Counselor III (Adult Outpatient)

Job Overview

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

Position: Counselor III

Program: Adult Outpatient

About Us: Cascadia Health delivers Whole Health Care™. We provide mental health services, addiction recovery support, primary care, wellness programs, permanent housing solutions, and affordable housing to people of all ages. Our mission is to promote hope and support the well-being of the communities we serve.

Description: Working in an adult outpatient setting, Counselor III’s provide evidenced based clinical interventions, case management support, and crisis intervention to a population that includes a significant percentage of adults who meet diagnostic criteria for severe and persistent mental illness. Seeking clinicians that utilize a trauma informed lens and an awareness of cultural diversity to serve clients with a treatment team approach that includes medication management, addiction treatment, and primary care services.

Responsibilities:

• Utilize a variety of evidence-based practices to deliver therapeutic services tailored to the needs of clients.
• Complete comprehensive behavioral health assessments, create individualized service plans, and maintain accurate and timely electronic health records (EHR).
• Work closely with other providers and support systems to ensure comprehensive treatment planning and continuity of care.
• Offer strengths-based case management and motivational interviewing in a variety of settings, including client’s homes or other community venues, using assertive engagement techniques to meet clients where they are.
• Establish trusting relationships with clients to support self-advocacy, goal setting, and achievement of personal milestones.
• Establish and nurture collaborative relationships with community stakeholders to promote stability and continuity of care.
• Provide crisis intervention services and utilize de-escalation techniques to minimize the need for acute care and hospitalization.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation that ensures compliance with all agency policies and procedures and local, state, and federal regulations, and billing requirements. 
• Support clients in obtaining necessary services and benefits, including medical, housing, and social services.
• Transport clients to appointments and community services using personal or agency vehicles.
• Engage in an on-call rotation to provide crisis intervention services as needed.
• Comply with laws, regulations, policies, and procedures under which the program and company operates.

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.
• Ability to conduct a Mental Status assessment and formulate diagnosis according to the most recent DSM.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills.
• Must understand recovery model, motivational interviewing, illness management and recovery, evidence-based practices, and strength-based case management philosophies and strategies.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word & Excel).
• CPR Certification (training provided post-hire).

Working Conditions:

• Environmental: Work is generally performed in an outpatient setting and occasionally in the community or residential treatment facility. Universal precautions should be taken due to exposure to disease, biohazards, noise, and contaminants.
• Operating Hours: Counselor III typically works general business hours, though may be required to respond to crises after hours or respond if designated as the counselor on-call for multiple programs. Schedules may vary depending on program.
• 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. Employees must have the ability to assist clients to participate in a variety of activities, events, and excursions involving skills building and community integration. May need to be approved to provide transportation using agency vehicles to support client access to the community. Employees 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 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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