Behavioral Health Therapist I

Behavioral Health Therapist I

Multnomah County - N/A, OR 97206

Overview

Position Type Full Time Category Clinician (CADC, QMHP, etc)

Description

Rate of Pay : $36 an hour

Bonuses: Up to $12k in potential bonuses

Shift: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm

Eligible Benefits

• 11 Paid Holidays
• 5 Additional Paid Days: 3 Self-Care, 1 Birthday, 1 Personal Holiday
• Generous PTO policy and Sabbatical
• Employer Paid Medical, Life Insurance, Short Term Disability and Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary Dental, Vision, FSA, Long Term Disability, Critical Illness, Accident Coverage, Hospital Indemnity and Pet Insurance
• 5% Retirement Match with no waiting period
• Annual bonus program
• Annual professional development allotment
• Mileage reimbursement at federal rate for work related travel
• Inclusive workplace culture
• Bilingual wage differential

Job Summary

This full-time BH Therapist I is responsible for providing outpatient behavioral health services, including mental health and substance use disorder assessments, individual counseling, and group interventions for participants engaged in BTC programs. The BH Therapist I collaborates closely with internal providers, external community partners, and multidisciplinary BTC teams to support coordinated, participant-centered care. This role delivers trauma-informed, culturally responsive services and contributes to high-quality clinical outcomes through effective engagement, treatment planning, and adherence to evidence-based practices.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Serve a diverse population effectively, through trauma informed, culturally responsive and evidenced-based approaches to care.
• Deliver behavioral health services to participants, dedicating at least 65% of scheduled time to direct client services and ensuring all eligible services are accurately documented and successfully billed.
• Conduct mental health and substance use disorder screenings and assessments and make diagnoses using DSM-V-TR criteria and ASAM PPC.
• Provide culturally responsive individual, family, and group counseling services consistent with BTC's clinical orientation and care models, maintaining fidelity to evidence-based treatment approaches and practices.
• Develop individualized treatment plans in collaboration with participants, BTC providers, family members (when appropriate), and partner organizations to support coordinated, participant-centered care.
• Engage in care coordination and case management with participants and other service providers internally and externally, and assist participants in developing and accessing natural community supports and community resources.
• Provide crisis screening, assessment and intervention services to clients to assist in minimizing periods of crisis, severe dysfunction and acute care utilization.
• Maintain fidelity to the evidence-based treatment models and interventions adopted by BTC.
• Recognize and document participants' mental health concerns and initiate referrals for further clinical assessment as appropriate.
• Identify participant needs and coordinate referrals to additional services, including psychiatric, medical, educational, vocational, and recreational supports.
• Complete standardized screening and evaluation tools at each individual counseling session and integrate results into treatment planning and progress monitoring.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with BTC staff and community partners to support coordinated care and monitor participant progress.
• Complete all required trainings in a timely manner and participate in assigned seminars, trainings, and professional development opportunities to enhance clinical skills and competencies.
• Complete documentation of services, progress notes, and client interactions in accordance with organizational standards within 24 hours, not to exceed 72 hours.
• Uphold organizational and credentialing ethics, including professional boundaries, confidentiality, and trauma-informed communication standards.
• Respond to participant crises with a trauma-informed approach, utilizing de-escalation strategies, administering Narcan in overdose situations, and activating emergency and supervisory support in accordance with BTC procedures.
• Participate in regular supervision, team meetings, and training as assigned.
• Adhere to organizational policies and procedures, confidentiality regulations, and all applicable federal and state behavioral health standards.

Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The following are the minimum levels required to successfully perform the Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities.

• Master's degree in counseling, social work or similar field, required
• QMHP credential, required
• CADC-I preferred; CADC-R or equivalent documented SUD training/CEUs, required
• State ORCHARDS BCU background check clearance, required
• Experience working with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, strongly preferred
• Demonstrated competency in supporting participants from diverse genders and communities, including understanding how social determinants, systemic inequities, and cultural factors influence engagement, safety needs, and recovery goals
• Basic computer literacy, including proficiency with Word, Outlook, and the ability to learn and maintain documentation within an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system in compliance with agency, state, and federal standards
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain clear professional and therapeutic boundaries while engaging participants with empathy, respect, and clinical intention
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage participants using trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and motivational interviewing approaches
• Skilled in conducting individual and group counseling, rapport building, and facilitating client engagement in alignment with evidence-based and recovery-oriented practices
• Ability to recognize clinical concerns, including co-occurring mental health symptoms, substance use patterns, and risk factors, and respond within scope of practice through appropriate intervention, safety planning, or referral
• Experience with crisis prevention, de-escalation, and intervention strategies, including the ability to remain calm, regulated, and exercise sound clinical judgment in high-stress situations
• Well-developed clinical documentation skills, with the ability to produce accurate, concise, and timely records that meet Medicaid, regulatory, and internal quality standards
• Ability to manage multiple clinical priorities in a fast-paced behavioral health environment while maintaining attention to detail, participant safety, and compliance requirements
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, community partners, and external providers to support coordinated, high-quality care
• Knowledge of at-risk and marginalized populations, with the ability to provide services using evidence-based, person-centered, and culturally responsive approaches
• Strong commitment to ethical practice, confidentiality, and adherence to professional standards and regulatory guidelines applicable to the role and level of credentialing

Working Conditions

Environment and Physical Requirements: This position is based in an office or community-based clinical setting and may occasionally require work at other BTC program locations such as recovery centers or administrative sites. Those locations are subject to a variety of environmental weather conditions including rain, snow, wind, and dust. The position frequently requires daily travel by car. This position interacts constantly with staff, visitors, program participants, government agencies, and others. The role may involve exposure to substances such as alcohol, drugs, drug paraphernalia, and biohazards (including bodily fluids) in the course of routine duties. Appropriate precautions, PPE, and training are provided in accordance with BTC policy and OSHA standards. The position stands, walks, bends, lifts, and moves intermittently during working hours. The incumbent must be able to lift, push, pull and move files, supplies and equipment in excess of 15 pounds.

Emotional and Cognitive Demands: Work in behavioral health settings involves regular exposure to individuals experiencing emotional distress, crisis and/or unpredictable behavior. Staff may encounter verbally escalated interactions, trauma-related content, and situations requiring rapid assessment, sound judgment, and effective de-escalation skills. The role requires sustained emotional regulation, the ability to maintain professional boundaries, and resilience when supporting participants with complex behavioral health, substance use, and psychosocial needs. Crisis situations may occur with little warning and require immediate attention, adherence to safety protocols, and clear communication with team members.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time, non-exempt hourly position. Employees in this role are generally scheduled for a 40-hour workweek, typically Monday through Friday; however, some positions may be assigned a different 40-hour schedule based on program needs, including hours outside standard operating times. Occasional evening, weekend, or holiday shifts may also be required to support program operations.

Other Duties and Responsibilities: This job description is a summary of the essential duties