Pre-Commitment Investigator, Behavioral Health Division

Current employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity. Pay Range: $42.68 - $52.49 Hourly Department: Health Department Job Type: Regular Represented Exemption Status: United States of America (Non-Exempt) Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified): August 05, 2026 The Opportunity: Overview: THIS WORK MATTERS! **This position requires: Qualified Mental Health Professional-C (QMHP-C) with the Mental Health & Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO) and/ or licensed Board of Oregon (LPC, LCSW, PHD,etc), see below ** The Pre-Commitment Investigator serves a critical function at the intersection of clinical behavioral health and the legal system. In this role, you will conduct in-depth evaluations of individuals involuntarily detained in a hospital setting who are alleged to be a danger to themselves or others due to a behavioral health disorder, or are unable to meet their essential needs. Your professional determination guides the judicial process by recommending the appropriate course of action, which may include No Hearing, a 14-day Diversion, or a formal Civil Commitment Hearing. As the Pre-Commitment Investigator, other duties will include: Civil Commitment Investigations Conduct civil commitment investigation according to legal mandates in Oregon Revised Statute chapter 426 and Oregon Administrative Rule 309-033.  Interview alleged mentally ill persons in hospital settings. Conduct thorough assessment of alleged mentally ill persons to include mental status and diagnostic impressions, crisis assessment, and risk assessment.  Review hospital records; obtain and review other pertinent records/documents such as police reports.  Interview family members of alleged mentally ill persons, their treatment providers, and witnesses of alleged dangerousness.  Consult with psychiatric treatment providers regarding alleged mentally ill persons' potential for danger to self or other, up to and including life threatening danger, recommended treatment and person’s ability to engage in such treatment on a voluntary basis.  Determine least restrictive mental health treatment options to mitigate potential danger.  Monitor progress of inpatient treatment and its efficacy in mitigating risk of danger. Determine whether an alleged mentally ill person should be recommended for civil commitment hearing. Journey level, post graduate experience working with persons diagnosed with severe persistent mental health disorders. Professional Perform the full range of duties, working independently, applying well-developed subject knowledge, and exercising judgment and initiative. Receive occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise. Fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit. Work is reviewed based on compliance, appropriateness, and effectiveness in meeting goals and deadlines. Receive direction from manager or staff. May exercise functional and technical supervision over staff.  Reporting Prepare a written report of findings of each investigation.  Prepare and file legal documents to make recommendations to the circuit court for each investigation regarding whether legal criteria are met for the alleged mentally ill person to have a civil commitment hearing.  Maintain clinical records per applicable State laws and County Behavioral Health Division policy.  Complete data reporting forms for each investigation. Court and Community Liaison Prepare cases for civil commitment hearings.  File all documents with the Court.  Communicate with attorneys, judicial staff, and judges.  Attend civil commitment hearings.  Coordinate witnesses to provide testimony at civil commitment hearings.  May testify at civil commitment hearings.  Represent Behavioral Health Division and Health Department policies regarding behavioral health issues and treatment to other public agencies and the community. TO QUALIFY: We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant. For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page. Minimum Qualifications (REQUIRED): Experience/Education/Certification: Pre-Commitment Investigator Training and experience for journey level, professional classifications are equivalent to a master's degree and one (1) to four (4) years of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position. (Equivalency 5-8 years of qualifying training and/or experience). Must have a Masters degree and must meet the standards of Qualified Mental Health Professional-C (QMHP-C) with the Mental Health & Addiction Certification Board of  Oregon (MHACBO) - more information can be found at MHACBO website ,   and/or licensed Board of Oregon (LPC, LCSW, PHD, etc) ,  See qualified degrees listed below: Graduate degree in psychology or Graduate degree in social work or counseling or Graduate degree in a behavioral science field; AND Other Certification: Can pass an examination regarding Oregon statutes and administrative rules relating to the civil commitment of mentally ill persons. Possession of, or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire , an active and valid registration as a Mental Health Investigator Certification from the Oregon Health Authority . Other:  This position requires a background investigation, which may include being fingerprinted. This position requires a Valid Driver's License. Requires use of a personal vehicle to travel to assigned hospital sites. Depending upon assignment, candidates may be required to pass an additional criminal background check, and/or be required to obtain additional traini