Community Counselor III (Housing Outreach)

Job Overview

Location /Schedule: This position is located at the Garlington Health Center in NE Portland, OR, but is a community-based position. The schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Position: Community Counselor III  

Program: Housing Outreach Team

Mission and Vision:  

Mission 
Cascadia Health delivers whole health care – integrated mental health and addiction services, primary care, and housing – to promote hope and support the well-being of the communities we serve. 

Vision 
We envision a community where everyone benefits from whole health care, experiences well-being, and has a self-directed, connected life. 

Position Description: Cascadia provides permanent supportive housing to approximately 240 households throughout Multnomah County through our Housing Supports and Services. These programs provide home and community-based services, including housing search and placement services, housing retention services, mental health services — including case management, skills training, counseling, medication services, and crisis intervention services. The Street Outreach Team actively works with unhoused individuals, providing resources, supplies as well as mental health services. 

Responsibilities: 

• Conduct mental health assessments, behavioral health assessments, and develop Individual Service Plans (ISPs) and Support Plans. 

• Guide clients in setting goals and identify realistic steps to achieve them, using tools like Strengths Assessment. 

• Provide individual and group therapy using evidence-based practices, including strengths-based counseling and motivational interviewing. 

• Provide mental health services in the community, engaging with clients where they are to ensure accessibility and continuity of care. 

• Support clients through crisis situations, offering interventions that ensure a trauma-informed environment. 

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date electronic health records (EHR) and ancillary documentation in compliance with agency policies, local, state, and federal regulations, including HIPAA. 

• Collaborate with internal and external providers to ensure coordinated care and advocate for clients to secure needed services. 

• Develop and maintain working relationships with landlords, community partners, and other service providers. 

• Assist clients in navigating the housing process, including finding housing, addressing barriers, and ensuring housing stability. 

• Complete required housing and program documentation, including grant-specific paperwork and data entry. 

• Work closely with other providers and support systems to ensure comprehensive treatment planning and continuity of care.  

• Adhere to safety protocols, including emergency procedures, and demonstrate responsibility for the safety of clients and staff. 

• Maintain professional boundaries, ethics, and respect for client rights. 

• Participate in staff meetings, supervision sessions, and training opportunities to develop professional skills and ensure ongoing compliance with training requirements. 

• Perform other duties as assigned, including driving to meet with clients in the community and providing practical support such as transportation. 

Qualifications:  

• Master’s degree in behavioral science field from an accredited college or university. Demonstrate the competencies to become credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP), as outlined in the Oregon Administrative Rulings (OARs); or credentialed through state licensing boards: Board of Licensed Socials workers, Board of Licensed Professional Counselors. Certification must be kept current and in compliance with OARs through MHACBO or respective licensing board. 

• Three years of clinical experience providing inpatient or outpatient services is preferred. 

• Experience working with individuals who experience homelessness and with individuals experiencing substance use issues is preferred. 

• Ability to conduct a Mental Status assessment and formulate diagnosis according to the most recent DSM. 

• Proficient verbal and written communication skills. 

• Basic knowledge of Trauma Informed Care (TIC), Motivational Interviewing, and Evidence-Based Practices. 

• Basic understanding of recovery models, illness management, and strength-based philosophies. 

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word & Excel). 

• CPR Certification (training provided post-hire). 

• Possess a valid driver’s license, minimum of one year driving history, ability to pass Driver Motor Vehicle (DMV) check and complete the Cascadia online Defensive Driving course. 

Working Conditions: 

• Environmental: Work with clients is performed primarily in the community and in participant’s homes with some office work being performed in an outpatient clinic setting where the team is based or in a designated primary site related to a specific program. 

• Operating Hours: Most work is performed during normal business hours but may include occasional evenings or weekend work.  

• Mental: Meal periods and breaks may be interrupted. Constant awareness and alertness are critical to detect and address escalated, potentially volatile situations.  

• Physical Demands: Activities and structure support community integration assisting clients in continued growth for successful independent living. The employee must have the ability to assist residents to participate in a variety of activities, events, and excursions involving skills building and community integration.   

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 accommodation due to a disability, contact us at 503-963-7654. 

This position is represented by a labor union.

Benefits

We offer generous benefits for our full-time and part-time employees (20 hours pro-rated) including:

• Generous Paid Time Off Package Full-time employees earn 6 weeks of PTO in their first year!
• Medical and Dental Coverage (begins 1st of the month following 30 days after hire date)
• VSP Vision Discount Plan
• 403(B) Retirement Savings (Pre and post-tax plans with up to 8% employer matching contribution!)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) (Medical, dependent care, and transportation options)
• Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Paid Bereavement and Jury Duty Leave
• Length of Service Award
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Supplemental Insurance
• Student loan forgiveness options

Wellness Benefits:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Bicycle Reimbursement
• Discounted Fitness Memberships
• Trauma Support Team

Starting Rate Range in USD ($)

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