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Behavioral Health Science Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

CCSWW

FBH Behavioral Health Specialist

Portland, OR · Hybrid

$26.19/hr

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in the behavioral sciences field AND communicate effectively, understand mental health assessment, treatment and service ...

CODA INC

Behavioral Health Specialist

Tigard, OR

Use data and science to identify barriers, overcome obstacles, and inform decisions. * Be ... behavior, development or biology, statistics/research methods, substance misuse, criminogenic ...

CODA INC

Behavioral Health Specialist

Tigard, OR · On-site

$54K - $56K/yr

Use data and science to identify barriers, overcome obstacles, and inform decisions. * Be ... behavior, development or biology, statistics/research methods, substance misuse, criminogenic ...

Legacy Health

Crisis Intervention Splst OUS

Portland, OR · On-site

$41.24/hr

... Health and Oregon Health & Science University. Responsibilities * Provides patient-centered, trauma-informed, short-term urgent and emergent behavioral health services in adult and pediatric ...

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All JobsBehavioral Health Science JobsBehavioral Health Science Jobs in Portland, OR

Behavioral Health Science information

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How much do behavioral health science jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health science in Portland, OR is $25.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.61 and $31.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges Behavioral Health Science professionals face when working with diverse client populations?

Behavioral Health Science professionals often encounter clients from various cultural, socioeconomic, and age groups, each with unique perspectives on mental health and treatment. Navigating these differences requires cultural competence, adaptability, and strong communication skills. Professionals may also face challenges in building trust with clients who are hesitant to seek help or have experienced stigma. Ongoing training and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams are crucial strategies for effectively addressing these challenges and providing tailored support.

What is behavioral health science?

Behavioral health science is the study of how human behavior affects overall well-being, focusing on mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Professionals in this field research, prevent, and treat issues like addiction, anxiety, depression, and other behavioral health problems. Careers in behavioral health science can include working as counselors, case managers, or behavioral health technicians, often in settings such as hospitals, clinics, or community organizations. The field combines elements of psychology, counseling, social work, and public health to improve individual and community health outcomes.

What jobs can you get with a BS in behavioral health?

A Bachelor of Science in behavioral health prepares individuals for roles such as behavioral health technician, case manager, mental health technician, or community outreach worker. These positions often involve working directly with clients, implementing treatment plans, and require strong communication and interpersonal skills; some roles may require certification or additional training.

What is the difference between Behavioral Health Science vs Mental Health Counselor?

AspectBehavioral Health ScienceMental Health Counselor
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Behavioral Health, Psychology, or related fieldsMaster's in Counseling, Psychology, or Social Work; licensure often required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, community health centers, research settingsPrivate practices, clinics, hospitals, schools
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare organizations, research institutions, public health agenciesPrivate practices, mental health clinics, hospitals
Common Search & ComparisonBehavioral Health Science vs Mental Health Counselor

Behavioral Health Science focuses on understanding and applying scientific principles to improve mental health through research and program development. Mental Health Counselors provide direct therapy and support to clients. While both roles aim to improve mental well-being, Behavioral Health Science emphasizes research and program design, whereas Mental Health Counselors focus on individual treatment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Behavioral Health Science professional, and why are they important?

To excel as a Behavioral Health Science professional, you need a solid background in psychology, counseling, or social work, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with assessment tools, electronic health record (EHR) systems, and evidence-based therapeutic techniques is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural competence, and emotional intelligence help professionals build trust and effectively support clients. These abilities are crucial for delivering effective interventions, ensuring ethical practice, and improving client outcomes in mental health settings.

What is the highest paying job in behavioral health?

The highest paying roles in behavioral health often include clinical directors, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and licensed psychologists, with salaries exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced degrees, licensure, and extensive experience, and they involve leadership, specialized clinical skills, or independent practice.

What do you do with a behavioral science degree?

A behavioral health science degree prepares individuals for roles such as behavioral health technician, case manager, research assistant, or counselor. Graduates often work in healthcare settings, mental health clinics, or community organizations, applying skills in assessment, intervention, and data analysis. Certification or licensure may be required for certain clinical positions.

What can I do with a career in behavioural sciences?

A career in behavioral sciences with a focus on behavioral health science involves working to understand and improve mental health, behavior, and well-being. Professionals may work as psychologists, behavioral analysts, mental health counselors, or researchers, often requiring skills in data analysis, communication, and knowledge of mental health treatment methods. Opportunities exist in clinical, research, educational, and community settings, with some roles requiring certification or advanced degrees.
What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Health Science jobs in Portland, OR? For Behavioral Health Science jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Behavioral Health Science jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Behavioral Health Science jobs in Portland, OR are:
Behavioral Health Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Science job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,264 per year, or $25.6 per hour.
Behavioral Health Consultant

Behavioral Health Consultant

Oregon Health & Science University

Portland, OR • On-site

$45.46 - $62.42/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

152nd of 612 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Department Overview
The Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) position is a behavioral health clinician who operates as a core member of the integrated care team within the Family Medicine at Richmond clinic.
This position involves a high degree of clinical complexity and requires advanced-level generalist skill in delivering evidence-based interventions targeted to improve health and wellbeing for a large variety of patients across the lifespan. The BHC position serves as an advocate and champion for integrated behavioral health within the primary care setting.
OHSU Family Medicine at East Portland is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) located on the Adventist Hospital campus. East Portland joins our existing health center, Richmond Clinic, in providing excellent care to Portland's most vulnerable communities. Some applicants may qualify to apply for student loan repayment due to FQHC designation.
We are committed to providing an open and equitable recruitment process with the goal of recognizing diverse lived experience that will contribute to the success of the organization and goals of this position. We are deeply committed to a community of excellence, equity, and diversity and welcome applications from candidates who will contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core values and accountability to these values helps us better serve our diverse community.
Function/Duties of Position
Direct Patient Services and Documentation:
  • Provide primary care behavioral health interventions including proactive patient identification (scrubbing), brief interventions via same-day Warm Hand Offs, scheduled patient follow-ups, consultation to all care team members, assessments, and crisis intervention.
  • Participate in behavioral health case management as part of multi-disciplinary team to address complex patient needs appropriately. This includes both short- and long-term involvement and a high level of coordination with internal and community-based resources.
  • Maintains a professional presence for the clinic and actively engages with teams and stakeholders.
  • Documents services appropriately in EHR in accordance with existing workflows to ensure continuity of care.
  • Maintains technology fluency in support of in-clinic and telehealth.
  • Maintains accessibility via department standard means (phone, pager, email, etc)
  • Maintains appropriate professional boundaries as a part of the primary care team.

Teaching
  • Provide effective teaching to all clinic learners including medical residents and care team members regarding behavioral health issues, evidence-based interventions, primary care integration, and patient engagement/communication strategies.

Quality and Leadership
  • Active engagement in development, implementation, and maintenance of related clinic quality metrics, as needed.
  • Providing behavioral health participation in clinic-wide committees and workgroups.

Required Qualifications
  • A Master's Social Work (MSW) required. Health care experience preferred.
  • Effective January 1, 2011, Certificate of Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) required for employees who practice clinical social work.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Training in Primary Care Behavioral Health
  • Experience as a Behavioral Health Consultant in a Primary Care setting.
  • Experience as a clinician in primary care or health care setting.
  • Experience in clinical teaching as a field instructor with social work students
  • Understanding of patient-centered medical home principles.
  • Interest and experience in program development, improvement, and assessment
  • Experience in behavioral health counseling, brief short-term therapy strategies, and case management.
  • Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity, equity and inclusion in the clinic and learning environment.
  • Ability to contribute to the success of the organization through support of and seeking out diversified ideas and perspectives.
  • Demonstrated understanding of trauma informed and patient centered care principles.
  • Ability to work independently utilizing critical thinking, problem solving, and time management skills.
  • Skill in developing and maintaining professional relationships quickly.
  • Capacity to manage technology supportive of in-person and telehealth including but not limited to electronic health record, virtual meeting platforms, and pager.
  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of primary care behavioral health consultation including assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, cognitive-behavioral counseling strategies and their application to population-based care for preventive and chronic care issues.
  • Demonstrated ability to practice with minimal supervision using sound clinical judgment.
  • Spanish, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Russian, Arabic, Korean

Additional Details
  • Hours: Monday-Friday; 8am-4:30pm
  • Work location is in-clinic with some opportunities for remote work.
  • Frequent interruptions in an environment of frequent change and fluctuations.
  • May be exposed to body fluids, tissue, possible radiation exposure, and infectious processes.
  • Able to utilize office equipment including computer, smartphone, and pager in-clinic and remote.
  • Some travel may be required.
  • Standing: On concrete, vinyl, or carpeting up to 4 hours per day and intermittently.
  • Sitting: Chair or stool continuous up to 8 hours per day and intermittently.
  • Changing Position: Intermittently, as needed.
  • Walking: Intermittently up to 8 hours per day on concrete, vinyl, and carpeting.
  • Bending: From the waist and knees, frequently throughout the day.
  • Reaching/Handling: Fine manipulation, repetitive, gross motor requiring full ROM in upper extremeties, including overhead reaching.
  • Twisting: All ROM required, intermittent periods, throughout the day.
  • Climbing: Staircase, intermittently throughout the day.

Posted 7/16 at 9:20am
Why apply to OHSU?
We are Oregon's only public academic health center.
In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington.
All are welcome.
OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply.
To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu

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About Oregon Health & Science University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887

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