Washington County is hiring a Program Coordinator to lead the County's newly established Deflection Program. This position is housed in the Department of Health and Human Services and is eligible for a hybrid work schedule dependent on business needs.

The Opportunity

On April 1, 2024, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed House Bill 4002 which expands funding for substance abuse treatment and, beginning September 1, 2024, makes possession of small amounts of dangerous street drugs an "unclassified misdemeanor." The bill modifies Oregon's Measure 110 , passed by ballot initiative in 2020, and invests in treatment and prevention to solve the root causes of addiction and reduce the need for law enforcement intervention. With the passage of the bill, Washington County is establishing the Deflection Program in coordination with behavioral health and public safety partners designed to divert persons with potential substance use disorder, and other behavioral disorders, towards treatment and other supports in lieu of arrest or prosecution.

The Deflection Program Coordinator will convene criminal justice and behavioral health partners as needed, manage grant funds, and track data to be reported to the Criminal Justice Commission.

Goals of the Deflection Program include:

• Prevent the deadly side-effects of dangerous drugs by offering treatment and a path to healing and improved quality of life.
• Use a human-centered approach that is trauma-informed, culturally responsive and meets people where they are.
• Collaborate closely with all stakeholders across the continuum of treatment, behavioral health and public safety and justice, including city police agencies.
• Operate within the funding resources provided by the State of Oregon.
• Use data to inform and evaluate program practices, including decisions about who is eligible and criteria for successful completion.
• Ensure stakeholder and community partners, including the Board of Commissioners are kept informed through written communication and presentations as applicable.

To learn more about the development of this program, use this link to view the media release: Deflection Program

Our ideal candidate will possess the skills and ability to work collaboratively with both internal and external partners in the fields of behavioral health and criminal justice. They will have experience in leading and coordinating effective meetings and processes, and will excel in data collection and analysis, managing contracts and grants, program development, and strategic planning. They will be knowledgeable and experienced in the development, implementation, and oversight of complex criminal justice programs as outlined in the statute.

This position is classified as a Senior Program Coordinator. To review this classification, please use this link: Senior Program Coordinator

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 less traditional background. 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 of the hiring criteria described in the minimum qualifications.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a criminal justice, criminology, health, social service, business, or related field; AND three (3) years of work experience in program administration, development, evaluation, and/or contract administration. OR
• Seven (7) years of work experience in program administration, development, evaluation, and/or contract administration.

Additional Requirements

• Must pass a criminal background check.
• Must have the ability to arrange for timely transportation to attend required appointments and meetings at off-site locations.