Behavioral Health Specialist

CODA INC•Portland, OR

19d•$54,000 - $55,000•Onsite

About The Position

Provide medically necessary clinical services to individuals diagnosed with substance use disorders or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, as indicated in each individual’s treatment plan. The offered schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The position is based at the Gresham Recovery Center – Women's Residential in Gresham, Oregon, with negligible travel. The role may provide work guidance to support staff.

Requirements

Preferred minimum of two years of experience in a similar or closely related role.
Associate degree-level education is listed in the job details; the qualifications section specifies a bachelor's or master's degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or a closely related field.
At least 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of coursework in some or all of the listed areas: introductory psychology, social psychology or sociology, human behavior, development or biology, statistics or research methods, substance misuse, criminogenic or forensic studies, psychopharmacology or neuroscience, cognitive development or communication, behavior modification, or cultural practices.
Advanced knowledge and effective application of motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, and similar recovery and empowerment strategies.
Ability to communicate effectively; understand and apply mental-status concepts, symptomology, treatment and service terminology; implement skill-development strategies; and identify, implement, and coordinate services and supports in treatment plans.
Ability to engage patients in service-oriented treatment plans and determine clinically relevant substance use treatment interventions.
Effective oral and written communication with patients, coworkers, community resources, supervisors, and others, while maintaining patient confidentiality and professional rapport.
Ability to operate a computer, use basic MS Office programs, and navigate and maintain patient records in an electronic medical records system.
Attain CADC-R status within 30 days of hire if not already holding CADC-R or higher.
Meet requirements to apply for CADC I certification within 12 months of employment.
May be required to obtain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or be able to acquire it within 90 days of hire.
Complete Crisis Prevention training within 90 days of hire.
May need a current Oregon or Washington driver's license.
Lift up to 25 pounds, safely operate a company vehicle if required to drive, and, if BLS-certified, perform Basic Life Support continuously for 15 minutes.
Sit for extended periods; use personal protective equipment and follow safety procedures while interacting with patients and handling laboratory specimens; operate a computer for extended periods, including reading a monitor, keyboarding, and using a mouse.
Obtain negative results on pre-employment, reasonable-basis, and post-accident drug screens.
Meet criminal-record acceptability requirements under DHS, Oregon Administrative Rules, and Oregon Revised Statutes.
Have an acceptable driving record and insurance coverage as recommended by CODA’s automobile insurance provider if driving is required.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of experience in a similar or closely related role is preferred.
Prior possession of CADC-R or a higher certification.

Responsibilities

Conduct substance use treatment intakes and assessments.
Determine medical necessity for substance use treatment, including screening for detoxification needs, providing diagnostic evaluations of substance use disorders, and evaluating placement within ASAM criteria.
Develop collaborative, strength-based treatment plans incorporating interventions indicated by substance use assessments.
Provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive individual clinical services, including case management.
Engage family members as partners in treatment.
Facilitate educational, skills, and relapse-prevention groups using agency-approved, evidence-based practices and curriculum.
Produce accurate, strength-based clinical documentation aligned with agency protocols and payer regulations; use collaborative documentation and recovery-based language to engage patients.
Participate in clinical supervision, resolve conflicts effectively, contribute to clinical development plans, and maintain positive team relationships.
Collaborate with the team, families, and community partners to support flexible, patient-directed care.
Participate in staff meetings and provide clinical consultation within scope of practice.
Travel to community-based meetings and other locations to support patients.
Communicate positively and accurately about recovery and evidence-based treatments; use data and science to identify barriers and inform decisions; act with financial responsibility, compassion, and respect.
Accompany and drive patients to recovery-related appointments if approved as a driver.
Maintain consistent attendance and punctuality.
Participate in assigned special projects and trainings, provide short-term coverage for additional clinical or administrative duties, and collect patient urinalysis samples.
Train or mentor team members and provide outreach and education to community partners as assigned.
May provide work guidance to support staff.