Initial Posting Date:

Application Deadline:

Agency:

Salary Range:

Position Type:

Position Title:

Job Description:

Investigator 2

Mental Health Regulatory Agency

Salem, Oregon

We have extended the application deadline by an additional two weeks to further broaden the pool of qualified candidates. Applicants who have already applied and remain under consideration do not need to reapply.

Help protect Oregonians by ensuring ethical, safe, and lawful mental health practice across the state.

The Mental Health Regulatory Agency (MHRA) supports and oversees Oregon’s mental and behavioral health licensing boards, ensuring strong public protection through fair, thorough, and legally sound regulation. We partner with professionals, educators, government agencies, and the public to promote high standards of care, accountability, and trust in mental health services.

What you’ll do

As an Investigator, you will play a critical role in safeguarding the public by conducting complex investigations into complaints involving licensed and unlicensed mental health practitioners. This position blends investigative skill, legal analysis, professional judgment, and clear communication to support board decision-making and regulatory enforcement.

Typical duties include:

• Investigate complaints against mental health professionals from start to finish.

• Interview complainants, licensees, witnesses, and review records and evidence.

• Analyze legal and regulatory requirements and apply them to each case.

• Write clear, thorough investigative reports and maintain confidential files.

• Present findings to boards and provide testimony in hearings.

• Draft official correspondence such as letters of concern or case dismissal notices.

• Collaborate with other investigators, agencies, and staff to improve processes.

View the entire job description here.

What We Are Looking For

Minimum Qualifications:

Two years of recent (within the last five years) investigative experience which included gathering facts, collecting evidence, examining records, and conducting interviews to verify or disprove claims of suspected law violations.

College-level courses in law enforcement, criminal justice, law, accounting, auditing, or a closely-related field may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for up to one year of the required experience.

Desired Attributes:

• Basic knowledge of the principles, methods, and laws of investigation such as determining plan of inquiry, interviewing, surveillance, and interrogation.

• Ability to interpret and apply Oregon Administrative Rules, Oregon Revised Statutes, and other regulatory directives as necessary.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, often demonstrated through testifying and preparing written reports.

• Demonstrated ability to use listening, respect, engagement, integrity, tact, and diplomacy to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, licensees, attorneys, board members, and other interested parties. 

• Strong critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills, and insight into human behavior.

• Ability to manage multiple high-priority deadlines and projects with proficiency.

Why Us?

If you’re detail-oriented, analytical, and motivated by public protection and regulatory integrity, this is an opportunity to make a difference in Oregon’s mental health system.

Our amazing benefits include: 

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, vision, and dental plans for you and your family. Additional benefits include life insurance, short- and long-term disability, deferred compensation savings plans, and flexible spending accounts for health and childcare. 

• Generous Paid Time Off: 11 holidays, 3 personal business days, monthly sick leave and vacation leave that increases with years of service. 

• Retirement Benefits: Membership in Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP). 

• Wellness Resources: Support for work-life balance, health, and overall well-being. 

• Career Development: Opportunities for professional growth and advancement. 

• Commuting: Access to Get There - Oregon’s carpool matching tool and trip planner. 

• Student Loan Forgiveness: Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. 

• Live, work, and play in Salem, Oregon.

• Hybrid Work Opportunity: The position may be approved for a hybrid work schedule after the initial training period (60 days). Our investigators are typically onsite weekly. Hybrid work approval can be revoked at any time. Terms will be discussed with the successful candidate.

How to Apply

Ready to join our team?  

• External Applicants: Click “Apply” on the job posting.  

• Current State of Oregon employees: Apply through your Workday account.  

Important Application Requirements: Submit a resume and cover letter demonstrating how your experience meets the qualifications and desired attributes listed in this posting. Only complete applications received by the deadline will be considered.  

Additional Details

• This recruitment is for one permanent, full-time, SEIU-represented Investigator 2 position, and may be used to fill future vacancies.   

• Employee is required to possess and maintain a valid driver’s license issued by the state where the employee resides. 

• 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%.

• Finalists will be subject to a computerized criminal history check, which may include fingerprints. Adverse background data may be grounds for immediate disqualification. 

• We do 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.  

• Veterans’ and Oregon National Guard preference: Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources. 

• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process. 

Contact Information

For accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and application or Job-specific questions, please contact:

• Recruiter: Cassie Graham

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone (text friendly): 503-949-6169

Helpful Links & Resources

How to Set Job Alerts | Workday Applicant FAQ | What You Need to Know to Get the Job

Oregon Job Opportunities Webpage | Classification and Compensation | Pay Equity

We are an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity. We embody the value of hiring a workforce representative of the communities we serve, understanding that a diverse workforce revitalizes our state. We value diversity and foster a positive and welcoming environment where all employees can thrive.