Behavior Health Specialist , Qualified Mental Health Professional; Salem

Position Title

Behavior Health Specialist 2, Qualified Mental Health Professional (Salem)

Initial Posting Date: 02/17/2026

Final date to receive applications: 03/03/2026

Agency:
Department of Corrections

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

Position Type:
Employee

Oregon State Penitentiary – Salem, Oregon

The Oregon Department of Corrections seeks a Qualified Mental Health Professional to provide Behavioral Health Services to the general population at our State Penitentiary. The multidisciplinary team delivers individualized treatment and innovative therapeutic experiences to clients, ensuring compassionate care.

Identify, assess, and support mentally ill and developmentally disabled AICs. Conduct regular mental status examinations, suicide assessments, develop individualized treatment plans, behavior plans, risk‑management plans, and provide crisis services.

• Initial identification and 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, occasionally outside visual range of security staff.
• Be exposed to adults in custody who may become physically or verbally abusive.
• Require vigilance and awareness.

DOC employee benefits include medical, dental, vision, and basic employee life coverage through PEBB, and retirement benefits through PERS. Paid vacation leave and sick leave are accrued monthly; wage increases align with the applicable labor contract.

Additional incentives:

• 4.75% differential for licensed QMHPs
• 5% for bilingual QMHPs
• 5% for leader worker QMHPs

This position is represented by the Association of Oregon Corrections Employees (AOCE). It may be eligible for Police & Fire benefits through PERS.

• Graduate degree in psychology, social work, recreational therapy, art therapy, music therapy, or behavioral health science; OR
• Current Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) certification; OR
• Bachelor’s degree in nursing AND licensed by the State of Oregon; OR
• Bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy AND licensed by the State of Oregon; OR
• Qualified Mental Health Intern, as defined in 309‑019‑0105(61).

One year of full‑time experience (1,920 hours) may include applicable internships that demonstrate the required competencies.

• Assessment and diagnosis
• Case conceptualization
• Treatment planning
• Crisis intervention
• Suicide assessment
• Behavior management
• Case management
• Relationship building with clients

Verification of QMHP status at the time of hire is required. To qualify as a QMHP (OAR 309‑032‑0450(26)), candidates must have:

• Graduate degree in psychology; OR
• Bachelor’s degree in nursing and licensed by the State of Oregon; OR
• Graduate degree in social work; OR
• Graduate degree in a behavioral science field; OR
• Graduate degree in recreation, art, or music therapy; OR
• Bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy and licensed by the State of Oregon; AND have education and experience demonstrating competencies in mental health assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, therapy, and crisis care.

• Describe dates and duties of all relevant positions in the Work Experience section to demonstrate alignment with required attributes.
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This full‑time position is located at the Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem. You will work closely with adults in custody and may encounter hostile situations. You will be exposed to chemicals, radiation, communicable diseases, and other hazards inherent in a health‑care and correctional environment. Work occurs in a 24/7 facility; shifts include early,…