Description

Rita May is in SE Portland. The schedule is Thursday through Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

Mental Health Aides at Rita May work as a member of an interdisciplinary team to implement and monitor treatment for residents within the residential facility based on each individual's established service/treatment plan, while supporting a Trauma Informed Care environment. 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.

Rita May is a seven-bed residential facility serving adults living with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI) as well as other complicating medical/physical conditions. Individuals typically require guidance in dealing with illnesses such as diabetes, COPD, seizure disorders, and cardiac problems. Careful compliance with specialized dietary and exercise requirements, medical monitoring, and coordination with primary care providers and medical specialists are provided for the individuals who reside in Rita May's homelike 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.

Essential Duties:

This position description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities or an all inclusive job description.

• Provide individual and group based therapeutic interventions for residents as directed by the mental health treatment plan and meet productivity standards.
• Provide supervision and support to residents in areas of self-care, hygiene, housekeeping, meal preparation, use of public transportation, supporting residents with community integration and social skills and other areas of support.
• Coordinate with shift partner(s) and staff ending shift regarding resident concerns, needed follow-up, building/program needs, etc.
• Accompany residents to, and assist residents during various types of appointments, outings and activities out in the community, generally using a company provided vehicle, i.e. smaller or larger passenger van, when possible
• Provide medication administration; administer medications following the providers orders using a Medication Administration Report (MAR).
• Review daily cleaning schedule and collaborate with staff to ensure daily household chores are completed. This includes, but is not limited to; light housekeeping and cleaning of biohazards. Additionally may assist in meal set-up, preparation, serving, and clean up related to meal times or cooking group activities.
• Assist in crisis situations and with de-escalating residents that are in crisis or experiencing significant struggles. Follow emergency protocols and procedures including use of non-violent crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques (Pro-ACT)
• Adhere to compliance, required laws and trainings, safety of property and staff, regulations, I.e. Mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPPA, fire regulations
• Participate in all scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and agency meetings.
• Report program/building and vehicle issues or concerns to program manager
• 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)
• 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.

Qualifications:

• Residential Counselor I: High school diploma or GED/Equivalent
• Residential Counselor II: Must meet the requirements and demonstrate the competencies to be credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA). Must have a Bachelors Degree in a behavioral science field from an accredited college or university or three years of mental health work experience or a combination of work experience and education. Certification must be current and in compliance with MHACBO
• Experience working in a residential mental health setting and providing skills training type services to consumers or other relevant experience is preferred though not required.
• Proficient written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of culturally specific services
• Basic Knowledge of Trauma Informed Care (TIC), Motivational Interviewing, and Evidence based practices
• Basic Understanding of recovery model, Illness management and strength based philosophies
• Knowledge of Microsoft office suite (I.e. Word & Excel)
• Basic Excel skills and the ability to prepare simple reports
• CPR Certification is required and to be maintained (Training is provided to obtain certification post hire)
• It is preferred that the incumbent have the ability to pass a DMV check; possess a valid drivers license, three-year driving history, and have a clean driving record. Some Residential Counselors are required to provide skills training using a company vehicle.

Working Conditions

• Environmental: Work is generally performed in a residential treatment home and occasionally out in the community. Universal precautions should be taken due to exposure to disease, biohazards, noise and contaminants.
• Operating Hours: Residential counselors operate on three shifts within a 24/7 window. Day shift (6:00 am to 5:30 pm), Mid shift (1:00 pm to 11:30 pm), and Overnight shift (9:00 pm to 7:30 am). Choice Model programs have Float positions as well. These are positions that fill in shifts at various Choice Model sites within the Portland area. Float positions use an electronic scheduler to fill in shifts as needed. They are guaranteed a specific amount of hours. If there is no coverage needed at a site, they default to one program. Residential Counselor positions also may operate on a per diem (On-call) capacity, providing coverage up to 12 shifts per quarter, as available.
• Mental: Meal periods and breaks are subject to interruptions. Regularly remaining aware and alert is critical to detect and address escalated, potentially volatile situations.
• Physical Demands: Requires constant ability to be alert, detect, perceive, and be aware of surroundings, as well as communicate effectively for safety of staff, self and residents. Requires a regular ability to be stationary when working at a computer, ability to move around the program spaces, assist residents with completing daily living tasks, cleaning, etc., Requires regular ability to use computer to complete documentation and emails; a regular ability to move up in down stairs; many programs have 2 or 3 levels where residents reside. Requires occasional ability to stop or lift 20 to 50lbs I.e. supplies for the program. Requires occasional ability to run or move fast in potentially escalated situations in order to evade potential harm.

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
• AFLAC 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

Qualifications