Chief Behavioral Health Officer

Title: Chief Behavioral Health Officer

Location: River House - 211 SE Caruthers St. Portland, OR 97212

Wage Range: $156,728.00 - $184,392.00 salaried, exempt

If you are a motivated and dedicated Chief Behavioral Health Officer 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 Chief Behavioral Health Officer (CBHO) serves as a member of NARA NW’s Senior leadership team and is responsible for leading all behavioral health service programs at all NARA NW sites. The CBHO will strategically lead all BH and SUD programs aimed at meeting the clinical benchmarks for quality and productivity. This position will provide clinical and administrative supervision for all behavioral health programs including Mental Health, Adult, Elder, Substance Use Disorder, Residential, Housing, Crisis, and Child and Family Programs. The CBHO is responsible for ensuring high quality care to American Indians, Alaska Natives and anyone in need.

What you will do:

• Plans, directs, and oversees the implementation of substance abuse, and mental health treatment for all NARA NW sites.
• Supports the organization to ensure that all behavioral health services are integrated and coordinated across all sites and supports integration of these services with primary care, dental care, and social care services.   
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with staff, leadership, tribal leaders, community, and external partners.
• Sets performance standards for clinical staff and measures their performance regularly and consistently.
• Develops improvement processes, assures quality care, and team development across all programs.
• Assures service delivery is in compliance with all applicable regulatory systems.
• Develops and maintains on-call service coverage, including quickly resolving any disruption to these services and responds to urgent BH needs and crisis.
• Design all-encompassing behavioral health initiatives that align with best practices in integrated care delivery, ensuring seamless coordination between mental health, SUD, and primary care services.
• Ensures fiscal goals are met, including grants, contracts, and third-party billing. 
• Acts as a liaison with tribes and appropriate local, county, state, federal agencies, and other organizations as requested by the CEO.
• Attends and represents NARA NW at tribal, county, state, federal and other meetings pertaining to mental health and substance abuse treatment, as requested.
• Participates in Leadership Team meetings and works collaboratively with executive team and all NARA NW leadership. 
• Works collaboratively, and maintains professional boundaries with clients, other NARA staff, team members, and treats everyone with respect and dignity at all times.

We would like to hear from people that have:

• Master’s degree or PhD in social work, psychology, counseling, or related field, plus current licensure. 
• Addictions certification at the supervision level or ability to obtain within 6 months from date of hire.
• A minimum of 8 years paid clinical experience in addictions/ mental health services.
• 10 years of paid progressive management experience in the field of addictions and mental health.
• Demonstrated expertise in child development and education, family counseling, substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling and coordination with primary health care.
• Knowledge and expertise in planning and budgeting, fiscal management, supervision, personnel management, employee performance assessment, and data collection and reporting.
• The ability to maintain professional boundaries with clients, the community, and other staff members.
• Commitment to the mission and values of NARA NW, including health equity, community engagement, and respect for traditions.
• Must pass a pre-employment or for cause drug tests.
• Must pass criminal background and DMV checks that meet our policy requirements.