Behavioral Health Clinician

About NWRC

Northwest Regional Council (NWRC) is a multi-service agency that covers the Washington counties of Island, San Juan, Skagit and Whatcom, with offices in Bellingham and Mount Vernon, Washington.

NWRC’s slogan: “Human services with you at the center” encapsulates its focus on creating new solutions to navigate the challenges of aging and disability, proactive paths to behavioral health and recovery, and new partnerships between healthcare and social services. We are seeking applicants for a Behavioral Health Clinician.

Join Us

NWRC’s values are centered on the concepts of respect, inclusiveness, and striving to foster a healthy work environment for all employees. With these values in mind, we will do our part to support and further diversity, equity, and inclusion not only in our workplace, but in our communities. Toward this goal, we invite candidates from all backgrounds and perspectives to apply and help shape the future of NWRC.

Behavioral Health Program

NWRC identified a need for the aging population to receive behavioral health services within the comfort of their home and responded to the need by establishing the program in 2018. The behavioral health program remains the only one of its kind among Washington State’s Area Agencies on Aging and has grown from 3 clinicians to 10. The program continues to evolve rapidly, most recently offering substance use therapy.

A Day in the Life

Behavioral Health Clinicians provide assessments and ongoing individual counseling for adults, including elders and people with disabilities, in-person in their homes or place of residence, as well as via telehealth.

Services delivered are strengths-based and include, but are not limited to individual psychotherapy, treatment planning, identification and development of natural supports, advocacy, and collaboration with other supports.

Clinicians maintain caseloads of approximately 20–25 clients and are expected to meet a minimum billing requirement of 55% of total work hours.

In addition to weekly individual therapy sessions, clinicians participate in supervision, complete timely documentation, engage in ongoing training, and collaborate with other providers. Balancing these responsibilities requires strong organizational skills and thoughtful time management.

Compensation & Benefits

• 10-Step pay range based upon licensure:
• Associate or Affiliate Licensure $34.89- $45.53 hourly
• Independent Licensure or Masters level SUDP $36.33- $47.40 hourly

NWRC salary ranges are comprised of a 10-Step scale. On their employment anniversary, employees are eligible for an annual pay increase to the next step in the associated salary range, subject to satisfactory performance.

In addition to the annual pay increases, NWRC assesses cost of living adjustments (COLA) on an annual basis, subject to Governing Board approval. New employees at NWRC usually start at the first step in the position’s assigned salary range.

NWRC may consider a higher step when evaluating the candidate’s experience, training, or proven capability. Internal equity will be reviewed and prioritized when determining a starting pay rate.

• As a full-time, permanent, non-exempt role, this position is eligible for the following benefits:
• 100% Employer paid medical for individual employee plans and up to 95% paid medical for dependent coverage plans, with multiple plan options
• 100% Employer paid Dental and Vision for the employee and eligible dependents with multiple plan options
• Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS 2 or PERS 3)
• 100% Employer paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employee & dependents
• Life and Long-term Disability insurance, including voluntary buy-up options
• Vacation Leave, accrued at 8hrs/month & increasing with longevity
• Sick Leave, accrued at 8hrs/month
• 13 Paid Holidays Annually
• 3 Paid Wellness Days Annually
• Voluntary Flex Spending Plans for health and/or child/elder care
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation Program
• $200 annual reimbursement for WA State Department of Health licensure fees

Hybrid Working Environment and Alternative Work Schedules

Note: NWRC meets the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) definition of a public service organization.

Schedule & Location

NWRC strives to offer employees schedule flexibility while balancing the needs of their role within the agency with their personal lives. The Behavioral Health Clinician will work with the Behavioral Health Program Supervisor to develop a schedule that includes regular, in person time in the Bellingham office as well as optional remote days.

Qualifications

Education/Experience

• Master's Degree in Behavioral or Health Sciences or related field.
• Two years of experience providing direct human services to clients, preferably in a community setting

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Demonstrated ability to assess client needs with consideration of the values of diverse groups: understand social and cultural contexts of the clients, understand the role of historical and personal trauma, community, family and personal experience in wellness and recovery.

Knowledge of principles, methods and procedures for diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of mental dysfunctions, to provide counseling and guidance, or interest and ability to learn.

Must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, be able to prioritize, be dependable and reliable.

Some knowledge of issues related to aging and disability and work effectively with those experiencing complex needs and multi-system involvement.

• Ability to work independently, with good judgment and minimum supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, community agencies, and the general public using courtesy, tact, and rapport.
• Ability to maintain a positive, solution-focused demeanor when responding to conflicts or problems.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.

Demonstrated ability to work with computers and basic computer software programs, including the ability to utilize electronic medical record systems.

Skill and/or fluency in speaking other languages, i. e. Spanish or Russian, are desired.

Ability to pass pre-employment criminal background check and provide proof of immunization.

Licenses/Certificates/Special Requirements

• Valid, current credential issued by the Department of Health as a:
• Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), or
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or
• Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) or

Equivalent Field OR

An Associate working towards licensure in one of the above fields.

Must have a valid driver's license, a vehicle available for work-related travel, and appropriate liability insurance.

Recruitment & Selection Process

NWRC is committed to continuous improvement in our recruitment and selection practices. We strive to provide a respectful, inclusive and transparent candidate experience, while reducing barriers and supporting equitable access to employment opportunities.

We prioritize timely, clear communication with candidates to reduce uncertainty and our selection process is comprised of job-related evaluation methods that are reviewed by multiple hiring team members. Applicants may request reasonable accommodation at any stage of the hiring process.