Ready to Make a Difference as Our Next Health Care Navigator?
Are you an organized, compassionate, and detail-oriented professional with a talent for guiding others through complex systems? Alternative Wellness Services (AWS) is looking for a Health Care Navigator to be the front-line support our clients depend on. This is more than an administrative role—it's an opportunity to be a trusted guide and key player in ensuring clients get the care they need, when they need it.
As the Health Care Navigator in our Portland office, you’ll serve as a critical point of contact for clients as they begin and continue their wellness journey. From managing intake paperwork to supporting billing questions and coordinating patient accounts, your work ensures a smooth and supportive experience for everyone who walks through our doors.
If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, love building connections, and find satisfaction in problem-solving, we want to hear from you.
You'll be the welcoming face and steady hand behind the scenes, ensuring that client care begins on the right foot and stays on track. Your role blends customer service, administrative skill, and billing knowledge to support both clients and our internal team.
Your responsibilities will include:
Front Desk Coverage: Greet and support clients at our Portland office, ensuring a welcoming and professional environment.Client Intake & Documentation: Complete intake paperwork, verify documentation, and ensure all necessary forms are properly submitted and filed.Patient Account Management: Monitor and manage patient accounts, update insurance and billing information, and assist clients with account-related inquiries.Billing & Payments: Collect and process payments, set up and manage payment plans, and follow up on outstanding balances via phone and email.Administrative Support: Assist the billing team with various administrative tasks and help streamline internal processes to enhance efficiency.Client Communication: Respond promptly and compassionately to client questions and concerns regarding billing, account status, and documentation. What We OfferAt AWS, you’re not just filling a role—you’re becoming part of a purpose-driven organization committed to expanding access to behavioral health care. We’re a growing agency that values our team, supports professional development, and creates a workplace where your contributions are recognized and valued.
Location: On-site in our Portland office.Team Environment: Collaborative, respectful, and inclusive.Growth Opportunities: As AWS grows, so can your role—if you’re ready to take on more, we’re ready to support you.Join Our TeamIf you're ready to be a steady presence and strong support for clients and colleagues alike, we invite you to apply. Be a part of a team that’s making a real difference—every day.
Apply today to become our next Health Care Navigator!
Requirements:You're someone who knows how to balance warmth with precision. You enjoy helping others navigate systems that can feel overwhelming and aren’t afraid to dig into the details to solve a problem. You communicate clearly, stay calm under pressure, and are always looking for ways to make things easier and better—for both clients and coworkers.
You’ll thrive in this role if:
You have experience in a front desk, administrative, or billing support role—especially in a health care or behavioral health setting.You're comfortable with EHR systems, billing software, and basic tech tools.You bring strong communication and interpersonal skills and enjoy working with diverse populations.You’re highly organized and detail-oriented, with excellent time management.You enjoy being part of a collaborative, mission-driven team and can work independently when needed.Must be available Monday through Friday from 8 am - 4:30 pm Read LessAre you an energetic and empathetic individual who thrives in a dynamic environment where you can make a real difference? Do you find fulfillment in problem-solving and connecting people with the right resources? If so, Alternative Wellness Services (AWS) is seeking a Full Time Referral Navigators to join our collaborative team in Portland!
This is more than a typical administrative role. As a Referral Navigator, you'll be at the heart of our clients' care journey, serving as a vital link to support and services. You'll engage directly with individuals seeking assistance, utilizing your strong communication and assessment skills to screen calls, conduct initial intakes, and determine the most appropriate services. You'll also be a key player in fostering seamless care coordination, collaborating closely with various interagency departments and community partners. This role offers a unique opportunity to leverage your expertise, especially for those transitioning from case management, within a focused, office-based setting.
AWS is deeply committed to investing in our employees' success and well-being. We offer a clear career path with three tiers of advancement in this role, providing ongoing opportunities to expand your skills and grow within our organization. At AWS, our staff are not just employees; they are valued and heard members of our team. We recognize that each individual plays a crucial role in our collective success. To demonstrate this commitment, we provide a comprehensive and enriching employee experience that includes:
Generous Benefits: A robust package featuring a FREE health insurance option, good paid time off, sign on bonus eligible up to $2,250, and more.Employee Recognition: Multiple platforms for peer recognition, celebrating and acknowledging the contributions of our team members.Team Engagement: Regular paid agency gatherings and contests designed to foster camaraderie and a positive work environment.Unique Perks: Special incentives like an annual employee-of-the-year Free trip to Florida with an additional week of PTO, demonstrating our dedication to employee appreciation.That's right—AWS genuinely cares about our employees, prioritizing your well-being so you're empowered to provide exceptional care to our clients.
Your Role Will Involve:
Providing compassionate and efficient phone screenings to new clients, gathering detailed information to accurately assess their needs and service eligibility.Offering knowledgeable and empathetic guidance regarding AWS programs and services, empowering clients to make informed decisions about their care options.Managing calls with professionalism, empathy, and a client-centered approach, ensuring a positive and supportive first impression.Performing front desk reception duties, contributing to a welcoming, organized, and efficient office environment.Conducting thorough Behavioral Health Home (BHH) assessments, adhering to the scope of your MHRTC certification, and contributing to effective, individualized care planning.Providing seamless transitional care coordination, collaborating with internal and external providers to ensure continuity of care.What We're Looking For:
A genuine passion for helping others and a deep commitment to providing high-quality, client-centered care.Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to build rapport, establish trust, and effectively communicate with diverse populations.Excellent organizational and time-management skills, enabling you to effectively manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and maintain accurate records in a fast-paced setting.A collaborative spirit and a strong desire to work as an integral and supportive member of a dynamic team.An Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a related field (preferred).MHRTC certification or eligibility.Why AWS is the Right Choice:
Make a Meaningful Difference: Play a vital role in connecting individuals with the essential services and support they need to achieve their well-being goals and improve their lives.Advance Your Career: Take advantage of our tiered career path and ongoing professional development opportunities to expand your skills, knowledge, and expertise within the behavioral health field.Be Part of a Valued Community: Join a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture where your contributions are consistently recognized, genuinely appreciated, and enthusiastically celebrated.Enjoy Comprehensive Rewards: Receive a competitive hourly rate and a robust benefits package designed to support your overall well-being, including a FREE health insurance option and generous paid time off.Ready to Connect, Collaborate, and Grow? Apply to AWS today and become a valued member of our team!
Requirements:High school diploma or equivalent with 1-3 years of experience in the social service field required. A.S. degree in a related field preferred.MHRTC required or applicant must apply and be eligible to receive it prior to start date.1-2 years of experience in a social service program.Essential customer service skills, including empathic listening, needs assessment, program matching, and effective referral to both internal and external services.Proficiency in managing information with accuracy in data entry, verification, and retrieval from various sources.Preferred skills include moderate typing speed with accuracy, proficiency in G-Suite, experience with Electronic Health Records (EHR), and adeptness in using internet tools for research and communication.Ability to multitask across multiple computer programs while engaging with clients via phone or in person.For contracts with Rider D: Must pass criminal background, child protective service, and sex offender checks.Must not be listed on state or federal suspension and debarment lists.Driving may be necessary for meetings and training but is not a primary job duty. Read LessINTERNSHIP OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVES
The Behavioral Health Home (BHH) Care Coordinator Internship at Alternative Wellness Services (AWS) provides students and emerging professionals with hands-on experience in behavioral health case management. Interns will receive training, supervision, and mentorship while assisting individuals experiencing severe and persistent mental illness.
Under guidance from AWS professionals, interns will support clients through resource navigation, crisis intervention, and advocacy, ensuring access to essential health, social, and community services. This role emphasizes skill development in communication, documentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Interns will engage directly with clients to observe and assist with needs assessments, individualized treatment planning, and care coordination. The internship provides exposure to a multidisciplinary team, community resources, and trauma-informed care practices.
This internship is strictly educational and designed to complement an academic program with practical experience. It is unpaid, temporary, and does not guarantee a paid position upon completion.
PRIMARY LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Direct Client Work:
Shadow and assist in carrying a small caseload of individuals receiving BHH services. Observe and participate in psychosocial assessments to identify client needs and strengths. Support the development of individualized treatment plans with measurable goals and evidence-based interventions. Assist with supportive counseling, crisis intervention, and care coordination under the guidance of licensed professionals. Learn to advocate for clients and connect them with appropriate services to meet their health, housing, employment, and social support needs. Practice goal setting and community resource referrals in collaboration with clients and supervisors.Clinical Documentation and Assessment:
Assist with timely, accurate clinical documentation in accordance with state and agency standards. Gain exposure to Medicaid, state regulations, and quality assurance measures. Participate in case reviews, audits, and regulatory compliance monitoring as a learning opportunity.Professional Development and Supervision:
Attend and participate in weekly individual supervision and biweekly group supervision sessions. Engage in ongoing training in case management, crisis intervention, and behavioral health best practices. Attend staff meetings and interdisciplinary team discussions to observe team-based care in practice. Set internship learning goals focused on clinical decision-making, cultural competency, and ethical practice.Resource Navigation and Community Engagement:
Learn how to identify and access local, state, and federal resources for client referrals.Develop advocacy skills to assist clients with housing, healthcare, employment, and social services.Support clients in achieving independence through goal-setting and community integrationPROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
This internship offers a structured, educational experience in behavioral health case management, bridging academic learning with hands-on practice in a supportive environment.
Key Learning Opportunities:
Practical case management experience, developing skills in assessment, treatment planning, and client advocacy under supervision.Exposure to a multidisciplinary team, gaining insight into collaborative care for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness.Training in electronic health record (EHR) documentation, compliance standards, and Medicaid billing processes.Ongoing supervision and mentorship, providing guidance and professional development for a future career in behavioral health.SCHEDULE AND DURATION
Minimum commitment of 16 hours per week, aligned with the intern’s academic calendar.Weekday business hours only (no evenings or weekends required).Reliable transportation is required; mileage reimbursement is provided for agency-related travel.Requirements:QUALIFICATIONS
Academic Requirement: Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field.
Background Check Requirement: Ability to successfully pass a criminal background check, Child Protective Services (CPS) check, and verification against state and federal suspension and debarment lists.
Certifications: Current or provisional MHRT/C certification is required to engage in direct client work. Interns without certification may shadow client interactions under supervision.
Preferred Experience: Prior experience in case management, behavioral health, or social services is preferred but not required. This internship is designed as a learning opportunity.
Skills and Knowledge:
Strong advocacy skills and familiarity with community resources (housing, healthcare, social services).Exposure to or coursework in clinical documentation (assessments, treatment plans, progress notes).Ability to work independently while maintaining professional boundaries and applying trauma-informed care principles.Strong organizational and time management skills, with proficiency in Google Workspace andElectronic Health Records (EHR) systems are preferred.Effective communication skills (verbal, written, and telehealth-based) to engage with clients and interdisciplinary teams.Willingness to learn and support crisis management efforts, including suicide risk assessment and intervention, under supervision. Read Less