This is a 0.6 position, hours are flexible within M-F, 8:30 to 5. Option to work one day/week from home. Schedule will include some time visiting clients in the community.

The Counselor III provides and coordinates a wide range of supportive and therapeutic services for a caseload of older adults and adults with complex medical issues, who also have mental health concerns and significant socioeconomic stressors. The position requires an understanding of the impact of trauma on the lives of those we serve, an ability to work in a trauma-informed manner, and a commitment to mental health recovery principles. The Counselor III collaborates with internal and external resources to assure the best possible treatment for clients and consistently implements program goals and objectives. This position requires knowledge and experience working with older adults and with people with physical disabilities.

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 Duties:

• Complete and implement mental health assessments and other assessments, as clinically indicated. Develop service plans in collaboration with clients to reflect their treatment needs. Perform annual assessment and service plan updates in accordance with specific site procedures.
• Assess client symptoms and behavior and diagnose appropriate DSM V criteria. Develop service plans that align with these diagnoses.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of accepted treatment practice along with the ability to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and recommend alternate strategies as necessary. Seek out and utilize client feedback to inform effective treatment.
• Provide individual therapy services matched to client needs and at a frequency informed by assessed level of care or emergent needs. Utilize additional phone contact to encourage engagement, coordinate treatment, or provide crisis support.
• Provide case management services for clients by assisting them in identifying and accessing appropriate resources and benefits. Provide advocacy and coordination with outside agencies and entities as needed to support client goals.
• Provide group therapy, "counselor of the day" (COD) call support, and coverage for treatment team
• Must document and maintain clinical records in a manner that assures compliance with all agency policy and procedures and local, state and federal regulations through use of Electronic Health Record System (EHR).
• Adhere to compliance and regulations, required laws and trainings, and the safety of property, staff, and clients, I.e. Mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPPA, fire regulations, including all company policies and policies under which the facilities is licensed and operates
• Participate in all scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and agency meetings.
• Complete all annual employee training requirements to stay informed and in compliance and other departmental or program trainings as necessary for professional development
• Effectively assess risk and develop safety plans and assist in crisis situations as appropriate following emergency protocols and procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Must meet the requirements to be credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) through MHACBO. Must have a Master’s Degree in a behavioral science field from an accredited college or university. Demonstrate the competencies to become credentialed as a QMHP as outlined in the Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR). Certification must be current and in compliance with the OAR’s.
• Experience or education related to providing services to older adults and those with physical disabilities is preferred
• Clinical experience providing inpatient or outpatient Services is helpful
• Knowledge of culturally specific services
• Perform a mental health assessment
• Knowledge of Trauma Informed Care
• Knowledge of Motivational Interviewing and evidence based practices and strength based philosophies
• Understanding of Recovery Model Understanding
• Ability to Type 50 WPM
• Knowledge of Microsoft office suite
• Operate computer programs and systems at a level needed to perform the essential duties
• Ability to pass a DMV check; possess a valid driver's license, three year driving history, and a clean driving record. must have reliable access to transportation

Working Conditions:

• Environmental: Work is generally in an office environment within a health center as well as some community settings. This position generally operates standard day time hours, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
• Mental: Meal periods and breaks are subject to interruption. Remaining aware and alert, is critical to detect and address escalated, potentially volatile situations. Universal precautions should be taken due to exposure to disease, biohazards, noise and contaminants
• Physical Demands: The nature of the position involves being stationary for consistent periods of time. There is a consistent amount of using a computer and keyboard for documentation, emails and virtual meetings. Mobility to move about the work space and health clinic and sometimes out in the community. Communication and the ability to convey information for therapeutic purposes is extensive, as is the ability to observe and recognize client behavior that is not always verbalized, recognize client ques. There may be infrequent use of stairs, stooping, transport 20 to lbs. On occasion may need to run or move quickly to avoid crisis 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 503.963.7654 or at peopleandculture@cascadiabhc.org 

This position is represented by a labor union.