Behavioral Health Specialist II, Corrections
Salary: $6,027.10 - $8,480.74 Monthly
Location: Jail, OR
Job Type: Regular, full time, full benefits
Job Number: 2026-00022
Department: Sheriffs Office
Opening Date: 02/12/2026
Closing Date: 2/26/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: AFSCME
Description: Benefits Questions Summary
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT: The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is a full service agency that oversees the Adult Jail, provides Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Civil Process and Search and Rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with five K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by Sheriff Ty Rupert, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office serves over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County.
ABOUT THE COUNTY: We know where you choose to live, work and play matters. Deschutes County is one of the largest employers in Central Oregon and the largest municipal government in the region. Our dedicated and passionate workforce of more than 1,250 employees provide County services in a number of departments, divisions, and offices. Located in the heart of Central Oregon, between the towering Cascade Mountain Range to the west and the high desert plateau to the east, Deschutes County is the outdoor recreation capital of Oregon. We enjoy a renowned quality of life, with big-city opportunities and small-town neighborhoods. We hope you'll consider joining our talented team.
ABOUT THE JOB: Deschutes County is accepting applications for a Behavioral Health Specialist II. This position will work with inmates at the Deschutes County Jail to provide crisis intervention; intake and treatment assessments; and individual and group therapy. Incumbent will perform consultation and case planning with Parole & Probation, the District Attorneys Office, public defenders, and the medical, mental health, and chemical dependency treatment community. In addition to collaborating frequently with Behavioral Health agencies in the county, this position will collaborate with outside department contacts such as law enforcement agencies from the community, families of patients, court personnel, community hospital staff, and other county agencies such as Public Health.
Key Responsibilities:
• Interviewing and assessing the needs of incarcerated adults who may be in emotional and behavioral crisis. • Applying theory in mental health diagnosis and the planning and implementation of intervention programs. • Preparing concise and complete reports and documentation related to client treatment, progress and services in a timely manner.
What You Will Bring:
• Knowledge of or experience with Behavioral health and chemical dependency theory. • Advanced interpersonal sensitivity and human relations skills to work effectively with the population served including the ability to understand client situations and values. • Acting professionally with regard to code of ethics and confidentiality. • Skill in: • Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing, with the ability to carry out instructions in an efficient manner. • Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other employees, clients, agencies and the public at all times. • Working effectively both independently and in a team setting within a corrections facility.
Compensation: $6,027.10 to $8,076.88 per month for a 173.33 hour work month. $6,328.45 to $8,480.74 per month for a 173.33 hour work month for those possessing current licensure without restrictions from a recognized governing board in Oregon as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
Benefits: Our robust health plan is offered at a minimal cost of $95 per month for employee only or $116 per month for employee plus dependents, which includes an innovative on-site clinic, pharmacy, and wellness and wellbeing services. Additionally, we include life insurance, retirement (PERS), generous paid time-off (14-18 hours/month to start), holidays, and professional development opportunities.
Minimum Qualifications: Masters degree in Psychology, Social Work, Recreational Therapy, Music Therapy, Art Therapy or a behavioral science field; AND one (1) year of experience in the behavioral health field; OR any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills and knowledge to perform the essential functions of the job.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Possession of current licensure without restrictions from a recognized governing board in Oregon as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). • Experience and training in drug/substance and alcohol abuse. • Experience working in a corrections or confined environment-type setting. • Experience working with high-conflict populations involving emotionally distressed clients. • Masters degree in a behavioral health field with one year of experience in the delivery of mental health services.
Special Requirements:
• Driving is a requirement for this position. • Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Oregon drivers license within 30 days of hire date. • The employment offer will be contingent upon presentation of an acceptable and verifiable drivers license, pre-employment screening for criminal history, driving history, and controlled substances. • Physical Requirements: Requires sufficient ambulatory ability to provide face-to-face services in a variety of settings including but not limited to hospitals, jails and clinics within required response times.
Application and Selection Process: Candidates are required to meet certain standards in order to be considered for hire by the Deschutes County Sheriffs Office, including the ability to maintain physical and mental capabilities to complete required job tasks. The selection process includes a thorough examination of the application, attachments, and supplemental responses. The application review will be used to assess each candidates ability to follow instructions and give complete and accurate information in written form.
Must Pass:
• A pre-qualifying driving record review and criminal history background check. • A current drivers license and the state of origin are required. • Candidates who wish to be considered for this position must include an accurate drivers license number and state of origin on their application under the Personal Information section.
Consent: By checking YES below, I give Deschutes County my consent to perform a pre-qualifying review of my driving record and criminal history background as described above. I understand the information will be used in the selection process for the Behavioral Health Specialist II position.
Employer: Deschutes County Human Resources Address: 1300 NW Wall Street Suite 201 Bend, Oregon, 97703 Phone: (541) 388-6553 Website: https://www.deschutes.org/jobs