Mental Health Specialist 3 (Exceptional Needs Care Coordinator)

Salary: $38.33 - $51.36 Hourly
Location : Salem, OR
Job Type: Full-time Regular
Job Number: 555-2025-1
Department: Health and Human Services
Division: HHS - BH - Adult Outpatient MH Svcs
Opening Date: 03/17/2025
Closing Date: 3/30/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: 06

Marion County requires on-site work. Remote work is not available.

Marion County Adult Behavioral Health is hiring an Exceptional Needs Care Coordinator. This position provides services to individuals with serious and persistent mental illnesses and complex needs, many of whom also have co-occurring substance use disorders and/or medical conditions. You will have the opportunity to build strong relationships while liaising with community and state partners, work as a member of a highly skilled multidisciplinary treatment team, and support individuals to achieve their highest level of health. An ideal candidate would be compassionate, collaborative, have strong clinical skills, reliable follow-through, and have excellent written and verbal communication. If you have a passion for making a difference in our community, apply today!
We offer the following recruitment bonus, prorated based on FTE:

• $2,000 bonus for employees new to Marion County starting on January 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Bonus will be included in employee's first paycheck.

For those relocating from outside of Oregon, we provide the following relocation package:

• Up to $3,000 reimbursement of moving expenses
• Relocation bonus in the amount of $3,000 (prorated based on FTE) as a one-time payment upon proof of Oregon residency.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
Consult with other agencies on a wide range of matters related to mental health or alcohol and drug abuse treatment services. The primary responsibility of this class is to provide system coordination and transitions of care in the mental health system with external partners. Coordinate and oversee large community programs, including providing direction to a team of mental health specialists and associates supporting the program. Provide senior-level technical assistance to a Health and Human Services Department program that delivers mental health or alcohol and drug abuse services to the system at-large and senior-level treatment intervention to individuals enrolled in service. Additionally, expectations of positions in this classification are to operate under a high degree of independence and have significant decision-making authority.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED Work under the general supervision of a manager or supervisor who assigns work, establishes goals, and reviews the results obtained for overall effectiveness through the analysis of reports and conferences.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED May provide lead direction to teams of other mental health specialists and associates for a specific unit or specific task; may provide supervision to practicum students and volunteers as requested by supervisor.
Typical Duties - Duties include, but are not limited to the following
The Choice Model Exceptional Needs Care Coordinator (ENCC) operates on a systems level across multiple service entities to provide services to individuals with complex needs and diagnoses - including serious and persistent mental illnesses, co-occurring substance use disorders, and a variety of medical needs. The Mental Health Specialist 3 is an outward facing position at the state and local levels and is expected to make sound clinical decisions with complex cases and operate with a high degree of independence.
Hospital Liaison & Care Coordination

• Independently act as a liaison between Adult Behavioral Health (ABH) and various stakeholders involved in mental health care, including Oregon State Hospital (OSH), acute care hospitals, coordinated care organizations (CCO), Aging and People with Disabilities (APD), Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services (IDD), other programs within Marion County Health & Human Services, etc.
• Collaborate with individuals in the mental health system and stakeholders to assess individuals' needs, determine eligibility for services, appropriateness of services, and authorize enrollment for Choice Model services.
• Attend OSH Interdisciplinary Treatment (IDT) meetings for individuals.
• Participate in Ready to Transition determination with OSH IDT. Facilitate community transition upon discharge.
• Provide case specific consultation to providers and community partners, including clinical recommendations for treatment, services, and risk reduction.
• Collaborate with acute care settings and act as CMHP delegate in authorizing requests for Long-Term Psychiatric Care
• Track utilization data of those admitted to the Oregon State Hospital and acute care hospitals and provides routine reports to Marion County Management.

Licensed Care/Residential Coordination

• Assess individuals' needs, determine eligibility for services, appropriateness of services, and authorize licensed care/residential placements.
• Identify and coordinate placements in appropriate licensed care settings within mental health and other systems (i.e., IDD, APD) for individuals discharging from OSH, acute care hospitals, and/or residing in the community. This includes negotiation with Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to advocate for Rate Reviews for complex cases.
• Oversee completion of LSI and LOCUS assessments for licensed providers in order to support rate setting for licensed care.
• Organize, facilitate, and/or attend person-centered interdisciplinary team (IDT) treatment planning meetings for individuals enrolled in Choice Model services in collaboration with providers and agencies involved in individuals' care.
• Authorize funding for Choice Model services and licensed care placements with supervisor guidance.
• Assess and identify individuals' readiness to step down to lower levels of care/placement and service needs and gaps.
• Monitor residential capacity, track referrals, placements, placement/discharge dates, and utilization data.
• Provide clinical consultation in response to unusual incidents, grievances, and complaints within the residential system; this includes bi-annual training to providers on topics related to mental health.

Commitment Monitor

• Review requests and conduct State Hospital interviews to write and review conditions of a Trial Visit.
• Log, track, and report Trial Visit of State Hospital data to Marion County Pre-Commitment Unit.
• Monitor adherence to Trial Visit conditions for OSH discharges within Marion County. Coordinate with the court system to complete Trial Visit revocation for those who violate these conditions.
• Coordinate Transfer of Jurisdictions between counties as needed.

Assessment & Treatment Planning

• Complete intake and annual comprehensive mental health assessments, develop individualized treatment plans, develop crisis prevention plans, and direct provision of treatment services.
• Provide therapeutic intervention and intensive services to individuals, requiring advanced clinical skills.

Documentation

• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation in accordance with Federal, State, County, and treatment program requirements under the direction of the clinical supervisor.
• Meet performance expectations for time and billing standards.
• Compile and submit Choice Model reports to the Oregon Health Authority.

Miscellaneous

• Participate fully as a member of the Marion County Adult Behavioral Health team as a supportive, reliable, positive, collaborative, and professional team member.
• Work with a team of clinicians and supervisor for clinical supervision, treatment planning, staff and departmental meetings, and trainings.
• May provide lead direction to a specific team, which includes work coordination, consultation, and coaching.
• May take primary responsibility for handling special projects, which may require extensive administration and coordination.
• May represent the agency on internal or external committees as requested by the supervisor.
• May provide mental health and/or substance use disorders education and training to other staff.
• May represent the agency on internal or external committees as requested by the supervisor.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements for the Position
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

Master's degree in psychology, social work, recreational therapy, music therapy, art therapy or a behavioral science field; OR Bachelor's degree in nursing, or occupational therapy and licensed by the State of Oregon; AND

One-year postgraduate mental health experience, and two years additional specialized training or experience specific to the position; OR Three years of postgraduate mental health experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (individual recruitment will specify details)

• Must be either 1) licensed by the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors, 2) licensed by the Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers or 3) credentialed or registered through the Mental Health and Addiction Counseling Board of Oregon (MHACBO) as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) within the first 30 days of employment. Applicants may be required to pass a practical knowledge and skills assessment as part of the interview process.
• Must possess a current driver's license in the applicant's state of residence and an acceptable driving history. Marion County will obtain a copy of the driving record for all qualified applicants from Driver and Motor Vehicle Services and review the driving record according to the Marion County policy and procedure for Driving on County Business. The policy can be found at:
• This is a safety sensitive/special needs position. Final candidates selected for this position will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen, including testing for marijuana. The Marion County Drug and Alcohol Use and Testing Policy can be found at:
• The finalist for this position will be required to pass a criminal history background check; however, conviction of a crime may not necessarily disqualify an individual for this position.
• This assignment is represented by a union.
• This is a full-time position, which is not eligible for overtime.
• Typical Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, with flexibility depending upon the needs of the department and program.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Thorough knowledge of systems of care, community resources, coordination of care, the techniques and principles of psychological, behavioral, addictive, social and neurological disorders and the application of psychological treatment to such disorder. Knowledge of and ability to function within a professional code of ethics. Skill and ability in treatment of individuals with mental health or alcohol and drug services treatment needs; evaluate psychiatric or alcohol and drug services; take part in diagnostic and treatment planning conferences at a systems level; provide recommendations and assessment with a high degree of independence; prepare concise and complete clinical reports and individual records in a professional and timely manner.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Operates a motor vehicle; sees using depth perception; stands; sits; moves about the work area; lifts, pushes, pulls, and carries up to 20 lbs.; moves carts weighing up to 20 lbs.; speaks clearly and audibly; reads a 12-pt. font; hears a normal level of speech; works in areas that may be exposed to heat, cold, humidity, dust, smoke, noise, and chemicals; works in areas that may be wet or uneven.
Additional Information and/or Attachments

We offer tuition assistance for employees interested in professional development towards a profession in behavioral health.

• Up to $20,000 to reimburse for tuition, licensure and/or other educational expenditures. According to the Marion County Administrative policies regarding tuition payments. The policy can be found at:

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS
Marion County is a qualifying public employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, full-time employees working at the County may qualify for forgiveness of the remaining balance on Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan. Questions about your loan eligibility should be directed to your loan servicer or the US Department of Education.

VISA SPONSORSHIP
Marion County 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. Marion County is an E-Verify employer and will use E-Verify to confirm that hires are authorized to work in the United States.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE
Applicants are eligible to use Veterans' Preference when applying with Marion County in accordance with ORS 408.225, 408.230, and 408.235 and OAR 105-040-0010 and 105-040-0015. Preference will be awarded only if the applicant meets the minimum requirements of the position and attaches the required documentation at the time of application.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR VETERANS' PREFERENCE

• One of the following:
  • MEMBER COPY 4 of the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214 or 215); OR
  • Letter from the US Department of Veterans Affairs indicating receipt of a non-service connected pension; OR
  • Certification that discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions will take place not later than 120 days after the submission of the certificate.

• In addition to one of the above documents, Disabled Veterans must also submit one of the following:
  • A copy of their Veterans disability preference letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs; OR
  • Certification that medical separation from active duty under honorable conditions will take place not later than 120 days after the submission of the certificate.

You can request copies of your military service record through the National Archives website at

Marion County is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Veteran and Disability employer committed to increasing the diversity of its workforce.
Marion County offers a generous benefits package to regular employees working 50% or more of the regularly scheduled work week and their eligible dependents. Temporary employees and part-time regular employees working less than 50% of the regularly scheduled work week are not eligible for benefits.

Most regular positions in this classification are represented by Marion County Employees Association (MCEA). For a summary of benefits, For a complete and detailed overview of the MCEA benefits package, , and select MCEA Benefits from the left menu or Marion County Employees Association (MCEA) from the page links. Regular and temporary employees are represented by MCEA.

Salary and benefits are subject to union contract negotiations and may change as a result.
01

To receive credit for your supplemental questions, your answers must be supported by details in the education and/or work experience section of your application form. "See resume" is not an acceptable answer. Do you understand this statement?

• Yes
• No

02

Please select the option that best applies to you below:

• I am licensed by the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors or the Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers.
• I am credentialed by the Mental Health and Addiction Counseling Board (MHACBO) as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP).
• I have registered with MHACBO to become credentialed as a QMHP. Please list the registration date below.
• I am NOT licensed with the state nor have I registered with MHACBO to become credentialed as a QMHP.

03

If you have registered with MHACBO, please list the date of registration below. If you selected either of the other options above, please write N/A.
04

Indicate how many years of full-time post-master's work experience you have providing behavioral health services to adults with serious & persistent mental illnesses (i.e., Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, etc.) (one year of work experience is equal to 2080 hour.) OR indicate if you are a current master's intern at Marion County Adult Behavioral Health.

• Less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 5 years
• 5 years or more
• None of the above

05

Please specify the place(s) of employment where you gained the work experience listed in the previous question. Write NA in the box if this question does not apply to you. Experience listed in this answer must be supported by the work experience section of your application. "See resume" is not an acceptable answer.
06

Indicate how many years of full-time work experience you have working with adults with substance use disorders (one year of work experience is equal to 2080 hours) OR indicate if you are a current master's intern at Marion County Adult Behavioral Health.

• Less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 5 years
• 5 years or more
• None of the above

07

Please specify the place(s) of employment where you gained the work experience listed in the previous question. Write NA in the box if this question does not apply to you. Experience listed in this answer must be supported by the work experience section of your application. "See resume" is not an acceptable answer.
08

Indicate how many years of full-time post-master's work experience you have conducting comprehensive mental health assessments for adults (one year of work experience is equal to 2080 hours) OR indicate if you are a current master's intern at Marion County Adult Behavioral Health.

• Less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 5 years
• 5 years or more
• None of the above

09

Please specify the place(s) of employment where you gained the work experience listed in the previous question. Write NA in the box if this question does not apply to you. Experience listed in this answer must be supported by the work experience section of your application. "See resume" is not an acceptable answer.
10

Indicate how many years of full-time post-master's work experience you have creating mental health treatment/service plans for adults (one year of work experience is equal to 2080 hours) OR indicate if you are a current master's intern at Marion County Adult Behavioral Health.

• Less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 5 years
• 5 years or more
• None of the above

11

Please specify the place(s) of employment where you gained the work experience listed in the previous question. Write NA in the box if this question does not apply to you. Experience listed in this answer must be supported by the work experience section of your application. "See resume" is not an acceptable answer.
12

Indicate how many years of full-time work experience you have working as an ENCC, providing complex care coordination, &/or coordinating hospital discharges for adults with serious & persistent mental illnesses (i.e., Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, etc.) (one year of work experience is equal to 2080 hours) OR indicate if you are a current master's intern at Marion County Adult Behavioral Health.

• Less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 5 years
• 5 years or more
• None of the above

13

Please specify the place(s) of employment where you gained the work experience listed in the previous question. Write NA in the box if this question does not apply to you. Experience listed in this answer must be supported by the work experience section of your application. "See resume" is not an acceptable answer.
14

Indicate how many years of full-time work experience you have providing case management to coordinate outpatient services/treatment for adults with mental health diagnoses (one year of work experience is equal to 2080 hours) OR indicate if you are a current master's intern at Marion County Adult Behavioral Health

• Less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 5 years
• 5 years or more
• None of the above

15

Please specify the place(s) of employment where you gained the work experience listed in the previous question. Write NA in the box if this question does not apply to you. Experience listed in this answer must be supported by the work experience section of your application. "See resume" is not an acceptable answer.
16

Indicate how many years of full-time work experience you working in or with mental health licensed care facilities and/or homes (SRTF, RTF, RTH, AFH) (one year of work experience is equal to 2080 hours) OR indicate if you are a current master's intern at Marion County Adult Behavioral Health.

• Less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 5 years
• 5 years or more
• None of the above

17

Please specify the place(s) of employment where you gained the work experience listed in the previous question. Write NA in the box if this question does not apply to you. Experience listed in this answer must be supported by the work experience section of your application. "See resume" is not an acceptable answer.
Required Question