Description

The Counselor III for Child and Family services will work at the Woodland Park health center, located in NE Portland, near Gateway area, off of NE 102nd. This is a full time position at 40/hrs. per week, Monday - Friday, generally day hours. The position will be required to work until 7:00 pm at least one night per week.

The Counselor III works as a member of a child, family and adult outpatient team to assess clients for risk, mental health and chemical dependency diagnoses, and treatment readiness while supporting a Trauma Informed Care environment. With the high prevalence of trauma among individuals receiving mental health services, it is required the Counselor III understand the effects of trauma on health, coping, and other aspects of the lives of those we serve. The primary focus will be on child, adolescent, and family work, however, some focus on adult populations may be included. Clinicians provide therapeutic mental health and addictions treatment to clients, and complete client assessments. The Counselor III develops or assists in the development of treatment plans tailored to each clients needs. The clinician maintains documentation associated with client contacts, consultation, and treatment strategies, tracking for referents, etc. The Counselor III works with others both inside and outside of Cascadia to assure that assigned clients are receiving the best possible treatment, with particular focus on transitioning clients to the adult systems of care or the community for most appropriate treatment.

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.
• Integrate best practices into the day to day operations, including Trauma Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of accepted treatment practice along with the ability to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment plans and recommend alternate strategies as necessary, with review minimum every 30 days or as clinically indicated.
• Provide advocacy and case management services for clients including assisting to secure housing, medical, and emergency services.
• Provide community-based services to clients residence and natural environment when clinically possible and appropriate to include educational settings.
• Coach clients in setting their own goals and identifying realistic steps towards achieving these goals.
• Assist families in developing and accessing natural community supports.
• Provide crisis intervention services in order to minimize or eliminate periods of crisis and acute care utilization.
• Work directly with clients if hospitalized and actively collaborate with hospital personnel to plan for discharge.
• Provide family, individual and group therapy.
• Perform intake assessments for new clients and completing enrollment paperwork.
• Coordinate with site medical services to assist client with accessing medication services.
• Provide Trauma Informed Services and has a solid understanding of how generational trauma impacts children and families of different backgrounds.
• Respect and honor client rights and responsibilities and demonstrates professional boundaries and ethics.
• Document and maintain electronic health record (EHR) and ancillary records in a manner that assures compliance with all agency policies, program procedures and local, state, and federal regulations. Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation as required, associated with billing, assessment, treatment, clients progress and other activities.
• Assist in crisis situations as appropriate, following emergency protocols/procedures and coordinating with the treatment team with interventions which support a trauma informed environment for residents and staff.
• Demonstrate responsibility for safety of consumers and/or residents, staff and property; is familiar with fire regulations and evacuation procedures.
• Adhere to mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPAA requirements.
• Provide coverage for intake clinic as scheduled.
• Act as clinician of the day (COD) as scheduled.
• Provide input on all relevant documentation and procedural requirements.
• Coordinate with team members and support staff regarding client concerns, building/program needs, and any issues relevant to ensure the smooth operation of the program.
• Adhere to generally accepted treatment standards, departmental rules, company policies and terms and conditions of contracts or grants.
• Respect and honor client rights and responsibilities and demonstrate professional boundaries and ethics.
• Assist in crisis situations as appropriate, following emergency protocols/procedures and coordinating with the treatment team with interventions which support a trauma informed environment for clients and staff.
• Demonstrate responsibility for safety of consumers, staff and property; possess familiarity with fire regulations and evacuation procedures.
• Adhere to mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPAA requirements.
• Complete annual employee training requirements on a timely basis as indicated in the licensing requirements for the facility as well as agency requirements. Attend seminars, training and other educational opportunities in order to develop professional skills and abilities.
• Participate in all scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and agency meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Must meet the requirements and demonstrate the competencies to be credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP). Must have a Masters Degree in a behavioral science field from an accredited college or university. Certification must be current and in compliance with MHACBO.
• Clinical experience providing inpatient or outpatient services with child and family is preferred.
• Able to conduct a Mental Status assessment and formulate a diagnosis according to the most current DSM
• Ability to commute to locations out in the community in a timely fashion in order to meet required appointments and offsite meetings
• Understand recovery model, motivational interviewing, illness management and recovery
• Thorough knowledge of evidence based practices, and strength based case management philosophies and strategies
• A high degree of cultural competence, particularly in relation to Latino, LBGTQ, African American, refugee and immigrant communities)
• Knowledge and understanding of child developmental milestones and be familiar with engagement strategies in working with both parents and care givers.
• Operate computer hardware and software (including EMR software) at a level needed to effectively perform job functions
• Enter and retrieve data and prepare reports
• In order to best serve our community. Those who have lived experience or working experience with BIPOC are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Access to a personal vehicle would be helpful, but it is not required. The ability to commute to various Cascadia sites and community locations as needed. If driving, the incumbent must 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.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an outpatient clinic providing multi-disciplinary culturally relevant treatment services to persons with mental illness and/or co-occurring disorder with specialized culturally specific services available for African Americans. Treatment programs include Recovery Services, Integrated Services, Alcohol and Drug Treatment Services, Child and Family and the Housing Outreach Team. The clinical teams provide a range of treatment services, including crisis intervention; brief treatment; individual and group therapy; psychotropic medication evaluation and treatment, consultation, eviction prevention, housing placement and community referrals.
• Daily routines may be hectic and will likely require the Counselor III to perform any or all of the sites functions and, on occasion, performing the tasks of other employees as needed. Meal periods and breaks are subject to interruption. Universal Precautions and remaining alert to the environment are critical to address the potential for violent behavior, exposure to disease, biohazards, noise and contaminants. Periodically, staff may be required to work a double shift if the need arises, due to the staffing requirements within each program.
• Mental Demands: The work assigned is diverse and involves addressing new and unusual circumstances in which outcomes may negatively affect costs, employee morale or clients. The work regularly involves a degree of unpredictability and disruption of planned tasks requiring a flexible time management approach.
• Physical Demands: Employee must have the ability to travel to community meetings or settings as clinically appropriate. If incumbent chooses to do so by driving a vehicle, the incumbent must pass a Driver Motor Vehicle (DMV) check and complete the Cascadia online Defensive Driving course. Employee 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 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.

Qualifications