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Bicultural Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHP) - Cambodian Speaking
Company : Oregon Health & Science University
Location : Portland, OR, 97201
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 10 January 2026
Department Overview
The Intercultural Psychiatric Program (IPP) has been providing outpatient mental health care, including case management, group and individual therapy, and medication management support to people in Oregon whose first language is other than English, since 1977.
IPP is one of the longest standing cross-cultural psychiatry programs for refuges in the country and has been honored by the American College of Psychiatrists and the American Psychiatric Association.
IPP provides outpatient mental health care, including case management, group and individual therapy, and medication management support to people in Oregon whose first language is other than English. IPP has about 9 psychiatrists and /or psychiatric residents, 19 QMHA or QMHP- level clinicians (mental health counselors), and an administrative staff of four persons. This staff currently serves roughly 1,200 patients.
Function/Duties of Position
This position works closely with staff psychiatrists of the Intercultural Psychiatric Program (IPP) as part of an integrated team model to provide comprehensive, holistic care for individuals seeking mental health services in a culturally sensitive environment. This position adheres to the Oregon Health Authority Oregon Administrative Rules 309 as it relates to Out Patient Mental Health Services.
Duties and responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to:
Individual counseling, family counseling, group therapy, case management, client intake, outreach, skills training and resource connection. This position also provides cultural and language interpretation to assist staff psychiatrists and other mental health practitioners at IPP in providing psychiatric services to Cambodian speaking patients. In addition, this position provides clinical case management and other clinical support to Cambodian speaking patients and potentially other IPP patients, as specified by the director or manager of the IPP.
This position shall provide services as assigned by the supervisor in furtherance of the university’s missions and goals of teaching, research, patient care, outreach and public service.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in nursing or occupational therapy and licensed by the State of Oregon; OR Graduate degree in psychology, social work, recreational/art/music therapy, or behavioral science field
QMHPs must demonstrate the ability to conduct an assessment, including identifying precipitating events, gathering histories of mental and physical health, alcohol and other drug use, past mental health services and criminal justice contacts, assessing family, cultural social and work relationships, and conducting a mental status examination, complete a five-axis DSM diagnosis, write and supervise the implementation of a ISSP and provide individual, family or group therapy within the scope of their training.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in social work or counseling and licensed by the State of Oregon (LCSW, LPC)
- MHACBO QMHP Certification
- Previous volunteer or employment experience in social services and/or mental health field as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)
- One year of employment experience in social services and/or mental health field as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)
- Knowledge of refugee and immigrant milieu
- Demonstrated knowledge of and comfort with culture of people from other cultures as well as be able to function cooperatively in a multi-cultural environment
All are welcome
Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.Related Jobs
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Frequently asked questions
This position uniquely integrates cultural and language interpretation skills with clinical mental health services, focusing on Cambodian-speaking patients in Portland. Unlike general mental health associate roles, it demands cultural competence in refugee populations and collaboration with psychiatrists in a cross-cultural outpatient setting.
Candidates with a master’s in social work or counseling and Oregon licensure (LCSW, LPC), plus MHACBO QMHP certification, exhibit stronger readiness. Experience with refugee and immigrant communities and comfort in multicultural environments are highly valued for this role.
Yes, professionals in this field can advance by gaining licensure, specialized certifications, and clinical expertise in cross-cultural psychiatry. Oregon’s evolving mental health programs offer pathways toward supervisory or clinical specialist roles within culturally focused outpatient care.
OHSU prioritizes culturally sensitive care, demonstrated by recruiting QMHPs fluent in Cambodian and experienced with refugee populations. The university fosters a diverse workforce to enhance holistic patient outcomes, blending clinical expertise with cultural competence.
OHSU’s long-standing Intercultural Psychiatric Program provides a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment emphasizing integrated care and cultural awareness. Staff benefit from extensive resources, research involvement, and serving a broad refugee patient base, setting it apart locally.
Portland has a growing need for culturally competent mental health providers, especially for refugee communities. While competition exists, fluency in Cambodian and QMHP certification significantly enhance candidacy in this niche, high-demand sector.
Portland’s traffic and public transit options vary by neighborhood, so proximity to the OHSU campus can affect commute times. The city’s progressive work culture often supports flexible scheduling, though clinical roles may require consistent onsite presence.
In Portland, QMHPs with bilingual skills typically earn between $50,000 and $65,000 annually, depending on experience and licensure. Specialized cultural competencies and certifications can position candidates at the higher end of this salary spectrum.
Proficiency in conducting comprehensive mental status exams, DSM five-axis diagnoses, and culturally sensitive assessments is critical. Understanding trauma history, substance use, and family dynamics within Cambodian culture enhances therapeutic effectiveness.
OHSU invests in ongoing training, cross-cultural workshops, and certification support to help bilingual QMHPs expand clinical skills. The institution encourages involvement in research and community outreach, fostering career growth within mental health specialties.