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Substance Use Navigator Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Recovery Works NW

BHRN/ Outreach Navigator

Tigard, OR · On-site

... the substance use disorder (SUD) continuum of care. BHRN/ Outreach Navigators are responsible for managing relationships with organizations engaged with Recovery Works NW by memoranda of ...

Jobless

BHRN/ Outreach Navigator

Tigard, OR · On-site

$52 - $76/hr

... the substance use disorder (SUD) continuum of care. BHRN/ Outreach Navigators are responsible for managing relationships with organizations engaged with Recovery Works NW by memoranda of ...

New

Lifeline Connections

Engagement Specialist

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$19.41 - $20.44/hr

Our Vision - As the premier provider of substance use and mental health services in the Pacific ... Co-outreach with forensic navigators to potential OCRP enrollees in jails and the communities to ...

Beacon Talent

Remote Psychiatrist

Portland, OR · Remote

$150 - $200/hr

... substance use presentations * Prescribe controlled substances in accordance with federal and state law, including current telehealth prescribing rules * Coordinate with therapists, care navigators ...

New Narrative

Peer Supervisor

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$56 - $68/hr

... substance use treatment services, and resource gathering (food boxes, medical needs, etc.) to ... Oversee all incoming referrals to the Polaris and Community Navigator teams, assigning them to ...

All JobsSubstance Use Navigator JobsSubstance Use Navigator Jobs in Portland, OR

Substance Use Navigator information

See Portland, OR salary details

$14

$23

$34

How much do substance use navigator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance use navigator in Portland, OR is $23.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.42 and $25.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a substance use navigator?

A Substance Use Navigator (SUN) is a professional who helps individuals struggling with substance use disorders connect with treatment and support services. They typically work in healthcare or community settings, providing guidance, resources, and encouragement to people seeking recovery. SUNs assess clients’ needs, coordinate care, and help reduce barriers to accessing treatment, such as insurance issues or finding appropriate programs. Their goal is to support individuals throughout their recovery journey and ensure they receive the necessary care and follow-up.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a substance use navigator?

To thrive as a Substance Use Navigator, you need a background in counseling, substance use disorder knowledge, and often a bachelor's degree in a related field, along with any required state certifications. Familiarity with electronic health records, case management systems, and referral networks is important for efficient client support. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and motivational interviewing abilities help build trust and guide clients through recovery. These skills are vital for effectively connecting individuals to needed resources, supporting recovery, and improving health outcomes.

How does a substance use navigator collaborate with healthcare teams to support patients in recovery?

Substance Use Navigators work closely with multidisciplinary healthcare teams, including physicians, nurses, social workers, and behavioral health specialists, to ensure coordinated care for patients with substance use disorders. They act as a bridge between patients and providers, facilitating access to treatment resources, coordinating follow-up care, and advocating for patient needs. Navigators often participate in case conferences and maintain regular communication with team members to update care plans and address any barriers to recovery. This collaborative approach helps create a supportive environment and improves patient outcomes.

What is the difference between Substance Use Navigator vs Substance Use Counselor?

AspectSubstance Use NavigatorSubstance Use Counselor
Required CredentialsOften no formal certification, but may have certifications like Peer Support or relevant trainingLicensed or certified, such as CADC or LPC
Work EnvironmentCommunity outreach, hospitals, clinics, and recovery centersTherapy settings, clinics, outpatient or inpatient facilities
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, community programsRehabilitation centers, mental health clinics, private practices
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles, support services, and navigation assistanceProviding therapy, treatment planning, and counseling services

Substance Use Navigators primarily assist clients in accessing resources and navigating treatment options, often with less formal credentials. Substance Use Counselors provide direct therapy and treatment, requiring licensure or certification. Both roles are vital in addiction recovery but differ in scope, credentials, and work environment.

What are popular job titles related to Substance Use Navigator jobs in Portland, OR?

For Substance Use Navigator jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Substance Use Navigator jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Substance Use Navigator jobs in Portland, OR are:

Substance Use Navigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substance Use Navigator job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,708 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

On-Call Patient Navigator

Central City Concern

Portland, OR • On-site

$24.52 - $31.88/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Central City Concern rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

The Recuperative Care Program (RCP) is an innovative service that provides immediate access to emergency housing, primary care, and intensive case management support for individuals who have medical support needs while experiencing homelessness. The service partners with Portland area hospitals and clinics, in concert with CCC's patient-centered medical home, to help clients/patients receive the right level of care and support for their medical and social needs.
Central City Concern is hiring for On-Call Patient Navigators!
The OC Patient Navigator fills in as a critical member of a multi-disciplinary team providing intensive case management for patients enrolled in the program, working to support patients through the experience of their RCP stay. This support includes welcoming and orienting new participants, engaging with them on a daily basis, and coordinating resource support needs as well as linkage to medical services to manage their acute needs and ongoing care. The OC Patient Navigator is skilled in crisis management and provides timely referral to appropriate substance abuse, physical health, and mental health treatment, support in accessing benefits and entitlements, and support in identifying appropriate and affordable housing as part of a comprehensive approach to ending homelessness and achieving self-sufficiency.
The OC Patient Navigator works to provide coverage for the primary point person for managing a caseload of program participants, working to meet the case specific medical, behavioral health, and housing needs of the individuals they serve. The population served includes many people who have been chronically experiencing homelessness, often with co-occurring substance use and mental health support needs in addition to the acute and/or chronic medical conditions for which they are receiving support.
Schedule: On-Call/Variable; Monday - Sunday with a strong preference for night shift availability.
  • Swing Shift: 4pm - 12:30am
  • Graveyard Shift: 12:00am - 8:30am

Location: Evergreen Crossing/Recuperative Care Building (8225 NE Wasco St. Portland, OR 97220)
Compensation: $24.52/hr - $31.88/hr
Minimum qualifications:
  • Education and experience sufficient to succeed, carry out responsibilities, and demonstrate the skills and abilities described above with at least one year of experience working in a pre-hospital or post-hospital setting. Possible experience includes: Medical case management/care coordination, social work, counseling, behavioral health work, other social service work, emergency medical technician work, medical support staff, and nursing.
  • Must have current CPR certification prior to start date.
  • Those with relevant lived experience are encouraged to apply.
  • Bachelor's degree in a healthcare-related field preferred.
  • Must have an understanding of the causes of homelessness, the medical and psychosocial sequelae of homelessness, and the systems and processes used to help clients secure and maintain stable housing.
  • Must have a high tolerance for ambiguity and change.
  • Must have ability to relate to patients who are substance-affected with acute mental health issues and poor hygiene.
  • Must have a working knowledge of medical terminology.
  • Must be able to be trained in the use of Electronic Health Records system.
  • Must have non-violent de-escalation training, or complete within 90 days of hire.
  • If driving, must possess a current driver's license, pass a DMV background check and be designated an "acceptable" driver as outlined in Central City Concern's Fleet Safety Policy. Must pass an initial drivers training within 60 days of being an approved driver and continued recertification training.
  • Will be required to carry an agency cell phone for work use. Cell phone will be provided by Central City Concern.
  • Ability to adhere to Central City Concern's drug-free workplace which encourages a safe, healthy and productive work environment and striRectly complies with the Drug-Free Work Place Act of 1988. An employee shall not, in the workplace, unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess or use a controlled substance or alcohol.
  • Must have excellent reading and comprehension skills.
  • Must be available to work weekends and/or holidays and on-call hours when necessary for the program.
  • Must be able to work efficiently in a very fast paced environment.
  • Must generally have the ability to walk, bend, stoop, kneel, squat, twist, reach, pull and lift up to 50 pounds, and climb stairs with reasonable or no accommodation.
  • Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, TB test, and background check. This includes clearance by the DHS Background Check Unit and the ability obtain ID-Badge at Partner Hospitals.
  • Must adhere to agency's non-discrimination policies.
  • Ability to effectively interact with co-workers and patients with diverse ethnic backgrounds, religious views, political affiliation, cultural backgrounds, life-styles and sexual orientations and treat individuals with respect and dignity.

Essential duties and responsibilities:
  • Fill in for regular Recuperative Care staff as needed based on program capacity, staffing, and task needs.
  • Work under the medical direction of the Recuperative Care Program to coordinate acute and ongoing medical care for current Recuperative Care patients in conjunction with Recuperative Care staff.
  • Serve as primary point of contact for internal and external care coordination and resource linkage for patients on caseload.
  • Assist patients with obtaining prescribed medications and supporting patient in plans to self-administer medications as prescribed.
  • Perform welfare checks and charting on patients enrolled in the Recuperative Care Program.
  • Review hospital charts and internal medical records and obtain releases from patients to gather collateral information. Create patient charts and update electronic medical records in a timely manner with patient interactions, appointments and encounters.
  • Actively participate in inter-disciplinary case collaboration, including regular caseload reviews with RN Complex Care Manager.
  • Within interdisciplinary collaboration, develop, implement and maintain a case plan to as needed for patients upon admission to the program.
  • Support patients in coordinating with their primary care providers, specialty medical providers, and other health service providers when health concerns are raised or observed.
  • Identify, create, and implement behavioral interventions when appropriate, in conjunction with interdisciplinary team and Integrative Care Manager
  • Coordinate medical, behavioral health, services available to patients as care plan develops and as directed through medical support structure.
  • Effectively de-escalate heightened situations with patients experiencing trauma, exacerbated mental health symptoms, and behavioral complexity.
  • Work to identify housing and/or placement options relevant for patients and work to support patients in overcoming barriers to accessing housing or placement. Collaborate with housing specialists and/or other resources as available to support patients in achieving housing goals.
  • Follow Policies and Procedures of Recuperative Care
  • Exercise Trauma Informed Care and Harm Reduction principles in providing care for RCP participants.
  • Respond to emergency medical situations as needed, complete pre-hospital care reports and incident reports when necessary.
  • Provide and/or arrange for transportation for patients to and from program related appointments, interviews, and hospitals/clinics.
  • Screen patient referrals via phone and/or at partner hospitals upon identification of patients referred for Recuperative Care.
  • Work with other Recuperative Care and Central City Concern staff to support patients in coordinating their health care with their primary care provider and/or specialty healthcare services.
  • Attend clinical meetings as structured and provide current information to team regarding caseload.
  • Participate in case reviews with Recuperative Care team (including RN Complex Care Manager, Case Managers, Logistics Specialist, Housing Specialist, Program Assistant and clinical, logistics and operations volunteers) to ensure quality care for patients in Recuperative Care, including helping to identify and address psychological, social and medical needs.
  • Participate in compliance, quality assurance and quality improvement activities as directed.
  • Transport clients when needed (Only if approved CCC driver).
  • Adhere to all state and federal privacy regulations, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, and to CCC policies and agreements regarding confidentiality, privacy, and security. Support compliance with all privacy and security requirements pursuant to community partners' and outside providers' patient confidentiality agreements, including privacy and security requirements for EMR access. This includes immediately reporting any breach of protected health information or personal identification information of any person receiving CCC services by CCC or an outside provider to the CCC Compliance Department, as well as to your supervisor or their designee.
  • Attend all mandatory CCC trainings in a timely manner.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills & Abilities:
  • Ability to consider the impacts and outcomes for underserved communities during decision-making processes.
  • Ability to consider impacts of systems of oppression, structural racism, and individual bias on client outcomes.
  • Ability to function as a team member and be flexible in attitude and have the desire to relate effectively with Recuperative Care Patients.
  • Ability to proceed through workplace conflict in a constructive manner.
  • Ability to utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills, even in emotionally challenging situations.
  • Ability to show good judgement in decision-making.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. Ability to manage time and meet deadlines. Ability to work courteously and effectively communicate with the general public, tenants/patients, medical personnel, corrections personnel, police, merchants and co-workers.
  • Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with other programs staff, hospital partners and health service providers. Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with other community resources critical to program success.
  • Ability to maintain accurate records and necessary paperwork. Ability to learn and apply training instruction. Ability to perform simple arithmetic computations. Ability to maintain strict standards of confidentiality with regard to patient information. Ability to maintain a calm professional demeanor and make independent judgments. Ability to transport patients in company vehicle.
  • Ability to handle emergency/violent situations with skill, confidence and tact.
  • Ability to work weekends and/or holidays and on-call hours when necessary for the program.
  • Ability to supervise Recuperative Care volunteers when appropriate. Must have a high tolerance for ambiguity and change.

Central City Concern is a second-chance employer and complies with applicable laws regarding the consideration of criminal background for employment purposes. Government regulations, contractual requirements, or the duties of this particular job may require CCC to conduct a background check and take appropriate action to address prior criminal convictions.
As an agency deeply rooted in recovery, part of our policy and commitment to a drug and alcohol-free workplace includes post-offer, pre-employment drug screens. Please note we follow Federal Guidelines regarding prohibited substances, even for those legal at the state level.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

What Central City Concern employees say

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About Central City Concern

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Central City Concern (CCC) helps people to end or avoid homelessness and build healthy, housed, resilient and engaged lives. CCC's approach addresses both the systemic causes of homelessness and the individual factors that can reinforce it. We help our clients overcome barriers such as lack of affordable housing, health care and living-wage jobs, systemic racism, mental health challenges, chronic health conditions, substance use disorders, and time spent in the justice system. Everything we do rests on our foundational belief in the restorative power of human connection and dignity.

Industry

Non-profits

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1979

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