Description

This position is located at Arbor Place. The schedule is Monday through Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

The Counselor III provides case management and clinical services to residents of the secure programs, located in Portland. These are secure residential treatment facilities serving adults living with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) who have a significant history of institutionalization. Individuals in these programs must demonstrate a period of sustained behavioral stability prior to admission. The programs are designed to be transitional, and support individuals in moving to a lower level of care. The Counselor III will work as a member of an interdisciplinary team to implement and monitor treatment for residents within the secure residential facility. This position involves participation and implementation of program goals and objectives to promote a strengths-based, client centered approach to assisting residents in achieving individual goals and ultimately transitioning to a less restrictive setting.

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:

• Provide therapeutic interventions and counseling with residents in order to support the residents with daily functions and symptom management. This can include skills training and driving clients out in the community to attend appointments.
• Coordinate with oncoming shift regarding resident concerns, building/program needs, and any issues relevant to ensure the smooth operation of the program.
• Provide individual and group therapy as directed by the resident’s Treatment Plan; identify and prioritize with the client their treatment plan goals. Redefine goals as needed to obtain success; provide continuous assessment and measurement of progress toward treatment goals. Consult and collaborate with program leadership and others as necessary, in order to maintain treatment team communication.
• Attend clinical rounds and case conferences to discuss progress of residents as well as track their treatment needs.
• Coordinate the treatment and continuity of care with external stakeholders. I.e. Guardians, medical team, and community based agencies
• Provide clinical consultation and guidance to Primary Treatment Coordinators (PTC); meet regularly to discuss and address resident needs and concerns.
• Read and review residential assessments and treatment plans for final approval up to twice a year per resident to ensure continuity of care.
• Complete annual level of Service Inventory (LSI) as per the OARs
• Provide discharge planning with residents. Assess resident needs, provide housing resources, coordinate screening, drive residents to screening appointments, or new placements.
• Maintain Pro-Act certification for both Multnomah and Clackamas Counties.
• Participate in the on-call rotation for directors custody evaluation; must have the ability to perform a directors hold
• Complete progress notes on a daily basis. 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). Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation associated with billing, assessment, treatment, residents’ progress and other activities as required.
• Assist in crisis situations as appropriate, following emergency protocols and procedures. Provide verbal crisis de-escalation, and physical and mechanical restraint techniques as appropriate, to avoid crises or to neutralize crises in progress.
• Administer seclusion and restraint techniques as defined in non-violent physical intervention training.
• Complete mental health assessments and generate a treatment plan for each resident on an annual basis in order to support residents with their goals and transition to a lower plan of care.
• Adhere to compliance, required laws and trainings, and the safety of property, staff, and client, all regulations, 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 annul employee training requirements in order to understand how to conduct ethical work, for professional development, and stay in compliance
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Arbor/Faulkner Program Specific Duties

• Take leadership on managing the process of re-commitment: create the appropriate legal documentation for the court, coordinate with the court system and civil commitment team at Multnomah County, and determine witnesses for the hearings.

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.
• One to three years of case management experience is preferred or any relevant experience work with an SPMI population.
• Ability to provide de-escalation avoidance techniques; must be able to administer and provide physical non-violent restraints 
• Advanced knowledge of culturally specific services
• Perform a mental health assessment
• Knowledge of Trauma Informed Care, evidence based practices, and strength based philosophies
• Ability to type 50 wpm
• Knowledge of Microsoft office suite (I.e. Word, Power Point, Excel) with basic excel skills
• Must be able to operate computer programs and systems at a level needed to perform the essential duties
• CPR Certification is required and to be maintained. Training is provided post hire to obtain.
• Ability to pass a DMV check; possess a valid driver’s license, three year driving history, and a clean driving record.

Working Conditions:

• Environmental: Work is generally performed in a residential setting with occasional work in the commuting driving to appointments.
• Operating Hours: Work is generally performed during standard business hours, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, in an office environment. Requires to be on call for one full week in a rotation that averages 1 out of every 8 weeks. Per Diem (On call)are required to cover shifts based on staffing need.
• Mental: Meal periods and breaks are subject to interruptions. Remaining aware and alert is critical to detect and address escalated and potential volatiles situation constantly. Universal precautions should be taken due to exposure to disease, biohazards, noise and contaminants
• Physical Demands: Work is regularly performed stationary at a computer; will bemeeting with clients or doing documentation. There will be moving from milieu to an office setting, typing and utilizing a computer to document progress and type up treatment plans and care. Regular walking up and down stairs as many sites have stairs. Must be able to position or stoop if needed to provide physical restraint. There is constant verbal communication in client interaction and with internal and external stakeholders. Must constantly be aware in this environment and be able to judge what is going on around you.

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

Qualifications