Engagement Specialist (Wellness)

Job Overview

Location/ Schedule: This position is based at the Garlington Health Center located in SE Portland, OR. The schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Position: Engagement Specialist

Program: Wellness

Cascadia's Mission and Vision:

Mission: Cascadia Health delivers whole health care – integrated mental health and addiction services, primary care, and housing – to promote hope and support the well-being of the communities we serve.

Vision: We envision a community where everyone benefits from whole health care, experiences well-being, and has a self-directed, connected life.

Position Description : The Engagement Specialist is responsible for working as a member of an interdisciplinary team to enroll and engage clients in physical and behavioral health treatment and to provide clients with up to date referrals both within Cascadia as well as in the community, while supporting a Trauma Informed Care environment. This position requires both clinical and engagement skills to assist individuals with connecting to and engaging in ongoing health services. With the high prevalence of trauma among individuals receiving mental health services, it is required the Engagement Specialist understand the effects of trauma on health, coping, and other aspects of the lives of those we serve. The Engagement Specialist must have the ability to work independently over the phone and in the community.

This position must understand, appreciate, and respect the differences within our Cascadia community. As such, it is expected that this position promotes integrated care, our vision of trauma-informed and person-first approaches and helps create a work environment of acceptance.

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.

General

• Provide outreach and engagement services to individuals experiencing mental health challenges utilizing strengths based case management, motivational interviewing, and harm reduction concepts.
• 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-todate documentation associated with billing, assessment, treatment, client’s progress, and other activities, as required.
• Conduct needs assessments with consumers and refer to appropriate programs within Cascadia. Provide up to date information to clinicians.
• Work closely with community agencies to help consumer access services.
• Conduct skills training, care coordination and case management individually and in groups.
• Provide supportive, empathetic customer service and help clients problem solve and access needed services.
• 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 program participants and staff.
• Practice and demonstrate competency in preventing escalation to avoid crisis situations and or to neutralize crises in progress.
• • Demonstrate responsibility for safety of consumers and/or program participants, staff, and property. Become familiar with fire regulations and evacuation procedures.
• Act as an advocate for individuals being served, both within the organization and also with other entities.
• Adhere to mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPAA requirements.
• Provide input on all relevant documentation and procedural requirements.
• Complete annual employee training requirements on a timely basis per agency requirements. Attend seminars, training, and other educational opportunities in order to develop professional skills and abilities.
• Integrate best practices into the day to day operations including: Trauma Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing.
• Actively support team members and other managerial and/or volunteer staff.
• Participate in all scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and agency meetings
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Regulatory & Compliance

• Comply with and implement regulations, policies, and procedures under which the program operates.
• 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.

• Respect and honor client rights and responsibilities and demonstrate professional boundaries and ethics.
• Document and maintain clinical records in a manner that assures compliance with all agency policies and procedures and local, state, and federal regulations, as well as billing requirements.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation as required, associated with assessment, treatment, residents’ progress, and other activities. Complete electronic medical records (EMR) as required using Cascadia software.

• Demonstrate responsibility for safety of those served.
• Understand fire regulations and evacuation procedures; participate in regular safety drills in compliance with program 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.
• Participate in all scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and agency meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education:

• Required: QMHA: A bachelor's degree in a behavioral science field from an accredited college or university OR three years of full time professional experience working with adults with severe and persistent mental illness or a combination of work and education. Must be able to maintain QMHA credentialling.

Experience:

• Preferred: Some work experience working with adults with severe and persistent mental health challenges is preferred.

Specialized Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Effective communication and active listening skills.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Philosophy and values consistent with a patient-centered care model.
• Ability to work proactively and effectively in a team as well as independently.
• Basic Knowledge of Trauma Informed Care (TIC), Motivational Interviewing, and Evidence based practices
• Basic Understanding of recovery model, Illness management and strength-based philosophies
• Operate computer hardware and software at a level needed to effectively perform job functions.

Other:

• Possess a valid driver’s license, one-year driving history, clean driving record, ability to pass Driver Motor Vehicle (DMV) check and complete the Cascadia online Defensive Driving course. OR … Must have the ability to travel to multiple locations throughout the Portland Metro area.
• Ability to perform CPR, First Aid, and effectively use AED equipment. CPR/ First Aid certifications are required and must remain current.

Working Conditions

Environmental: This role is centered on direct client and community engagement, it is designed for in-person work and does not include hybrid or remote work options. Work is performed in one or more of the following: administrative office, clinical office, acute care settings and community setting including client residences, correctional facilities, shelters, hospitals, public places and other social service sites. Meal periods and breaks are subject to interruption. Universal Precautions and remaining alert to the environment are critical to address the potential for aggressive behavior, exposure to disease, biohazards, noise, and contaminants.

Mental Demands: The work assigned is diverse and involves addressing new and unusual circumstances. The work regularly involves a degree of unpredictability and disruption of planned tasks requiring a flexible time management approach. In addition, this position requires exercising sound judgment.

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 accommodation due to a disability, contact us at 503-963-7654.

This position is represented by a labor union.

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 up to 8% employer 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
• Student loan forgiveness options

Wellness Benefits:

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

Starting Rate Range in USD ($)