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Behavioral Health Program Specialist

Washington County, OR
$29.31 - $35.62 Hourly
medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, vacation time, paid time off, paid holidays, sick time, job share, retirement plan
United States, Oregon, Hillsboro
155 North 1st Avenue (Show on map)
Jun 14, 2025

THE POSITION


Washington County Behavioral Health Division, within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is looking for a Program Specialist to serve as a primary technical resource for program operations!

The Behavioral Health Division has broad responsibilities as the local Community Mental Health Program (CMHP) and as a delegate of our local Coordinated Care Organizations.

About the position:
In this position, you will work closely with our team of program supervisors to support our division staff and our community partners. You will support the division in several areas, including the work related to our operation of the Community Mental Health Program and our partnerships with locally managed Medicaid organizations. You will also have a range of responsibilities including: entering and analyzing program data; responding to public inquiries; coordinating meetings with community partners; managing adult foster care Basic Care Testing and provider background checks; providing support for internal and external meetings; supporting provider contract and billing; and leading and supporting projects as needed.

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

Who we are looking for:
The ideal candidate for this position will be well organized and able to manage multiple time-sensitive tasks concurrently. They will be an effective communicator with the ability to collaborate well with others. They will also have a working knowledge of utilizing technologies, including Microsoft 365 products such as Word, Outlook, Excel, and Teams, and navigating web-based data platforms. It is essential that they have the ability to manage information in accordance with privacy laws and understand how and when to share protected health information with other parties. Additionally, they will be a motivated learner, thriving in an environment that emphasizes trauma-informed care and strives toward increasing equity and inclusion amongst its staff members.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that candidate may come from a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role, even if you believe you do not meet all the hiring criteria described above.

Why Washington County?
Are you interested in challenging, meaningful, and rewarding work? Join Washington County in our commitment to advancing racial equity. Our Board of Commissioners worked closely with various community stakeholders and subject matter experts to develop an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Resolution. Adopted in February 2020, this resolution commits to the equitable delivery of Washington County's services, resources, and opportunities for growth and development to every county resident.

Check Out Our Award-Winning Benefits & Wellness Program on the "Benefits" tab above!



ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

This position is classified as a Program Specialist. Classification descriptions are typically written broadly. To review this classification, please use this link: Program Specialist.

Primary duties may include, but are not limited to:
  1. Coordinates and assists in the planning, evaluation, and oversight of a department program(s) or project(s) to ensure compliance with statute guidelines; develops and implements work plans and schedules to accomplish program goals; allocates support staff, volunteers, and other program resources to assigned program or project; and oversees work assignments and leads the work of assigned interns, program volunteers, and support staff.
  2. Monitors program statistics and data; recommends changes for improvements in program services; analyzes and recommends solutions to unusual technical, procedural, and resource problems; and analyzes available resources and program needs to enhance program performance or service delivery.
  3. Coordinates the activities of the program(s) or project(s) with other programs within assigned department and with community partners and/or government agencies; develops professional contacts and attends professional meetings and trainings; and makes referrals to other programs/agencies where appropriate.
  4. Compiles, enters, and analyzes program data in order to prepare regular and special reports; prepares technical worksheets, tables, and computations; and establishes, administers, and maintains program databases.
  5. Assists in preparing, updating, and monitoring budgets and grant proposals; monitors program expenditures and compliance; assists in contract administration; monitors performance of contractors and vendors to ensure contract compliance; exercises cost controls; processes bills, statements, and vouchers; and maintains records.
  6. Conducts public relations and outreach activities; creates flyers, brochures, newsletter articles, and press releases and correspondence; develops training materials and forms; delivers public presentations and educational workshops; provides program information to the public, community groups, and agencies; and recruits volunteers and donations.
  7. Assists in organizing various community engagement events and activities throughout the year; and assists in the coordination of various community forums, public hearings, and outreach events.
  8. Acts as a subject matter expert to assist staff with other programs/agencies and may provide consultation and technical assistance and/or training to program and agencies within assigned specialty area(s).
  9. Provides staff support to advisory committees and coordinates public hearings as necessary.
  10. Acts as a liaison between the department, local agencies, state agencies, service providers, and the public.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience
Must meet one of the following criteria in order to be considered:

  • An Associate's Degree in a social service, business administration, or related field; AND One (1) year of work experience in program administration, development, evaluation, or coordination, and /or contract administration; OR
  • Three (3) years of work experience in program administration, development, evaluation, and/or contract administration.
Background Investigation:
Please be advised that this position is required to pass a criminal background check post offer.

Please be clear and specific in the applicable sections of the employment application about how your background is relevant. This information must also be consistent with your supplemental question responses. Please note: Answers to the supplemental questions are typically evaluated separately from your application.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Washington County is committed to using a Merit-based System in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on their relative knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Our commitment to you:
Washington County values a culture of equity, diverse perspectives, and life experiences. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration and work-life harmony. We offer job stability, a comprehensive benefits package, and an opportunity to serve and support our diverse community. We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity and an inclusive workforce. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Steps of the process:

  1. Apply today! In lieu of a resume, we ask that you complete and submit an online application, which will be used to screen for minimum qualifications (MQs) and to determine starting pay in accordance with the provision of the Oregon Equal Pay Law.
  2. MQ Review: Human Resources will screen applications for MQs beginning the week after the posting closes. Additional preferred qualifications screening may be conducted depending on the number of applications. Additional preferred qualifications screening may be applied prior to the next step depending on the number of applications received.
  3. Subject Matter Expert Review: Your responses to the supplemental questions may be evaluated and scored by a panel of subject matter experts. Your total score for this examination will affect your placement on the eligible list (a list of candidates eligible for interviews). This process may take about 2 weeks.
  4. Panel Interview(s): Generally, the top 6 - 8 candidates will be invited to participate in a panel interview.
  5. Conditional Offer: A final candidate is required to successfully clear a third-party background check as a pre-employment condition and Oregon State comprehensive background check process as a condition of continuous employment.
Please note: candidates that are successful in the evaluation process may have their applications referred for additional vacancies in the same classification, or job family.

Veterans' Preference
If you are a Veteran and would like to be considered for a Veterans' preference for this recruitment, please review the instructions using this link: Veterans' Preference Points .

Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act
Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in the selection process for this recruitment. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-846-8606, or e-mail: Careers@WashingtonCountyOR.gov at least 48 hours before any step in the recruitment and selection process for which you feel you need accommodation.

Status of Your Application
You will be advised by e-mail of your status at each step in the application process, from initial application to final employment disposition. Please note that Washington County communicates with all candidates via email. If you "opt out" or "unsubscribe" from email notifications in NEOGOV, it will impact our ability to communicate with you about this and other recruitments.

Questions (?) Regarding This Recruitment
Yeji Seo, Talent Acquisition Partner
Yeji_Seo@WashingtonCountyOR.gov

Additional Resources:
New to GovernmentJobs.com?
  • Visit https://www.GovernmentJobs.com/home/ApplicationGuide for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on the application process.
  • For technical support, contact Government Jobs' Live Application Support at 855-524-5627.

* Washington County is a drug-free workplace *

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