Description

TheCounselor III works as a member of an interdisciplinary team to implement and monitor treatment and co-ordinate care for residents within a residential facility, while supporting a Trauma Informed Care environment. With the high prevalence of trauma among individuals receiving mental health services, it is required the Counselor III understand the effects of trauma on health, coping, and other aspects of the lives of those we serve. This position involves participation and implementation of program goals and objectives to promote a strengths-based, client centered approach assisting residents in achieving individual goals, and ultimately integrating into the community.

All incumbents must understand, appreciate and respect the diversity and cultural differences within our Cascadia community. It is expected that there is an awareness and sensitivity to the perspectives and perceptions to those we serve, as well as our colleagues. As Cascadia is Trauma informed, the incumbent must support a Trauma Informed Care Environment. With the high prevalence of trauma among individuals receiving behavioral health services, it is required that the incumbent understand the effects of trauma on health, coping, and other aspects of the lives of those we serve.

On the first of the month, following 60 days of employment, benefit eligible employees (20/hrs. or more per week) are able to enjoy affordable, low cost, medical, dental, and vision benefits. Additionally, Cascadia provides a generous paid time off package, volunteer time off, and more. Upon hire, you will complete paid training and then continue to train onsite in your new job. During the first week of training, you will learn about the agency, understanding those we serve, Trauma informed care, and other skills to prepare you for significant and meaningful work in the behavioral health field, whether you are providing clinical services or non-direct services. Click here to learn about the benefits we offer and more

Essential Responsibilities

This position description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties as necessary.

• Provide clinical interventions, coordination of care, and supportive counseling with residents.
• Complete Behavioral Health Assessments, Treatment Plans and develop Behavioral Support Plan, and if clinically appropriate, complete Safety Plans and communicate with PSRB regarding monitoring of Conditions of Release.
• Provide individual and/or group therapy/psycho-education in living skills, and support in areas such as self-care, community resources, recovery, wellness, and life skills.
• Coordinate treatment and continuity of care with community stakeholders, guardians, and representatives from the legal system, housing, social security, hospital care, medical care, and other community based agencies in order to assist with the treatment needs of clients on case load.
• Provide supportive counseling, run therapeutic and psycho-educational groups, complete documentation and provide reports.
• Provide consultation and collaboration with community partners including the County.
• Comply with and implement the regulations, policies and procedures under which the clinic and residential facilities operate.
• Assist in crisis situations as appropriate, following emergency protocols/procedures and coordinating with the treatment team with interventions which support a trauma informed environment for residents and staff. Become certified to administer Directors Custody and coordinates treatment with hospital.
• Document and maintain electronic health record (EHR) and ancillary records in a manner that assures compliance with all agency policies, program procedures and local, state, and federal regulations. Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation associated with billing, assessment, treatment, clients progress and other activities as required.
• Check company email and facility log book each shift.
• Coordinate with oncoming shift regarding resident concerns, building/program needs, and any issues relevant to ensure the smooth operation of the program.
• Provide medication administration as delegated by a licensed medical practitioner if necessary.
• Participate in all scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and agency meetings.
• Respect and honor clients rights and responsibilities and demonstrate professional boundaries and ethics.
• Demonstrate responsibility for safety of residents, staff and property; possess familiarity with fire regulations and evacuation procedures.
• Adhere to mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPAA requirements.
• Complete annual employee training requirements on a timely basis as indicated in the licensing requirements for the facility as well as agency requirements. Attend seminars, training and other educational opportunities in order to develop professional skills and abilities.
• Remain awake on all shifts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Qualifications

Education:

• A Masters Degree in a behavioral science field from an accredited college or university. The CADC credential is preferred in addition to a Masters Degree given the high occurrence of substance use/abuse. Demonstrate the competencies as
• outlined in the Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) to become credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP). Certification must be current and in compliance with the OARs.

Experience:

Experience providing inpatient or outpatient services is preferred.

Specialized Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to conduct a Mental Status assessment and formulate a diagnosis according to the most current DSM
• Must understand recovery model, motivational interviewing, illness management and recovery, evidence based practices, and strength based case management philosophies and strategies
• Proficient in operating computer hardware and software (including EMR software)
• Ability to enter and retrieve data and to prepare simple reports

Other:

Possess a valid drivers license, three year driving history; clean driving record, ability to pass Driver Motor Vehicle (DMV) check and complete the Cascadia online Defensive Driving course.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a residential/ supported housing setting. The program incorporates Trauma Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing strategies through individual and group therapeutic services, as well as individualized and group basic life (cooking, housekeeping, budgeting) and social skills training. The nature of the work dictates that the employee is alert and attentive during the assigned shift. Daily routines may be hectic and will likely require the Counselor III to perform various site functions and, on occasion, perform the tasks of other employees as needed. Periodically, staff may be required to work a double shift if the need arises, due to the staffing requirements within each program. Meal periods and breaks are subject to interruption. Universal Precautions and remaining alert to the environment are critical to address the potential for violent behavior, exposure to disease, biohazards, noise and contaminants.

Mental Demands: The work assigned is diverse and involves addressing new and unusual circumstances in which outcomes may negatively affect costs, employee morale or clients. The work regularly involves a degree of unpredictability and disruption of planned tasks requiring a flexible time management approach.

Physical Demands: Activities and structure support community integration assist program residents in learning socially acceptable behaviors. Employee must be approved to provide transportation using agency vehicles in order to support resident access to the community. The Counselor III, Case Manager must also have the ability to assist residents to participate in a variety of activities, events, and excursions involving skills building and community integration. The employee must have the ability to assist the team in providing safety to all clients and staff in potentially volatile situations.

Cascadia is an Equal Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at 503.238.0769 or peopleandculture@cascadiabhc.org

This position is represented by a Labor Union