The schedule for this position is Monday through Friday 8:30 - 5:00 p.m. The location is based at the Garlington Health Center but will work out of the community. Work is performed on the street, in client’s homes, and in in the community and other public spaces.

The Mental Health Associate will provide physical health focused case management, care coordination, and skills training to individuals with chronic health conditions and Serious and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI) who have experienced chronic homelessness. The goal of this position is to engage clients in healthcare and health related activities in order to support them in managing their physical health. The position is part of a team that provides community based behavioral health services and long-term rental subsidies. The program uses a holistic, whole person, culturally responsive approach as well as motivational interviewing, assertive engagement and the Harm Reduction model.

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 30 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:

• Coordinate and monitor client’s health conditions by obtaining information from client records, internal and external providers and Palm II staff.
• Work with the QMHP (Clinician) to help client meet their physical and mental health goals; determine the needs of the clients and their stages of change by gathering information from client, team members, client records and providers.
• Provide outreach and engagement services to clients in need of additional support using assertive engagement strategies
• Provide case management to help participants obtain and maintain housing
• Ensure participant have adequate supply of medication provide instruction on medication management.
• Coordinate referrals from internal and external provider. I.e. Respite, Primary Care, SUD, and Palliative Care through by communication with staff, providers and relevant paperwork
• Follow up on clients schedules and appointments ensure their punctuality, using a company or personal vehicle
• Provide Skills training in areas of health promotion and activities of daily living in order to help increase client independence, through teaching and modeling skills necessary to manage their health
• Ensure proper storage of medical records and housing charts by scanning, faxing and filling as required
• Using an electronic health record system, document services in order to communicate to team and billing as fee-for-service.
• Deliver supplies to clients such as food and medication
• Ensure participants have an adequate supply of medication as prescribed and provide instruction on medication management
• 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.
• 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:

• Must meet the requirements and demonstrate the competencies to be credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA). Must have a Bachelor’s 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
• One to three years of experience providing services out in the community or in people homes or related lived experience
• Prior practice in working with individuals who experience homelessness and/or substance use disorders is preferred
• Knowledge of Assertive Engagement strategies
• Understanding systems of care and community resources
• Able to apply an equity lens to understand the barriers that led to disparate health outcomes
• Advanced knowledge of culturally specific services
• Knowledge of Trauma Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, and Recovery Model
• Understanding of Illness Management
• Knowledge of strength based philosophies
• Knowledge of Microsoft office suite with basic Excel skills
• Operate computer programs and systems at a level needed to perform the essential duties. I.e. Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, such as Credible or Epic.
• CPR Certification must be maintained (Training is provided)
• Able 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 both out in the community and in the office
• Operating hours: Work hours operate typically between 7:00 am to 7:30 pm and there is room for flexibility within the hours of work.
• Mental: Universal precautions should be taken due to exposure to disease, biohazards, noise and contaminants. Remaining aware and alert is critical to detect and address escalated, potentially volatile situations
• Physical Demands: There regular moments of stationary time at a desk entering data, typing documentation, moving about the community for home visits, appointments and other calls; driving to client homes and appointments where there may be stairs. There is constant communication with clients, staff and community providers. May occasionally lift 20 to 50 lbs. bend, or kneel to transport supplies, and occasionally may need to move quickly or run to remove self from potential harm.

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