SUD Counselor, Behavioral Health Specialist ; Ontario

Overview

Initial Posting Date: 01/13/2026

Final date to receive applications: 01/27/2026

Agency: Department of Corrections

Salary Range: $6,727 - $8,917

Position Type: Employee

Position Title: SUD Counselor, Behavioral Health Specialist 1 (Ontario)

Job Description:

SUD Counselor, Behavioral Health Specialist 1 (Ontario) Snake River Correctional Institution – Ontario, Oregon

Oregon Department of Corrections

The Oregon Department of Corrections provides several levels of mental health treatment along with individualized case management. Behavioral health services are targeted to adults in custody (AIC) with severe or persistent mental illness. Short-term services are available to AICs who are not mentally ill, but who show high suicide potential, or who are experiencing other emotional distress. Behavioral Health Services also provides Substance Use Disorder treatment to AICs that meet qualification for available programs.

The purpose of this position is to deliver gender-inclusive and trauma-informed substance use disorder treatment services utilizing a chronic disease framework to adults in custody (AICs) at an outpatient level of care. The QMHA staff function as the primary service providers for this program. Services provided include ASAM assessment, treatment planning, group facilitation, individualized SUD treatment counseling, psychosocial skills development, case management, and discharge planning.

This position works closely with AIC Peer Recovery Mentors. This position has contact with all levels of institution staff, as well as other agencies, individuals, and groups that interface with the ODOC. This position is supervised by a designated SUD Treatment Program Manager.

Applicants must be credentialed as a QMHA or meet the criteria for credentialing as a QMHA; and must also be credentialed as an Oregon Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor 1 (CADC
1) or higher with the Mental Health and Addictions Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO).

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.

Additional applicable incentives:

• 5% for bilingual QMHAs
• 5% for leader worker QMHAs

This position is represented by American Federations of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). This position may be eligible for Police & Fire (P&F) benefits through Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), as defined by statute.

• A Bachelor s degree in a behavioral science field; OR
• A combination of at least three years of relevant work, education, training, or experience; OR
• Possession of a current Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA) certification; OR
• A qualified Mental Health Intern, as defined in (61).

• Are credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA) with the Mental Health and Addictions Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO), or are able to be credentialed as a QMHA.
• Demonstrate the competency necessary to understand substance use disorder assessment, treatment and service terminology and apply these concepts; design and implement interventions as assigned on an individual plan of care; facilitate treatment groups; and provide case management.
• Are credentialed as a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor I (CADC-I) or higher with MHACBO
• Have experience with evidence-based, trauma-informed, and gender-inclusive treatment interventions for adults with substance use disorders and possible co-occurring mental health disorders.

• Experience working in collaboration with Certified Recovery Mentors or Peer Support Specialists
• Familiarity with the chronic disease approach to SUD treatment
• Individuals with lived experience are strongly encouraged to apply
• Please submit a resume.

• In the Work Experience section of your application make sure to include the dates and duties of all relevant…