Behavioral Health Clinician (BHC) - MH081

Job DetailsJob Location: Indian Health Clinic on Hancock - Portland, OR 97212Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $35.34 - $45.19 HourlyJob Shift: DayTitle: Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC)
Location: This position is split between our Indian Health Clinic - 703 NE Hancock St., Portland, OR 97212 & Wellness Center - 12360 E. Burnside St. Portland, OR 97233
Schedule: This is an in person position, Monday through Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm with some evening and weekend hours required.
Wage Range: 

Unlicensed (QMHP): $35.34 - $40.38 hourly, Non-exempt 
Licensed: $85,600.00 - $94,000.00 annual salary, Exempt

 

If you are a motivated and dedicated Behavioral Health Consultant looking for an opportunity to contribute to an organization making a positive impact, we want to hear from you!

 

At NARA Northwest, you’ll find a supportive work environment where every team member is valued and respected. Whether you’re passionate about healthcare, behavioral health, education, or social services, there’s a place for you to make a meaningful difference.  

 

 

Company Mission:

The mission of NARA NW is to provide education, physical, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment that is culturally appropriate to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and anyone in need.

 

About the Company:

 

At NARA NW, we deliver services and support to Native American and Alaska Native communities, helping individuals lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

With over 450 employees across a variety of programs—including medical and dental care, addiction treatment, housing assistance, and enrichment initiatives NARA NW offers numerous opportunities for growth and advancement, all while making a tangible, positive impact on the lives of others.

 

Position Overview:

The Behavioral Health Consultant at NARA NW’s Indian Health Clinic / Wellness Center provides culturally responsive and comprehensive behavioral health services to individuals and families from all walks of life, with a focus on working with the Native American / Alaska Native community. This role involves conducting clinical assessments, offering brief therapeutic interventions, and providing integrated care within the Adult Mental Health department. The Behavioral Health Consultant will utilize evidence-based tools such as SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment), PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), and C-SSRS (Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale) to assess and address mental health, substance use, and suicide risk.

This role requires an individual who is not only skilled in behavioral health interventions but also understands the importance of delivering care with cultural sensitivity and humility. The Behavioral Health Consultant will work closely with primary care teams and the larger multidisciplinary staff to ensure that patients receive holistic, trauma-informed care in alignment with NARA NW’s mission of supporting the Native American / Alaska Native community.

Regular on-site presence during clinic hours is required (Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with some evening clinic hours as-needed). Some Saturday Diabetes Clinic hours are required for this position.

 

 

What you will do:


Clinical Consultation & Support:


Conduct comprehensive behavioral health assessments using culturally appropriate tools, such as SBIRT, PHQ-9, and C-SSRS, to assess, substance use, mental health, and suicide risk.
Provide brief therapeutic interventions and solution-focused counseling, grounded in cultural awareness and trauma-informed care principles.
Develop individualized treatment plans, collaborating with patients and multidisciplinary teams to address behavioral health concerns and incorporate cultural context.
Provide expert consultation and support to primary care teams, ensuring behavioral health is effectively integrated into the overall care plan.


Collaboration & Care Coordination:

Work with the Adult Mental Health department and other healthcare professionals to coordinate care, ensuring that mental health, physical health, and social support needs are addressed.
Provide referrals to specialized behavioral health services, treatment programs, and community-based resources for patients, based on screening outcomes and identified needs.
Follow up with patients to track progress, modify treatment plans as necessary, and ensure continued engagement in care.


Education & Community Engagement:

Educate patients and their families about mental health, substance use, treatment options, and coping strategies with sensitivity to Native American / Alaska Native culture.
Offer training and support to clinic staff and community partners on cultural humility, behavioral health integration, and the use of tools like SBIRT, PHQ-9, and C-SSRS.
Participate in outreach efforts to raise awareness of behavioral health services and promote access to care within the Native American / Alaska Native community, such as Elders lunches.


Compliance & Documentation:

Contribute to the enhancement of behavioral health programs and services within the Adult Mental Health department that address the unique needs of Native American / Alaska Native individuals and families.
Participate in ongoing evaluation and quality improvement processes (such as Peer Reviews) to ensure that behavioral health services meet community needs and comply with best practices.
Accurately document all patient interactions, assessments, and treatment plans in compliance with NARA NW’s policies and regulatory standards.
Monitor patient outcomes and report on the effectiveness of behavioral health interventions, focusing on the use of SBIRT, PHQ-9, and C-SSRS screenings.



QualificationsWe would like to hear from people that have:


Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Psychologist, or equivalent licensure in the state of Oregon, OR meet the qualifications for QMHP status in Oregon and be under clinical supervision for licensure as a Mental Health clinician in Oregon.
A minimum of 2 years of experience in behavioral health, preferably in integrated care and/or with Native American / Alaska Native populations.
Expertise in mental health, substance use, and suicide prevention, with a deep understanding of culturally responsive and trauma-informed care.
Proficiency in the administration and interpretation of SBIRT, PHQ-9, and C-SSRS screenings.
Strong skills in assessing risk and Safety Planning with clients.
Ability to provide culturally sensitive care that acknowledges the unique needs of Native American / Alaska Native individuals and families.
Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to build rapport and trust with patients, families, and colleagues.
Capacity for collaboration in multidisciplinary teams, ensuring comprehensive and integrated care for patients.
Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) and documentation.
Must pass a pre-employment or for cause drug tests.
Must pass criminal background and DMV checks.


Preferred Qualifications:


Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC) in Oregon.
Experience working within the Native American/Alaska Native community
Experience using SBIRT, PHQ-9, and C-SSRS in clinical practice


 

What’s in it for you?

 

15 Paid Holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Battle of Little Big Horn, Independence Day, Labor Day, Native American Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, day after Thanksgiving, December 25th and your birthday!

 

Benefits: Employees working 20 hours, or more are eligible for benefits. Benefits are effective from the 1st of the month following the date of hire. 


Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance through Kaiser Permanente
15 Paid Holidays (Listed Above)
13 Paid Days of Sick Time
13 Paid Days of PTO (Vacation accruals increase with years of service to a maximum of 26 days)
$50,000 Life Insurance & AD&D
Short Term and Long-Term Disability
Flexible Spending Account 
Health Spending Account
401(k) with 4% Match
Employee Assistance Program
Inclement Weather Days (Snow Days)
Public Student Loan Forgiveness -NARA NW is a local 501(c)3 nonprofit, FQHC


 

How to apply:


To Quick Apply, go to Careers – NARA NW (naranorthwest.org)
Look for the position you want to apply for and submit a resume (Required) and cover letter (Optional), that’s all!
Feel free to contact recruiting@naranorthwest.org if you have any questions or would like to know where your application is in the process.


 

NARA NW Mission: Our mission is to provide education, physical and mental health services and substance abuse treatment that is culturally appropriate to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and everyone in need.

 

NARA NW is fully committed to supporting sobriety. To support NARA NW in its mission, all employees agree to refrain from illicit drug use, marijuana use, and prescription drug abuse, both on and off the job. In addition, all employees agree to model alcohol sobriety. Modeling alcohol sobriety means not consuming, discussing, or promoting the use of alcohol, on the job, on social media and when in the community where the employee would be likely to be seen by NARA NW clients or community. If in recovery, employees must have been sober/clean for a length of time sufficient to demonstrate that they will be able to remain sober.

 

Consistent with NARA NW’s sobriety policy, all employees, volunteers, interns, and contractors, as applicable, are required to sign a “Drug-Free/Alcohol-Free Workplace Certification Form” and NARA NW “Modeling Sobriety Policy Form” as a condition of employment to confirm that they are aware of this policy and that they agree to comply with it. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. This policy is subject to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and its state counterpart

 

Preference in hiring is given to qualified Native Americans in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, US Code, Sections 472 and 473). NARA Northwest is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Within the scope of Indian Preference, all candidates will receive equal consideration. Experience working with Native American/ Alaska Native community is considered a plus.

 

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position’s activities and requirements, the agency reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties, as necessary.