This position is located in inner SE Portland. The schedule is typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Counselor III is responsible for providing and coordinating a wide range of supportive and therapeutic mental health services, while supporting a Trauma Informed Care environment. With the high prevalence of trauma among individuals receiving mental health services, the Counselor III must understand the effects of trauma on health, coping, and other aspects of the lives of those we serve. Services are provided from a Strengths Based philosophical framework, for a caseload of approximately twenty adults with mental illnesses that may not have successfully been served in more traditional clinic-based delivery systems. This team is moving towards a Dual Disorder Treatment (IDDT) approach. This is a dynamic team that uses creativity and 'out of the box' thinking to develop personal recovery plans one-on-one with clients, with the ultimate goal of helping clients overcome barriers to recovery.

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.

Essential Duties:

• Complete and implement mental health assessments and Individual Service Plans.
• Apply knowledge of accepted treatment practices and implement treatment plans. Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment plans and recommend alternate strategies as necessary.
• Assess client behavior and be able to diagnose mental health disorders.
• Complete Strengths Assessment that covers six life domains: independent living, vocational/educational, financial/insurance, social supports, health and leisure/recreational.
• Use the Strengths Assessment to set initial long term goals. Develop the Individualized Support and Services Plan.
• Guide clients in setting their own goals and identifying realistic steps in order to achieve the goals.
• Utilize naturally occurring resources to assist the person in achieving their goals. Explore only the use of formal mental health services when there is no naturally occurring resource available or accessible to achieve a particular step towards the goal.
• Provide strengths-based counseling focused on minimizing illness and maximizing client’s strengths.
• 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 associated with billing, assessment, treatment, residents’ progress and other activities, as required.
• Work with others both inside and outside of Cascadia to assure that assigned clients are receiving the best possible treatment.
• Advocate for each individual when there are difficulties obtaining needed services in the community.
• Work cooperatively in a team setting to coordinate continuity of care.
• Provide input into the establishment of operational procedures.
• Adhere to departmental rules, company policies and terms and conditions of contracts or grants.
• Understand and abide by federal regulation of Alcohol and Drug information, 42CFR Part 2 and HIPAA regulations for client confidentiality.
• 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; use interventions which support a trauma informed environment for residents and staff.
• Demonstrate responsibility for safety of clients, staff and property; possess familiarity with fire regulations and evacuation procedures.
• 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.
• Remain flexible and able to support peer staff and ask for clinical support when needed.
• Participate in all scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and agency meetings. Seek additional supervision as needed.
• Adhere to mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPAA requirements.
• 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 Master’s 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 is preferred.
• Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment (IDDT) experience preferred.
• Able to conduct a Mental Status assessment and formulate a diagnosis according to the most current DSM
• Understand recovery model, motivational interviewing, illness management and recovery
• Thorough knowledge of evidence based practices, and strength based case management philosophies and strategies
• Operate computer hardware and software at a level needed to effectively perform job functions
• Enter and retrieve data
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, three year driving history; clean driving record, ability to pass Driver Motor Vehicle (DMV) check and complete the Cascadia online Defensive Driving course. Must have access to reliable transportation.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in the community, clinical office and acute care settings. The majority of the work is performed during regular business hours with potential of extending into the early evening only for a specific client need or event. The incumbent should be comfortable in a variety of Portland's neighborhoods, comfortable exploring opportunities within the client's neighborhood, and able to develop clinical skills with clients in their home environments. Incumbents in this position are provided a company cell phone and are equipped with an electronic notepad that can accompany them into the community to add in clinical records access and timely documentation.
• Daily routines may be hectic and will likely require the Counselor III to perform various functions and, on occasion, perform 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.
• 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: Activities and structure support community integration while assisting residents in continued growth for successful independent living. Employee must have the ability to assist the team in providing safety to all residents and staff in potentially volatile situations.

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 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
• Pet Insurance

Wellness Benefits:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Bicycle Reimbursement
• Discounted Fitness Memberships
• Trauma Support Team

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.

This position is represented by a labor union.