e.g., Internet, Microsoft Office applications, Therap, etc.).

• Experience working independently as well as part of a team including being willing to collaborate, share information, take direction, and contribute to the team's success.

Attention all candidates! A cover letter is required, (please limit it to only two pages.) Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history. Failure to submit the required cover letter will result in disqualification of your application.

• Please upload a resume or complete the work history profile. Please make sure your application materials, resume and job history, are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range during the Equal Pay Assessment (previously known as Pay Equity Assessment). If you are selected as the final candidate and a degree is listed as a minimum qualification for the position, please be prepared to provide verification of your completed education before moving forward in the hiring process. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application. After you submit your application, you will have additional tasks to complete in Workday. Please continue to check your Workday account throughout the recruitment process.

• The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification.

• 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.

• The job posting closes at 11:59 PM (PDT/PST) on the close date. Immediately after you submit your application, be sure to respond to the two questionnaires relating to public records requests and veterans’ preference. These questions are necessary to complete the application process.

Working Conditions

• You must have a valid license to drive, and you must have and maintain an acceptable driving record to transport individuals by state van or car.

• Your work will be conducted in the Office. This position is Not eligible for (Remote/Hybrid) Work.

• Your typical work schedule will be Monday – Friday, 12:00 p.m.  – 8:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST).

• Extensive travel within assigned area; will work remotely at multiple Group Homes within the area.

• Must have ability to pass and maintain Oregon Intervention System Certification (OIS), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid (FA), including engaging in approved physical interventions.

• Worksites vary from ODHS office to a home environment that is staffed 24/7 and may be locked or unlocked depending upon the needs of the individuals being supported.

• Work with combative, unpredictable, argumentative children or adults who experience an intellectual/developmental disability and may be a danger to themselves or others.

• Frequent travel, at times in adverse weather conditions.

• Must have basic computer skills to use the THERAP and SharePoint systems for documentation.

Background Checks and Requirements

• If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification.  

• The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.

• The Department of Human Services is a drug free workplace. All applicants will be subject to drug testing for Narcotics, Methamphetamine, and other controlled substances. 

• Your driving record must meet the qualifications of the ODHS SACU Driving Policy and will be considered unacceptable for offenses, including, but not limited to any misdemeanor or felony traffic offense in the last 24 months. 

If you are offered a position, you will attend a three-week paid in-person training at our central office in Salem and you must become certified during this New Employee Orientation in the following:

• First Aid/CPR Certification - Requiring you to complete compressions in a kneeling position.

• Oregon Intervention System Certification (OIS) - Requiring you to physically hold an individual for safety while maintaining an approved restraint on clients which may involve quick movements, changes in physical positioning, and verbal communication with coworkers. 

• Medication Administration Certification - Requiring you to demonstrate competency in completing doctor's orders, appropriate passing of medications to clients, appropriate documentation, and appropriate procedures for emergencies. 

Benefits

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.

• Cost of Living Adjustments.

• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).

• Amazing benefits package.

• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

• This position is part of the Police and Fire pension plan, which allows you to retire with full benefits after 25 years of service.

• A variety of resources and benefits are offered through the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union.

Employment Preference

Veterans’ and Oregon National Guard preference:

• How to submit your Veteran documents for preference. Please do not attach your Veterans’ preference documentation in the Resume/CV field of your application.

• 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, Disabled Veterans & Servicemember Preference Resources & Information.

General Information

• This is a permanent, full-time position and is represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union.

• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.

• To learn about the many options for a career in the field of developmental disabilities services please visit Impact Oregon.

Contact Information

We invite you to contact the [email protected] for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions.

• The recruiter for this position is Dereen Jalal. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-203141.

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone (call or text): 503-910-7744