Behavior Health Specialist , Qualified Mental Health Professional; Salem

Initial Posting Date: 09/30/2026

Final date to receive applications: 10/14/2026

Agency: Department of Corrections

Salary Range: $7,541 - $9,986

Position Type: Employee

Position Title: Behavior Health Specialist 2, Qualified Mental Health Professional (Salem)

Job Description:

Oregon State Penitentiary – Salem, Oregon

Oregon Department of Corrections

The 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 s 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.

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.

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

• 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.

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.

• 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.

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

Your application will be reviewed to verify that you are a Qualified Mental Health Professional at the time of hire.

• a Graduate degree in psychology;
  OR
• a Bachelor's degree in nursing and be licensed by the State of…