CORE Specialist - Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)

Salary : $69,716.88 - $103,258.76 Annually
Location : Corvallis, OR
Job Type: Regular Full-time
Job Number: 26-00054
Department: Health Services
Division: AFSCME
Opening Date: 05/04/2026
Closing Date: 5/18/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit:: AFSCME
Classification:: HP2
FLSA Exempt Status: Overtime Exempt

Job Summary
Benton County is accepting applications for a CORE Specialist QMHP

JOB SUMMARY
The Benton County CORE program is a law enforcement and behavioral health partnership between Benton County Health Services and law enforcement. A Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) trained police officer, and behavioral health professional will work shifts together to divert adults with serious mental illness (SMI) or a co-occurring disorder (COD) from the criminal justice system prior to arrest and booking. The CORE Team's approach will allow for real-time in-the-field interventions focused on assessing the needs of the individual, evaluating opportunities for diversion, and connecting individuals with community-based services.

This position will work Tuesday - Friday 10am - 8:30pm

Preference will be given for:

• 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 providing crisis intervention.
• CADC certification and/or experience providing addictions treatment.
• Experience with short-term or solution-focused treatment therapy.
• Experience treating individuals with SPMI, Bipolar, and/or PTSD disorders.
• Experience working in the criminal justice system.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English.

Must have knowledge of:

• Community behavioral health and addictions concepts.
• Client assessment and case management.
• Treatment services, planning and protocols.
• Behavioral health disorders and diagnostic classifications.
• Psychological, sociological and psychiatric theories.
• Interviewing and counseling skills.
• Writing skills to prepare clear and concise reports.

Must have ability to:

• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Apply theory in behavioral health and addictions diagnosis.
• Plan and implement intervention programs.
• Handle crisis situations.
• Work effectively both independently and in a team setting.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments utilizing the DSM IV/5.
• Establish working diagnoses and treatment plans.
• Prepare concise and complete reports and documentation related to client treatment, progress and services in a timely and professional manner.
• Work within an Electronic Health Record system with advanced computer skills.
• Work effectively both independently and in a team setting.
• Act professionally with regard to code of ethics and confidentiality.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, clients, other agencies and the public at all times

Click herefor a complete list of the duties, responsibilities and physical requirements of this position.
BENEFITS

• $4,000 Hiring Bonus
  • One-time incentive for employees assigned to the Crisis Center to be paid after completion of probationary period
• Training and Licensure support!
  • $1,000 annual Training Budget available
  • Reimbursement for Licensure fees or MHACBO certification available
• Generous time off to maintain a healthy work-life balance!
  • 11 Paid Holidays + 2 Floating Holidays + 8 hours of vacation accrual every month + sick leave! Vacation accrual increases with years of service.
• $0 Health Insurance Premium!
  • Medical, Dental and Vision -cover your eligible family members without additional premium.
  • In addition, the County contributes up to $1,900 per year to your Health Savings or Health Reimbursement account, depending on plan and personal contribution.
    • Apart from your deductible you can use this money for things that aren't traditionally paid by insurance - i.e. Ibuprofen, Tylenol and other preventative type medications
    • You never lose your Health Savings Account funds as it rolls over from year to year
  • Dependents up to age 26 are covered!
• Get ready for retirement. Generous employer paid contributions!
  • After 6 months of employment:
    • The County makes a retirement contribution of 6% of your salary towards Oregon PERS!
    • The County makes a deferred compensation 457b plan contribution of 1.5% of your salary! You can add more if you wish.
• A free and award-winning wellness program
  • Interactive and personalized approach focused on your whole health.
  • Onsite and virtual seminars, wellness challenges and fun activities.
  • Monetary incentives and cool prizes to engage everyone and meet your individual needs!
• 100% employer-paid coverage for AD&D ($100,000), Life ($50,000), and Long Term Disability coverage.
  • Supplemental plans are available at reasonable rates!
• Annual salary range of:
  • QMHP - Health Care Professional 2: $69,716.88 - $100,793.71
  • QMHP - Health Care Professional 3: $73,881.87 - $106,797.48
  • This position is eligible for two salary raises within the first year as long as your performance is in good standing!
  • Note: salary placement will be based on your level of directly related experience and education consistent with Oregon's pay equity law.
• Have benefits questions?
  • Reach out to us anytime:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
The following minimum qualifications are REQUIREDfor this position:
QMHP - Health Care Professional 2 level (HCP42):

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Psychology, Social Work, Recreational Therapy, Music Therapy, Art Therapy or a behavioral science field; AND
• One year of health experience providing mental health services; AND
• Must be registered as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) with Mental Health & Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO) or be able to obtain certification within 6 months of hire.

QMHP - Health Care Professional 3 level (HCP43):

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Psychology, Social Work, Recreational Therapy, Music Therapy, Art Therapy or a behavioral science field; AND
• Two years of health experience providing mental health services; AND
• PsyD, LCSW, LPC, LMFT or equivalent licensure.

Special Requirements

• Hiring is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.
• Valid Oregon driver's license. This position requires driving and may require use of a personal vehicle.

Please ensure you have provided a thorough and updated application as it pertains to the position for which you are applying.
Your application materials will be used to determine salary based on a pay equity assessment.
For further information, please click on the link: Oregon Pay Equity Law

Questions regarding this position can be directed to:
Hailey Clark, Crisis & Forensics Program Manager

Benton County Health Services

Telephone: (541) 745-4751
Working & Living in Benton CountyPerfectly placed in the Willamette Valley, 90 miles south of Portland and 40 miles north of Eugene, Benton County has easy access to urban areas with ample opportunities for cultural activities. Combined with outdoor recreation galore in the Cascade Range 80 miles to the east and the Coastal Range and Pacific Ocean 50 miles west, the county's 90,000 residents like to say they "have it all."
Working at Benton County
Living in Benton County
How to Apply

• To apply for this position, click on the "Apply" button to fill out all information in the online application and complete the questionnaire. Failure to do so may result in your application being removed from consideration.
• Only complete applications received by the posted application deadline date, or the first review date will be considered.
• Answer all supplemental questions.

After you Apply

• You will get an email stating your application has been submitted. Log in to your NeoGov account before the job announcement closes to see if you have any pending tasks or notifications and make sure to complete these tasks before the job announcement closes. These can be found under the "My Applications" section.
• Be sure to check both your email and NeoGov account for updates regarding this recruitment.

Additional information

• This is a FLSA exempt position.
• This position is represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).
• This position requires driving and may require use of a personal vehicle.
• Hiring is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.
• This posting may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
• 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.
• Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. For further information, please see the following website: NOTE: If claiming veterans' preference please be sure to attach your DD214 and Disability letter from the VA (if applicable).
• Benton County does not offer VISA sponsorships. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. Benton County will review these documents to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.
• If you wish to identify yourself as an individual with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and will be requesting accommodation, please contact the Benton County Human Resources Department by calling 541-766-6081.

Helpful links and contact information:Learn more about

webpage

For more information you may contact us by e-mail at or by phone at 541-766-6081.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AT BENTON COUNTY

Working for the County is so much more than a job. It is a chance to make a local difference - in your own life and the lives of the people around you.

Perfectly placed in the Willamette Valley, ninety miles south of Portland and forty miles north of Eugene, Benton County has easy access to urban areas with ample opportunities for cultural and major sporting events. Combined with unmatched outdoor recreation, County residents like to say they "have it all". With the Cascade Range, eighty miles to the East, and the Pacific Ocean fifty miles to the West - going out for a day at the beach, fishing, hunting, cycling or hiking is all within reach - Benton County truly offers something for everyone.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of its employees and their families. Competitive benefits and an active employee wellness program is a top priority for the County.
01

This position requires a Master's 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 job. Do you meet the minimum qualifications as listed above?

• Yes
• No

02

Please describe how you meet the minimum qualifications as listed above. Be specific with regard to education and years of experience.
03

Are you currently licensed 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). Please check the box that describes your current licensure status.

• Yes, I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). (Please skip to question # 6)
• Yes, I am Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT). (Please skip to question # 6)
• Yes, I am Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). (Please skip to question # 6)
• No, but I am actively pursuing a license in Oregon as an LCSW, LMFT, or LPC. (Please skip to question # 5)
• No, I am not currently licensed in Oregon as listed above, nor am I actively pursuing licensure. (Please go to question # 4)

04

Are you currently registered or certified as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) in the state of Oregon or eligible for registration into the QMHP certification program?

• Yes, I am currently registered or certified as a QMHP in Oregon.
• Yes, I am eligible to obtain registration into the QMHP certification program within 14 days from the date of hire.
• No, I am not currently certified as a QMHP, nor am I eligible to obtain registration into the QMHP certification program within 14 days from date of hire.

05

If you are pursuing Oregon licensure, which license are you currently pursuing (LCSW, LMFT, or LPC) and what date do you expect to receive your license? (If not pursuing or not relevant, type N/A)
06

Have you ever held, or currently hold, licensure as an LCSW, LMFT, LPC, outside of the State of Oregon?

• Yes
• No

07

If yes, when and where? If no, put N/A.
08

Have you ever had, or currently have, restrictions imposed on y