Behavioral Health Therapist I

BRIDGES TO CHANGE INC•Oregon City, OR

2d•$36

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Responsibilities

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 50% 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.

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
Up to $12k in bonuses