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.

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 diverse 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

Our dedicated clinicians provide in-home personalized care and psychotherapy to their clients, which amounts to 20 hours per week of billable services (approximately 4 sessions per day). NWRC clients often receive services from multiple programs across NWRC. This allows clinicians to engage and collaborate with other social services professionals at NWRC to build a comprehensive care plan which truly places the client at the center.

Not yet licensed? No problem. Clinicians are encouraged to build their skills through training opportunities, professional development and obtaining independent licensure by taking advantage of our onsite clinical supervision at no expense to the employee.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

10-Step pay range:

$33.87 - $44.20 hourly - Clinicians with an AA, LICSWA, LMFTA or LMHCA

$35.27 - $46.02 hourly - Clinicians with a LICSW, LMFT or LMHC

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
• 12 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
• Clinical Supervision toward licensure onsite at no expense to the employee
• Hybrid working environment and alternative work schedules

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

SCHEDULE & LOCATION

This position would primarily be based out of our Mount Vernon office and serve clients throughout all of Skagit County, in addition to a small client base in Whatcom County. The Behavioral Health Clinician will work with the Behavioral Health Program Supervisor to develop a schedule that includes 1 day in Whatcom County weekly.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience:

• Master’s degree in behavioral or health sciences, or related field, required.
• 2 years’ 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.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with evidence-based practices, or interest and ability to learn.
• Ability to establish a therapeutic alliance with a wide range of clientele in the Medicaid system.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals with complex needs and multi-system involvement.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, community agencies, and the general public, using courtesy and tact.
• Ability to maintain a positive, solution-focused demeanor when responding to conflicts or problems.
• Skill and/or fluency in speaking other languages, i.e., Spanish or Russian, is desired.

Licenses/Certificates/Special Requirements:

• Valid and current Department of Health credential 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, OR
  • Agency Affiliated
• Must have a valid Washington State driver's license, a vehicle available for work-related travel, and appropriate liability insurance.

Note: Individuals who do not already hold a license or associate license through the WA DOH must submit an Agency Affiliate Counselor Application and be approved by the DOH.

RECRUITMENT & SELECTION PROCESS

After reviewing the applications, the NWRC will contact the most qualified candidates to participate in a selection process consisting of job-related selection exercises. NWRC will make reasonable accommodation upon request for those individuals with disabilities.