Marion County Health & Human Services (MCHHS) provides health, behavioral health, and supportive services for the people of Marion County, Oregon. From our offices in Salem and Woodburn, our teams deliver mental health care, peer support, crisis services, and more, working to make a real and lasting difference in the communities we serve.
Our Vision
A strong, connected community where everyone can lead healthy and meaningful lives.
Our Mission
We provide access to services and build partnerships to advance healthy communities.
Our Core Values:
Accountability
We follow through on our commitments and are responsible for our actions and decisions.
Adaptability
We remain flexible and adjust to change with a problem-solving mindset.
Teamwork
We collaborate with respect, communication, and shared responsibility.
Transparency
We keep others informed and explain the why behind decisions, using data and evidence to build trust.
Welcoming
We foster an environment where everyone feels safe, seen, and supported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about careers at MCHHS.
Do you offer Hybrid or Remote Work?
No, MCHHS does not offer remote or hybrid-remote work options. Staff are required to work onsite in our Salem or Woodburn offices.
I’ve submitted my application, what happens next?
While the process may vary slightly depending on the position, here is a general overview of your candidate journey.
-
Application Submission and Initial Screening
After applying to one of our open positions, your application will be reviewed after the closing date listed on the job posting. Our Human Resources department will conduct an initial screening to ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications (MQ), which may include required experience, education, training and any special requirements.
-
Hiring Manager Review
If you meet the MQ’s, your application will be forwarded to the department’s Hiring Manager. The manager will review your materials to determine how well your background aligns with the specific responsibilities and needs of the position. This may include reviewing your experience, skills, and any preferred attributes noted in the posting.
-
Interview Selection
Applicants who meet both the MQs and additional review may be invited to participate in an interview.
-
Follow Up Interviews and Reference Checks
Qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an interview. Some positions may include a second-round interview as part of the selection process. We will also contact the professional references listed in the application or provided during the interview.
-
Verbal Offer
Once references are successfully verified, the Hiring Manager will contact you with a verbal offer. This offer will include information on required contingencies, pay-scale information, and a proposed start date.
-
Contingency Completion
Upon accepting the verbal offer, you will receive a timeline to complete the pre-employment requirements. These vary by position and may include:
- Background check via Accusource
- DHS background check through ORCHARDS
- Post-offer drug screening
- DMV driving record check
- Bilingual proficiency exam (if applicable)
-
Formal Offer and Onboarding
After successfully completing all pre-employment contingencies, you will receive a formal written offer. This will outline your job classification, department, wage, full-time equivalent (FTE) status, official hire date, and details about your New Employee Orientation (NEO). It will also include your worksite address, TB and Infection Prevention requirements, PERS (Public Employees Retirement System) information, and any necessary credentialing or licensing forms.
What benefits do you offer?
While some benefits vary by position, FTE status or bargaining unit, Marion County is pleased to offer a variety of benefits including, but not limited to:
- Medical & Dental Plans
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Disability and Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Oregon Public Employee Retirement System (PERS)
- Employee Savings and Deferred Compensation Plans (401k & 457(b))
- Paid Time Off
For a detailed list of benefits, including estimated contributions and costs, please visit our Benefits page.
Do you offer training and development opportunities?
Absolutely! At MCHHS, we are committed to the continued development of our workforce.
Our Human Resources Department offers a wide range of courses available to employees. Popular topics include Time Management, Business Writing Basics, Stress Management and Dealing with Change – along with many more.
For Health & Human Services Staff, we continuously review our opportunities for training based on staff feedback and emerging needs. We also offer a robust catalog of virtual courses through Absorb, allowing staff to learn at their own pace and as their schedule allows.
In addition, we host Workforce Development Days – dedicated time for employees to focus on skill-building through courses of their choosing—whether to boost productivity, explore new areas of interest, or advance career goals.
MCHHS also encourages staff to pursue external learning opportunities, such as conferences, workshops, and seminars to further their professional development beyond what is offered in house. We believe that investing in our people is key to building a stronger, more effective organization.
I need to make updates to my application. How do I do that?
Unfortunately, applications cannot be updated once they are submitted. However, applicants may submit additional applications prior to the closing date. Human Resources will review the most recent application.
How can I check the status of my MCHHS application?
You can check your application status by logging into your NeoGov (MyGovernmentJobs) account. While the job posting is still open, your status will not change because applications are not reviewed until after the posting closes.
After Human Resources reviews your application for minimum qualifications, candidates who meet the requirements may see their status change to “Department Review.” This means your application has been forwarded to the hiring department for review.
Who should I contact if I have questions about my application?
Contact MCHHS Human Resources if you have questions about your application, required documents, or application status.
Phone: 503-566-3999
Email: humanresources@co.marion.or.us
When contacting Human Resources, include your full name and the position title so the team can locate your application more quickly.
How much do jobs at MCHHS pay?
Pay at MCHHS varies by position. Each job posting includes the salary range for that specific role.
Applicants can also review Marion County’s Class Specifications for more details about the job classification, typical duties, minimum qualifications, and pay range. Class specifications are not job postings, but they can help candidates understand how a role is categorized and how it fits within Marion County’s broader pay structure.
Applicants should also consider the complete compensation package, including base salary, health and dental contributions, paid leave, Oregon PERS retirement, and salary-step increases. MCHHS provides a Total Compensation Calculator to help candidates estimate the annual value of salary and benefits.
How do MCHHS salary steps and pay increases work?
MCHHS uses a seven-step salary scale. Employees generally receive an increase of approximately 5% each year until they reach Step 7. Most new MCHHS employees start at Step 1 of the position’s salary scale.
After Step 7, additional longevity increases may be available after 10, 15, and 20 years of service. Cost-of-living adjustments also apply but are separate from salary-step increases.
What do employees say about working at MCHHS?
Employees at MCHHS most often describe community impact, meaningful work, coworkers, and job stability as positive parts of their experience.
In a 2026 internal survey, 62% of staff selected meaningful work as a reason they pursued a career at MCHHS. When asked why they stay, employees ranked job stability first and meaningful work second.
How long does the MCHHS hiring process take after a job posting closes?
Hiring timelines vary by department and position. Most MCHHS job postings are open for about two weeks, and applications are not reviewed until the posting closes. After closing, Human Resources usually reviews applications for minimum qualifications within a day or two.
From there, qualified applications move to department review. The timing for interviews can vary based on the hiring manager’s review process and scheduling. After interviews are completed, a verbal offer is typically made within a few business days. New Employee Orientation is usually held about every two weeks, so the start date may depend on the next available orientation date.
Will MCHHS notify me if I am not selected?
Yes. If you do not meet the minimum qualifications, Human Resources will send a notice through your NeoGov (MyGovernmentJobs) account. If you interview but are not selected, you will typically receive a notice through NeoGov. Some departments may also call candidates directly, depending on their process.
If you have questions about your status beyond what is shown in the portal, you can contact Human Resources, and they can connect you with the appropriate department.
