Youth Development Associate Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Title: Mental Health Therapist - Youth Residential Treatment Center

Location: YRTC - 19909 SE Stark St., Portland, OR 97233

Schedule: This is an in person position, Monday through Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm

Wage Range: 

Unlicensed (QMHP): $33.60 – $39.90 hourly, Non-Exempt

Licensed: $75,600.00 - $87,150.00 annual salary, Exempt

If you are a motivated and dedicated Youth Mental Health Therapist looking for an opportunity to contribute to an organization making a positive impact, we want to hear from you!

At NARA Northwest, you’ll find a supportive work environment where every team member is valued and respected. Whether you’re passionate about healthcare, behavioral health, education, or social services, there’s a place for you to make a meaningful difference.  

Company Mission:

The mission of NARA NW is to provide education, physical, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment that is culturally appropriate to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and anyone in need.

About the Company:

At NARA NW, we deliver services and support to Native American and Alaska Native communities, helping individuals lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

With over 450 employees across a variety of programs—including medical and dental care, addiction treatment, housing assistance, and enrichment initiatives NARA NW offers numerous opportunities for growth and advancement, all while making a tangible, positive impact on the lives of others.

Position Overview:

The Mental Health Therapist - Youth Residential Treatment Center (YRTC) provides comprehensive mental health assessment and treatment services to adolescents ages 12-18 receiving residential substance use disorder treatment. This position conducts mental health screenings and assessments, develops individualized treatment plans, provides individual, group, and family therapy, facilitates crisis intervention and care coordination services, and collaborates with multidisciplinary treatment team members to support youth with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. The therapist also assists with discharge planning, referrals, and continuity of care to promote successful community reintegration. Hours of work are Monday through Friday with some occasional flexibility to work evenings and weekends.

What you will do:

• Conduct mental health screenings, assessments, biopsychosocial evaluations, diagnoses, and treatment planning for adolescents ages 12-18 entering the Youth Residential Treatment Center (YRTC).
• Provide individual, group, and family therapy utilizing evidence-based, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed treatment approaches, including psychoeducational and therapeutic groups.
• Conduct risk assessments, safety planning, and crisis intervention services for youth experiencing behavioral health crises.
• Collaborate with Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors (CADCs), medical providers, psychiatric providers, residential staff, families, schools, and community partners through multidisciplinary treatment planning and care coordination activities.
• Engage parents, guardians, and caregivers in treatment, family therapy, discharge planning, and continuity-of-care services to support successful transitions following treatment.
• Provide consultation, education, and behavioral health support to residential staff regarding adolescent development, mental health concerns, trauma-informed care, and therapeutic interventions.
• Maintain timely and accurate clinical documentation, including assessments, diagnoses, treatment plans, progress notes, discharge summaries, and other records in accordance with organizational policies, Medicaid requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Participate in clinical supervision, team meetings, and other assigned meetings, collaborating with colleagues to support quality client care and program goals.

We would like to hear from people that have:

• Master’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related behavioral health field.
• Current Oregon licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Psychologist, or equivalent behavioral health license; OR certification as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) through MHACBO.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience providing mental health assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and therapy services.
• Knowledge of behavioral health assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and documentation practices.
• Ability to effectively engage youth, families, and multidisciplinary treatment team members.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Must pass a pre-employment or for cause drug tests.
• Must pass criminal background and DMV checks.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working within the Native American/Alaska Native community
• Experience working in a residential treatment facility
• Experience working in behavioral health, social services, healthcare, education, substance use disorder treatment, or a related human services field.
• Experience working with adolescents and families.
• Experience working with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
• Current CADC certification or eligibility to obtain certification.

What’s in it for you?

15 Paid Holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Battle of Little Big Horn, Independence Day, Labor Day, Native American Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, day after Thanksgiving, December 25th and your birthday!

Benefits: Employees working 20 hours, or more are eligible for benefits. Benefits are effective from the 1st of the month following the date of hire. 

• Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance through Kaiser Permanente
• 15 Paid Holidays (Listed Above)
• 13 Paid Days of Sick Time
• 13 Paid Days of PTO (Vacation accruals increase with years of service to a maximum of 26 days)
• $50,000 Life Insurance & AD&D
• Short Term and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account 
• Health Spending Account
• 401(k) with 4% Match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Inclement Weather Days (Snow Days)
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness -NARA NW is a local 501(c)3 nonprofit, FQHC

How to apply:

1. To Quick Apply, go to Careers – NARA NW (naranorthwest.org)
2. Look for the position you want to apply for and submit a resume (Required) and cover letter (Optional), that’s all!
3. Feel free to contact recruiting@naranorthwest.org if you have any questions or would like to know where your application is in the process.

NARA NW Mission: Our mission is to provide education, physical and mental health services and substance abuse treatment that is culturally appropriate to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and everyone in need.

NARA NW is fully committed to supporting sobriety. To support NARA NW in its mission, all employees agree to refrain from illicit drug use, marijuana use, and prescription drug abuse, both on and off the job. In addition, all employees agree to model alcohol sobriety. Modeling alcohol sobriety means not consuming, discussing, or promoting the use of alcohol, on the job, on social media and when in the community where the employee would be likely to be seen by NARA NW clients or community. If in recovery, employees must have been sober/clean for a length of time sufficient to demonstrate that they will be able to remain sober.

Consistent with NARA NW’s sobriety policy, all employees, volunteers, interns, and contractors, as applicable, are required to sign a “Drug-Free/Alcohol-Free Workplace Certification Form” and NARA NW “Modeling Sobriety Policy Form” as a condition of employment to confirm that they are aware of this policy and that they agree to comply with it. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. This policy is subject to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and its state counterpart

Preference in hiring is given to qualified Native Americans in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, US Code, Sections 472 and 473). NARA Northwest is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Within the scope of Indian Preference, all candidates will receive equal consideration. Experience working with Native American/ Alaska Native community is considered a plus.

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position’s activities and requirements, the agency reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties, as necessary.