What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mental Health Associate (Adult Mental Health Outpatient) position at Cascadia Health?
Job Overview
Location/Schedule: The position is located at the Woodland Park Health Center in NE Portland. The schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, typically 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Position: Mental Health Associate
Program: Adult Mental Health 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.
Position Summary: As a Mental Health Associate, you will be a key part of an interdisciplinary team, providing skills training, case management, and support to clients in both community and health center settings. This role is instrumental in Cascadia’s trauma-informed care approach, where you’ll help clients work toward treatment goals through skills training, case coordination, and participation in program objectives. This position requires the ability to work independently and collaboratively to create a strengths-based, client-centered experience for each individual.
Responsibilities
Conduct individual and group skills training as directed by client treatment plans.
Provide case management, including completing paperwork for referrals and entitlements.
Collaborate with clients’ treatment teams to ensure alignment with treatment plans.
Implement evidence-based practices, including Harm Reduction, Trauma-Informed Care, and Motivational Interviewing.
Maintain accurate electronic health records (EHR), and complete documentation related to treatment and client progress.
Support crisis intervention following emergency protocols in coordination with the treatment team.
Assist clients in participating in skill-building activities and accessing community resources.
Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science field, or three years of professional experience working with adults with severe and persistent mental illness.
Must qualify as a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA) per Oregon Administrative Rules, with certification from MHACBO.
Preferred experience with adults experiencing severe and persistent mental illness.
Proficient in report preparation and data entry for clinical documentation.
Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record, and ability to pass DMV and Defensive Driving checks.
Experience:
Relevant experience includes working with individuals coping with a serious mental illness.
Specialized Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Understanding of strength based case management philosophies and strategies
Ability to implement recovery model, motivational interviewing, and illness management and recovery
Ability to operate computer hardware and software (including Electronic Medical Record software) at a level needed to effectively perform job functions
Knowledge of accepted treatment practice
Ability to enter data 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.
Ability to perform CPR, First Aid, and properly use AED equipment. CPR/ First Aid certifications are required and must remain current.
Working Conditions:
Staff must have the ability to drive and be approved to provide transportation utilizing agency vehicles so that clients may access the community.
Staff must also have the ability to assist clients in participating in a variety of skill building outings as well as accessing community resources.
The Mental Health Associate must have the ability to assist the team in providing safety to all clients and staff in potentially volatile situations.
When the need arises, staff may be asked to perform non-violent physical interventions.
Occasionally stooping, lifting 20 to 50 lbs, climbing (stairs), crouching, reaching and running
Regular sitting, Standing, walking, and Keyboarding
Constant visual and auditory
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 ($)
24-
25.09
