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.

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.

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.

As a fee‑for‑service position, this role requires 50% of time worked to be billable, which is the approximate equivalent to 4 clients per day in an 8‑hour day, subject to individualized schedules, drive time to clients, telehealth usage, and other relevant factors.

Behavioral Health Clinicians provide assessments and ongoing individual counseling for adults, including elders and people with disabilities, in‑person at their homes or places 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.

10‑Step pay range based upon licensure:

• Associate or Affiliate Licensure $33.87–$44.20 hourly
• Independent Licensure or Masters level SUDP $35.27–$46.02 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
• 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
• Hybrid working environment and alternative work schedules

Note:

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

NWRC strives to offer employees schedule flexibility while balancing the needs of their role within the agency with their personal…