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Santa Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

General Manager

Battle Ground, WA · On-site

$60 - $68/hr

Up to $55,000 per year (Albuquerque, NM area) Up to $60,000 per year (Santa Fe, NM) Up to $65,000 per year (Oregon) Up to $68,000 per year (Washington) Successful General Managers can also qualifyfor ...

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Santa information

See Portland, OR salary details

$50

$63

$74

How much do santa jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for santa in Portland, OR is $63.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57.36 and $70.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Santa?

Santas, also known as Santa Clauses, are individuals who dress up as the legendary figure of Santa Claus during the holiday season. They typically appear at malls, holiday events, parties, and parades to spread cheer, pose for photos, and listen to children's Christmas wishes. The role requires a friendly personality, a jolly demeanor, and often a convincing costume, including a red suit and white beard. Being a Santa is about creating magical experiences and joy for both children and adults.

What does a Santa do?

A professional Santa Claus plays the role of Santa Claus at the mall or Christmas events. Your responsibilities include interacting with children and having pictures taken with guests. Other duties include wearing the red Santa Claus suit, growing a beard (or wearing a fake one), and convincingly emitting jolly laughter. You typically work long hours during the holidays, with some shifts are as long as 12 hours to save children the cognitive dissonance of witnessing two simultaneous St. Nicholas’s. You work with children and may have to answer difficult or tricky questions about religion or divorce. You maintain the comforting fantasy of Santa Claus for children.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a Santa?

To thrive as a Santa, you need strong interpersonal skills, a joyful demeanor, and the ability to engage with children and families, often supported by a background in acting or customer service. Familiarity with scheduling tools, costume care, and sometimes background checks or child safety certifications are typically required. Exceptional patience, improvisational ability, and warmth help Santas create magical experiences and handle a variety of situations. These skills are crucial to ensuring children feel comfortable, maintaining the magic of the season, and delivering memorable interactions.

What challenges do Santas face during the holiday season?

One of the main challenges faced by professional Santas is maintaining high energy and a positive demeanor throughout long shifts, often while engaging with excited children and large crowds. Santas must also be prepared to handle a wide range of emotional interactions, from shy or anxious children to those with special needs. Additionally, the role often requires working in warm, heavy costumes for extended periods and adapting to various event environments, from malls to private parties. Effective communication and improvisational skills are crucial for creating memorable experiences and managing unexpected situations.

What is the difference between Santa vs Elf?

AspectSantaElf
Required CredentialsNone specific, often festive experienceSimilar, often with craft or toy-making skills
Work EnvironmentPublic events, shopping malls, paradesWorkshop, toy factories, holiday events
Industry UsageHoliday entertainment, charity eventsToy manufacturing, holiday decorations
Common Search/ComparisonSantaElf

Santa is primarily known for appearing at public holiday events, spreading cheer, and engaging with children, often without formal credentials. Elves, on the other hand, are typically involved in toy-making and workshop activities, supporting Santa's mission. While both roles are integral to holiday festivities, Santa's role is more about public appearances, whereas elves focus on production and preparation.

What are popular job titles related to Santa jobs in Portland, OR?

For Santa jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Santa jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Santa job openings:

Infographic showing various Santa job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Nights. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,563 per year, or $63.7 per hour.

Licensed Mental Health Counselor - Remote (Full-Time)

Santa Monica Behavioral Health Center

Vancouver, WA • Remote

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Position Overview

We are searching for a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) to join our team at the Santa Monica Behavioral Health Center. This full-time position, primarily work-from-home, involves providing high-quality mental health counseling and therapy to our diverse client base in Vancouver, Washington, where the demand for mental health services continues to rise. You will play a pivotal role in developing treatment plans and implementing therapeutic interventions that enhance the well-being of your clients.

About the Organization

At the Santa Monica Behavioral Health Center, we pride ourselves on being a leading provider of mental health services in the region. Our team of experienced professionals creates a nurturing environment that promotes recovery and empowers clients to lead fulfilling lives. We are committed to a client-centered approach, which means we work collaboratively with individuals to tailor treatment plans that cater to their unique needs and life circumstances.

Work Environment

This position is unique as it offers the flexibility of a remote work setting, allowing you to deliver care from the comfort of your home. Despite being a virtual setting, you will be part of a supportive team that values communication and collaboration. Interaction with colleagues and clients occurs via telehealth platforms, ensuring that you have the necessary resources to provide exemplary care while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Key Responsibilities
  • Conduct thorough mental health assessments to evaluate clients’ psychological needs, crafting individualized treatment plans based on these evaluations.
  • Utilize evidence-based therapeutic modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Therapy, to deliver effective counseling to individuals, couples, and families.
  • Facilitate psychoeducational and support groups that address common mental health issues and foster a sense of community among participants.
  • Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors to ensure comprehensive patient care.
  • Provide crisis intervention services, helping clients navigate mental health emergencies with effective, compassionate responses.
  • Educate clients about their mental health conditions, treatment options, and community resources available to them.
  • Maintain meticulous documentation of client interactions and treatment progress, adhering to HIPAA and ethical standards.
  • Engage in regular case consultations, team meetings, and ongoing training to enhance professional skills and clinical knowledge.
  • Stay current with developments in the field of mental health counseling, implementing new techniques as appropriate.
Patient Population / Client Focus

You will be working with a diverse array of clients facing various mental health challenges, including but not limited to depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and stress-related conditions. Our population ranges across different age groups and backgrounds, offering you the chance to make a meaningful impact on each individual's mental well-being.

Qualifications
  • A Master’s or Doctoral degree in Mental Health Counseling from an accredited institution.
  • Current valid licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Washington State.
  • In-depth knowledge of mental health disorders and familiarity with evidence-based treatment methodologies.
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct comprehensive assessments and develop effective, personalized treatment strategies.
  • Proven experience in delivering therapeutic interventions to diverse populations through both individual and group modalities.
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills that foster trust and rapport with clients.
  • Strong ethical framework and sound judgment in maintaining professional boundaries.
  • Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) management and other relevant technology platforms.
  • Proficiency in teamwork and collaboration within a multidisciplinary framework.
Preferred Experience
  • Previous experience in an outpatient setting is highly desirable.
  • Participation in community outreach or psychoeducational initiatives is a plus.
  • Fluency in a second language can greatly enhance your ability to connect with clients.
Compensation and Benefits

The salary for this role ranges from USD 80,000 to 100,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Additionally, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • A retirement savings plan with employer contributions to help secure your financial future.
  • Generous paid time off (PTO) and holiday pay, encouraging a healthy work-life balance.
  • Continuing education opportunities to support your professional growth and development.
  • Opportunities for career advancement within our organization as we grow and expand our services.
  • A collaborative and supportive workplace culture, where your contributions are valued and recognized.
Career Growth Opportunities

Your career trajectory is important to us! We encourage and support your professional development through educational reimbursements and access to workshops, orientations, and conferences. As our organization continues to expand, new leadership positions and specialization opportunities will become available, enabling you to thrive in your career.

Why Join Our Team

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and are eager to join a team of dedicated professionals committed to improving mental health outcomes, we invite you to apply for this rewarding opportunity. At the Santa Monica Behavioral Health Center, you will find the support you need to excel in your profession and contribute to the well-being of our community.

Application Information

If you are excited about the potential for personal and professional growth in a supportive environment, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and your commitment to mental health care. We look forward to welcoming you to our team!