Art Therapist (Behavioral Health Specialist 2) Oregon State Hospital

About the job

Initial Posting Date:

10/21/2026

Application Deadline:

11/01/2026

Agency:

Oregon Health Authority

Salary Range:

$6581.00 - $9191.00

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Art Therapist (Behavioral Health Specialist 2) Oregon State Hospital

Job Description:

Opportunity Awaits, Apply Today!  - Art Therapist (BHS2)- Oregon State Hospital

Oregon State Hospital, a Joint Commission and CMS certified public psychiatric hospital, provides psychiatric hospital services and patient treatment services to persons committed by the Oregon courts as part of the state mental health system.

The Oregon State Hospital Salem Campus is a 750-bed facility supported by approximately 3,000 staff.

The Treatment Services Department at the Oregon State Hospital utilizes a treatment mall model to deliver individualized treatment to every patient at Oregon State Hospital. Clinicians are available from the following specialist disciplines: Art, Music and Recreation Therapies, Native Services, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Spiritual Care, Supported Education and Vocational Rehabilitation. Treatment Services is the facilitator and coordinator of active treatment and structured activities in the environment that meets the patient’s needs.

The purpose of this position is to develop and ****provide specialized treatment services that focus on leading evidence-based Art Therapy psychotherapeutic and psychoeducational treatment for both groups and individuals. This position will participate and collaborate in Interdisciplinary Treatment (IDT) meetings and treatment care planning, which includes the clinical formulation and assessments leading to the mental health diagnoses of patients. Observe and document patient responses to interventions and modify interventions as needed. Conduct comprehensive assessments to help develop individualized psychotherapeutic and behavioral interventions for patients through the use of Art Therapy. Therapists may supervise students and interns as approved within their discipline’s professional guidelines.

The Behavioral Health Specialist 2 (BHS2)-Art Therapist is the second and full proficiency level of this professional three-level series. At this level, employees apply specialized behavioral health and Art Therapy knowledge to complete clinical assessments, in order to develop and implement individualized psychotherapeutic and behavioral interventions for patients through Art Therapy and Treatment Services. Provide evidence-based psychotherapeutic and psychoeducational individual and group treatment, participate and collaborate in Interdisciplinary Treatment (IDT) meetings and treatment care planning, which includes the clinical formulation and assessments leading to the mental health diagnoses of patients, observe and document patient responses to interventions, and modify interventions as needed.

For a full list of job duties, please click here Art Therapist (Behavioral Health Specialist 2)

***** *

The list generated from this posting will be used to fill this lateral transfer opportunity only.*

Minimum Qualifications

Art Therapy – Master’s Degree in Art Therapy, Fully credentialed as an Art Therapist Registered (ATR) or Art Therapist Registered-Board Certified (AT-BC) and State of Oregon Art Therapy Licensure and 2 years of experience related to the series concept.

What We Are Looking For

****Desired Attributes: **The following are skills and lived experiences that we have identified as key to success in this role at OSH. These are the attributes we are looking for in our top candidate. If you possess any of these, please let us know in your application.

• Experience working with patients/clients in an institutional behavioral health setting.
• Experience developing evidence-based group and individual interventions.
• Experience working in a secure facility and/or hospital system.
• Experience working as a part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Experience in strength-based treatment care planning and clinical documentation.**

****Special Requirements: To be hired, you must have a criminal records check, and drug screen that meets OHA/OSH criteria at the time of hire, and throughout employment.

Application Guidance

****How to Apply: Submission Requirements - At the time of application, ensure the work history in your applicant profile is up to date and attach a current copy of your resume and cover letter prior to the end of the application process.

External Candidates**: Visit the State of Oregon job opportunities webpage to submit your application. Be sure to follow all application submission requirements.**

Internal Candidates: Current State of Oregon employees must apply through their employee Workday login. Be sure to follow all application submission requirements.

After You Apply:

**- Before the job announcement closes, log in to your Workday account to check for pending tasks under “My Applications” and complete them.

• Remember to check your email (including your junk folder) and Workday inbox for updates on your application.
• We value our veterans! To ensure the security of your information, kindly follow the instructions for how to submit your Veteran documents for preference found here. Please do not attach your Veterans’ preference documentation in the Resume/CV field of your application.**

Reminders:

**- Your candidate profile and application materials are great opportunities to showcase your interest in the position and highlight your skills and experience. Submissions will be screened for consistency and communication skills, including attention to detail, spelling, and grammar. For more tips and guidance, check out What you need to know to get the job!

• This announcement is for 1 vacancy, time type: full-time, permanent, SEIU represented,** Behavioral Health Specialist 2 SR29 **position based in Salem, Oregon.
• This is a** In Office **position.
• Please download and save a copy of this job announcement and linked position description, as it is not available after the application deadline. For questions about the announcement, or if you require an alternate format to apply, please contact the Sr. Recruiter, Melissa Perez at: melissa.m.perez@oha.oregon.gov**

Benefits of Joining Our Team

**We offer a workplace that balances productivity with enjoyment; promote an atmosphere of mutual respect, dedication, and enthusiasm. You will collaborate with a team of bright individuals to work with and learn from. If you're driven by the passion to do something meaningful that changes lives, the Oregon Health Authority is the place for you. We also offer a competitive benefits package including:

• Excellent medical, vision, and dental benefits package for the employee and qualified family members with a very low monthly out-of-pocket cost.
• Optional life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and childcare expenses.
• Employee benefits include 11 paid holidays, 3 personal business days, 8 hours of monthly sick leave, and vacation accrual starting at 8 hours per month.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP).
• Training opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon.**

Additional Details

**- The information in your application will be used to complete an Equal Pay Analysis to determine salary placement upon hire. Visit the Department of Administrative Services Equal Pay Analysis Webpage for more information.

• The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect the additional 6.95%. Review the Classification and Compensation page for more details on the classification.
• Agency does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States. OHA will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. If your employment authorization and documentation is contingent on sponsorship now or in the future, you will not meet Agency employment eligibility standards.**

Helpful Links & Resources

**How to Set Job Alerts | Workday Applicant FAQ | Oregon Health Authority | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Veterans Resources

The Oregon Health Authority is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer, committed to fair employment practices and pay equity for all employees. We do not discriminate based on any protected class—including race, sex, veteran status, disability, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, or sexual orientation—and we do not screen applicants based on current or past compensation. Salary is determined through a fair review of your education, experience, and training as it relates to the position.**

OHA is an anti-racist organization working to eliminate health inequities and dismantle structural barriers that impact underserved communities. Join us in advancing our Strategic Plan and building a more equitable Oregon.

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