Behavioral Health Clinician (BHC) - MH081

Title: 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.