Quick Summary
Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we are here to serve. OYA is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.
Driver's license required: Driving is an essential function of this position. A valid driver license and an acceptable driving record are required for this position.
Initial Posting Date:
10/20/2026Application Deadline:
/Agency:
Oregon Youth AuthoritySalary Range:
$6,581.00 - $9,191.00Position Type:
EmployeePosition Title:
Behavioral Health Specialist 2 - QMHPJob Description:
Are you passionate about delivering counseling and guidance to youth from diverse backgrounds? Join the MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility team as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) and make a meaningful impact!
The Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) is looking for full-time QMHPs dedicated to providing comprehensive mental and behavioral health services to youth at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including contracted psychiatrists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), and psychologists, to create a supportive treatment environment within the assigned living unit.
Your mission will be to cultivate a positive and dynamic atmosphere that encourages youth to take responsibility, develop healthy habits, lead productive lives, and engage in socially acceptable behavior. Working alongside the Living Unit Manager (LUM) and Case Coordinator (CC), you will offer strong leadership and implement evidence-based interventions within a group living setting.
We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, as we believe diversity enriches our team and enhances our collective expertise.
About the Role
~1 min read- Multiple Positions: This recruitment will fill multiple positions that are limited duration, temporary, and permanent positions. This recruitment will be used to establish a list of qualified candidates to fill multiple, current, and future vacancies.
- Your application materials are used to determine your starting salary range. Through an equal pay assessment, we will determine the salary offer using the information you provide in your submitted application materials. Please ensure your application materials are detailed, accurate and reflect your skills, experience (paid and unpaid) and education as they relate to the position when applying. For more information on pay equity, click here.
- The salary range listed is the non-PERS participating rate. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6%. Please review the Classification and Compensation page for more details.
- This position receives annual increases on anniversary date until the maximum of the salary range is reached.
- This position is represented by SEIU.
- Please save a copy of this job announcement for your reference, as it may not be available for you to view after the job closes.
What We Offer
~1 min readRequirements
~1 min read- Driver's license required: Driving is an essential function of this position. A valid driver license and an acceptable driving record are required for this position. We will conduct pre-employment driving records checks on our final candidate(s).
- Eligible for certification as Qualified Mental Health Professional at the time of application.
- All OYA locations are tobacco-free environments.
- Counseling and casework management is performed in a group living milieu. This may involve the treatment of emotionally unstable clientele and the danger of physical assault is present.
- Daily face to face contact with adjudicated youth and youth from the Department of Corrections who may exhibit hostile, aggressive or assaultive behavior. This position is expected to enforce rules and to restrain youth during crisis situations.
- May be subject to a hostage situation.
- Employees are subject to recall during facility emergencies.
- May deal with angry and hostile family members and visitors.
- Weekend, holiday, or evening work may be required.
- Stand-by, or on-call duty may be required.
- Travel to other OYA locations or to trainings throughout the state may be required.
- There is potential exposure to communicable diseases. The consistent and effective use of appropriate infection-control materials and techniques is required.
- Preference given to those candidates that has received licensure in their discipline.
- Certificates and/or work experience related to substance use treatment.
- Certificates and/or work experience related to sexual harming behaviors.
- Strong clinical skills with adolescents and young adults, with the ability to provide clinical work independently.
- Experience providing treatment in gang affiliation, anger management, fire setting, and violent offending.
In keeping with our mission, OYA will conduct a criminal record check, per OAR 416 Division 800, a driving record background check and a vulnerable population abuse and neglect check. Information obtained about an individual is confidential. An individual who refuses to consent to a criminal records/background check shall be disqualified from consideration in the position for which you applied. All applicants are subject to additional pre-employment check(s) such as fingerprint based on criminal records check, pre-employment drug screening, education verification, and/or board certification and/or professional licensing status check as required for the position.
In 2003 Congress passed the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), the first federal civil statue focused specifically on addressing sexual violence in juvenile facilities, jails, prisons, and other facilities. In recognition of the rights, safety, and well-being of the youth we serve you will be asked specific questions about your background to ensure our hiring and promotion practices comply with the National PREA standards.
We do not offer Visa sponsorship. If you are hired, you will be required to fill out the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming you are able to work in the US. OYA uses E-Verify to confirm that applicants are authorized to work in the United States.
For questions about the job announcement, email the HR Recruiter at OYAJobs@oya.oregon.gov.
Location & Eligibility
About this job
- Pay per year
- ≈ $78,972–$110,292 a year
- 40% above the $67,500 median for Other jobs on Jobera (139,609 salaries).
- Who can apply
- United States
- Posted
- 22 days ago
Listing Details
- Posted
- October 20, 2026
- First seen
- October 21, 2026
- Last seen
- October 22, 2026
Posting Health
- Days active
- 20
- Repost count
- 0
- Trust Level
- 32%
- Scored at
- November 11, 2026
Signal breakdown
4 other jobs at
View all →Stay ahead of the market
Get the latest job openings, salary trends, and hiring insights delivered to your inbox every week.
No spam. Unsubscribe at any time.