Mental Health Navigator (Limited Term)
Clackamas County - Oregon City, Oregon, United States, 97045
Work at Clackamas County
Overview
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Overview
•S ervice
•P rofessionalism
•I ntegrity
•R espect
•I ndividual accountability
•T rust
By incorporating these values into our daily routines, we can better serve our customers, ourselves and our projects. We're always looking to improve. That's the Clackamas County
SPIRIT
.
Clackamas County Core Values
Clackamas County is committed to building a community where people thrive, have a sense of safety, connection, and belonging, so that everyone is honored and celebrated for the richness in diversity they bring. We encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds and lived experience to apply.
CLOSE DATE
This Job Posting closes at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time) on Monday, August 18, 2025.
PAY AND BENEFITS
Hourly Pay Range:
$29.507168 - $37.180740
Salary offers will be made within the posted pay range and will be based on a candidate's experience (paid or unpaid) that is directly relevant to the position.
Clackamas County proudly offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including competitive wages, cost-of-living adjustments, merit increases (for eligible employees), and a robust sick and vacation plan for regular status employees.
We encourage and support employee health and wellness by offering health and wellness classes and events, and alternative care benefits, so you can customize your wellness needs to fit your lifestyle.
Employee benefits become effective the first of the month following an employee's date of hire.
Attractive benefits package and incentives for employees in regular status positions are detailed below.
Generous paid time off package, including:
12 hours of vacation accrued per month 8 hours of sick accrued per month 10 paid holidays and 1 personal day per year Other Benefits:
Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP): A Choice of Medical Plans
that include chiropractic coverage, alternative care, vision, and prescription drug coverage A Choice of Dental Plans Robust EAP and wellness programs, including gym discounts and wellness education classes Other retirement Savings Options that allow for additional retirement funds savings, including an option to contribute a portion of employee earnings on a pre or post-tax basis to a 457b Deferred Compensation Plan A variety of additional optional benefits (see links below for additional information) This is a full time, limited-term County position represented by the Employees' Association.
Employees' Association (EA) Full Time Benefits
Learn More About Benefits
JOB DETAILS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Clackamas County's Children, Family & Community Connections' Move Forward Program , in partnership with the County's Housing and Community Development Department (HCDD), is launching
Housing for Success ("H4S") -a new, grant-funded initiative. "H4S" is designed to support residents with housing vouchers by providing integrated, wraparound services that promote employment, wellness, and long-term stability. We are seeking a dedicated and dynamic
Mental Health Navigator
to be a key contributor in this impactful program.
This position has a maximum term duration of up to three (3) years from date of hire. Program is currently contracted to end no later than 6/30/2028. CFCC perpetually seeks opportunities to grow services needed in the community.
Position Summary
The
Mental Health Navigator (classified as a Case Manager)
serves as a key member of the Move Forward Program team, providing individualized, one-on-one support to adults utilizing a three-year subsidized housing voucher. The goal of this position is to promote long term housing stability, wellness, and financial independence by ensuring participants are connected to behavioral health and recovery resources tailored to their unique needs and goals.
This role focuses on removing barriers to care and navigating complex systems by supporting clients to access mental health supports, therapy, detox, and substance use treatment. The Mental Health Navigator guides clients to evaluate and choose services and providers meeting criteria defined in collaboration with each client. This includes evaluating the individual's circumstances and preferences, facilitating provider enrollment and scheduling provider appointments to ensure continuity of care and long-term support.
The ideal candidate brings lived experience or peer support knowledge and demonstrates a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals transitioning from homelessness or housing instability to future employment. Preference will be given to candidates with Peer Support or Wellness Certification, Certified Recovery Mentors, other behavioral health or recovery related certifications, or equivalent lived experience, especially in recovery, mental health services, or housing-first programs.
Working closely with community providers, housing partners, and internal program staff, the Mental Health Navigator plays a pivotal role in coordinating care, advocating for client needs, and empowering participants to build sustainable, healthy, and independent lives.
Required Minimum Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*
Minimum of two (2) years of related case management or peer support experience that would provide the required knowledge and skills to perform the responsibilities of this position. Experience working with individuals with mental health and/or substance use challenges. Strong knowledge of behavioral health and recovery systems, including how to access mental health evaluations and treatment. Familiarity with insurance plans, intake procedures, and navigating behavioral health and recovery provider networks Excellent interpersonal skills with a trauma-informed, client-centered approach. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documentation and follow-up Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team and community stakeholders. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and ability to learn and use electronic case management systems. Preferred Special Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*
Bilingual or multilingual skills. Peer Support or Peer Wellness Specialist certification. Credentialed Certified Recovery Mentor. Other credentials related to mental/behavioral health and/or substance use recovery. Knowledge of local mental health and addiction recovery resources. Experience working with formerly homeless or housing-voucher populations. Pre-Employment Requirements:
Must pass post-offer, pre-employment drug test . Learn more about the County's drug testing policy Must pass a criminal history check which may include national or state fingerprint records check Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license, and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the County's driving policy *For Veterans qualified for Veteran's Preference: If you believe you have skills that would transfer well to this position and/or special qualifications that relate to this position, please list those skills and/or qualifications in the open-ended question at the end of the application and explain how those skills and/or qualifications relate to this position.
TYPICAL TASKS
Key Responsibilities:
Provide personalized navigation and support for adults seeking access to mental health, peer support, and substance use disorder services. Assist clients with provider intake paperwork, network provider options, and establishing regular behavioral health appointments and/or recovery support. Coordinate access to behavioral health assessments and ensure follow-up is documented in accordance with program requirements. Develop and maintain strong referral relationships with mental health and recovery providers, and community-based service organizations. Meet regularly with Move Forward Program staff and community partners to coordinate services and address client needs. Advocate for client preferences and promote access to supportive services across the behavioral health, recovery and housing systems. Maintain accurate and timely documentation of client interactions, outreach, and service delivery in program recordkeeping systems. Secure and manage release-of-information documents, ensuring confidentiality in accordance with county and program guidelines. Participate in program development and team trainings; attend departmental and community meetings as required. Stay informed of policy, eligibility, reporting, and resource changes that affect service delivery and client access. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Knowledge of:
Local, state, and federal employment and social service program regulations. Trauma-informed interviewing and conversational techniques Various evaluation tools and assessment methods. Principles of vocational and career counseling. Case management practices and wraparound service coordination. Community resources and local social service agencies Challenges facing individuals from disadvantaged or underserved backgrounds. Recordkeeping and reporting requirements tied to grant-funded programs. Skills and Abilities to:
Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, service providers and partners. Match client goals with appropriate resources. Provide coaching and encouragement to individuals seeking support. Present Mental Health Navigation program information clearly to clients, referral and other service partners. Interpret and apply laws, policies, and program guidelines accurately. Maintain clear, concise, and timely case records, reports, and documentation. Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Use data to prepare reports and evaluate program effectiveness. Collaborate with internal teams, community partners, and external stakeholders. Work respectfully and effectively with diverse populations. WORKING CONDITIONS
This position supports individuals from varied socioeconomic groups, individuals and/or families experiencing highly stressful life events, and individuals who may have underlying mental health and/or substance use disorders. This position may require working with adults formerly or actively involved in the justice system.
WORK SCHEDULE
This position is included in the County's alternate workweek program, working 37.5 hours during a standard workweek of Monday through Thursday (Fridays off).
Specific hours of work will be discussed with the candidate selected for this position at the time an offer of employment is extended. This position is designated as on-site/in-person. It is expected that the selected candidate will perform duties at the specified on-site work location. Incumbent may need to drive a personal vehicle during the workday to multiple worksite locations (mileage reimbursement is provided for commuting during work hours). County vehicle is available for client transport. EXPLORE CLACKAMAS COUNTY
Clackamas County is in a prime location in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area and is recognized nationally as one of the most livable areas in the United States. Located on the southern edge of the City of Portland and extending to the top of Mt. Hood, Clackamas County is part of a thriving region in the Northwest. It has a population of about 420 000 residents.
Explore Clackamas County
Working for Clackamas County
Recreation, Arts & Heritage
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The Children, Family and Community Connections (CFCC) Division of the Department of Health, Housing and Human Services (H3S) provides a range of programs and services to improve the wellbeing of Clackamas residents. These include employment services, mediation services , the Early Learning Hub, parenting education, preschool placements, substance abuse prevention and family violence prevention and services.
Learn more about Clackamas County Children, Family and Community Connections Division (CFCC)
Children, Family and Community Connections (CFCC) is a Division of the Health, Housing, and Human Services (H3S) Department.
Health, Housing, and Human Services (H3S) consists of six divisions, dedicated to ensuring health families and strong communities in Clackamas County.
Mission Statement : We lead and learn with equity in serving individuals, families, and communities by providing access to high quality healthcare, housing, and services that strengthen social and economic resilience.
Vision Statement:
Individuals, families, and communities are resilient and thriving.
H3S is committed to improving programs and ensuring better outcomes for the people served, and focuses on the following goals: EMPOWERED AND THRIVING STAFF -
H3S staff are empowered, engaged and have a sense of belonging while being valued and supported to thrive. EQUITY DRIVEN SERVICES -
H3S promotes and provides accessible, equitable and culturally responsive services. ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE & CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT -
H3S operates consistently, efficiently and effectively as a cohesive department, using our individual and collective skills and expertise.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Clackamas County only accepts online applications.
Help With Your Application:
Application Process
Help with the Application
If you have any questions or issues you may contact the Department of Human Resources at 503-655-8459 or e-mail us . Our office hours are Monday - Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time (closed on Fridays).
HOW TO CLAIM VETERAN'S PREFERENCE
Request Veterans' Preference
Learn more about the County's Veterans' Preference VISA SPONSORSHIP
Clackamas County does not offer visa sponsorships. Once a job applicant has accepted a position, they will be required to complete an I-9 and confirm authorization to work in the United States prior to their first day .
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNIT Y
Clackamas County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.
If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the Department of Human Resources prior to the recruitment close date. You may request an accommodation during the online application process.
OTHER INFORMATION
This is a three (3) year limited-term position, starting from date of hire, working 37.5 hours per work, with full-time benefits.
RECRUITING QUESTIONS?
E.D. Barnett, Recruiter EBarnett@clackamas.us