Description

The position is located in SW Portland. The schedule is typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
This program is contracted with the Department of Community Justice, to provide dual diagnosis services and support to individuals on probation or parole or involved in the Multnomah County Mental Health Court.DCJ teams utilize a hybrid office and community-based model to provide flexible services to justice involved individuals who have faced barriers to traditional outpatient services.Overall, the clinicians utilize a strengths based and trauma informed approach to assess the needs of the individual, connect them to community resources and partner with the probation and parole officers to reduce the risk of recidivism.These positions are contingent on additional background check from the Department of Community Justice.

Essential Function

The Counselor III works as a member of an interdisciplinary mental health court team to identify and coordinate services needed in the community for individuals participating in the Multnomah County Mental Health Court. With the high prevalence of trauma among individuals who are justice involved, it is imperative that the Counselor III understand the effects of trauma on health, coping, and other aspects of the lives of those we serve. This position involves participation and implementation of program goals and objectives to promote a strengths-based, person-centered, trauma informed approach to assisting clients in achieving individual goals, reducing recidivism and successfully completing the mental health court program.

Essential Responsibilities

This position description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties as necessary.

• Complete Behavioral Health Assessments, Treatment Plans and develop Behavioral Support Plans, as needed.
• Identify current and emerging client needs and link clients with appropriate services including but not limited to Licensed Medical Prescriber services, SUD treatment, housing, food, vocational and other community-based psychosocial resources.
• Accompany and assist clients during appointments in the community.
• Provide individual and group therapeutic interventions as needed or directed.
• Integrate best practices into the day to day operations, including Harm Reduction, Trauma Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing.
• Work collaboratively with the Department of Community Justice (DCJ) Parole and Probation Officers and serve as a liaison between the client, community providers and Court Team.
• Participate in all Multnomah County Mental Health Court staffings and dockets and provide individualized client recommendations to the Judge and Court Team.
• Assist in crisis situations as appropriate, following emergency protocols and procedures. Competently engage in de-escalation skills to avoid or neutralize crisis situations.
• Participate in regular supervision. Attend clinical case conferences and staff meetings to gain knowledge and communicate client needs.
• Document in agency electronic health record (EHR) and DCJ information management system 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, clients’ progress and other activities, as required.
• Comply with and implement the regulations, policies, and procedures under which the program operates.
• Respect and honor client rights and responsibilities and demonstrate professional boundaries and ethics.
• Demonstrate responsibility for safety of clients and property; demonstrate familiarity with fire regulations and evacuation procedures; hold regular fire safety drills with clients in compliance with facility policies and 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.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Role Specific Responsibilities

• Provide consultation and collaboration with community partners including the County, the State and Multnomah Department of Community Justice.
• Maintain a caseload and provide treatment and case management services.
• Conduct psychoeducational and counseling groups, as needed.
• May be required to provide testimony at hearings.

Qualifications

Education:

A Master’s Degree in a behavioral science field from an accredited college or university. Demonstrate the competencies to become credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) as outlined in the Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR). Certification must be current and in compliance with the OAR’s.

In addition to the QMHP requirement, it is preferred that the clinician also be a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC).

Experience:

A minimum of three years of clinical experience providing inpatient or outpatient services. Experience working with the criminal justice system is preferred.

Specialized Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• 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 (including EMR software) at a level needed to effectively perform job functions
• Enter and retrieve data
• Prepare reports

Other:

Must have 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.

Core Competencies

Leadership and Decision Making:

Model appropriate therapeutic interventions

Provide clinical guidance and direction to the client and Multnomah County Mental Health Court Team

Demonstrate strong interpersonal, organizational, and clinical skills

Influence, persuade or coach others into taking safe and effective courses of action

Make clinically sound decisions with little guidance and review

Maintain confidentiality of information when necessary

Interpersonal:

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Effectively engage with internal providers, external providers, and stakeholders

Work independently as well as part of a team

Demonstrate a work history of dependability

Work accurately, efficiently, and effectively to control operating expenses

Demonstrate initiative and creativity in solving problems and coming up with solutions

Contribute to cost savings by identifying opportunities to improve methods, systems and procedures to increase productivity and enhance services

Understand, appreciate, and respect diversity and cultural differences

Represent the company effectively in a variety of settings and with diverse communities

Working Conditions

Work is performed within the Multnomah County Department of Community Justice Offices and/or community settings. The program adheres to a Harm Reduction model, incorporating Trauma Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing strategies through case management and individual and group therapeutic services. Daily routines may require the Counselor III to perform various functions on and off site 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. The work regularly involves a degree of unpredictability and disruption of planned tasks requiring a flexible time management approach. This position requires exercising sound clinical judgment while working with a challenging caseload. Decision-making may occur in a moderate to high stress situation where a client may be experiencing a crisis.

Physical Demands:

Clinician will support clients during activities in the community related to integration and resource acquisition. This position will require frequent walking, utilization of public transportation and the ability to assist the team in providing safety to all clients 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 1^st 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

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.

Qualifications