Bilingual Counselor II $23.35+ DOE

Volunteers of America Oregon • Portland, OR

111d • $23 - $31 • Onsite

About The Position

This Bilingual Counselor II is responsible for providing comprehensive substance use disorder treatment services, including individual counseling, group facilitation, assessments, and treatment planning using evidence-based practices. The role involves direct client care, clinical documentation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ongoing professional development while maintaining compliance with ethical and regulatory standards.

Requirements

• Either a CADC 1/11/111 certification or QMHA credential is required, or a Bachelor's degree in a QMHA-qualifying field (such as psychology, social work, or human services) and a QMHA and CADC registration upon hire.
• Candidates must have experience conducting assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, and facilitating individual and group counseling sessions.
• Spanish Bilingual is required.
• This position requires a Certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC l) or a Qualified Mental Health Associate certification.
• CADC I certification must be obtained within 24 months of registration as a CADC I candidate if not already obtained upon hire.
• Must complete a criminal history background check and receive authorization from the State of Oregon's Background Check Unit.
• Must not be excluded from participation in federal healthcare programs, including but not limited to listings on the Office of Inspector General (OIG) List of Excluded Individuals/Entities and the System for Award Management (SAM) exclusion list.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• If driving is required for the position, the individual must have an active driver's license, current insurance, reliable transportation, and ability to meet VOA Oregon's and VOA Oregon's insurer's driver standards.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in a residential, outpatient, or community-based behavioral health setting is preferred.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care, Motivational Interviewing (Ml), and client-centered service delivery is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides trauma-informed substance use disorder services through individual counseling, recovery-focused conversations, and structured group sessions using evidence-based practices such as Motivational Interviewing (Ml) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to support behavior change and relapse prevention.
• Performs initial and ongoing substance use assessments, including ASAM criteria, to determine clinical needs and supports individualized treatment planning under the supervision of a qualified clinical professional.
• Collaborates with clients and supervisors to create and regularly update individualized treatment plans that address substance use disorders, risk factors, and factors affecting treatment access and recovery.
• Facilitates structured, curriculum-based groups and psychoeducation sessions that support skill-building, emotional regulation, relapse prevention, and pro-social behavior.
• Responds to client behavioral escalations using de-escalation techniques and clinical judgment within scope, escalating to or notifying appropriate individuals as needed.
• Conducts routine check-ins and maintains therapeutic engagement with clients during scheduled sessions or outreach to monitor progress, identify support needs, and reinforce recovery goals.
• Maintains accurate, timely, and clinically appropriate documentation in the electronic health record, including assessments, progress notes, treatment plans, and discharge summaries.
• Participates in case consultations, clinical supervision, and team-based meetings to review care progress, receive feedback, and enhance service coordination.
• Observes clients for signs of relapse, intoxication, withdrawal, or other risk behaviors and follows established protocols to address and document concerns during sessions or client interactions.
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary staff including medical providers, peers, and case managers to align treatment efforts and ensure consistent implementation of care plans, problem-solving, and quality of care.
• Participates in new client admissions, including program orientation, screenings, and scheduling of assessments.
• Incorporates client feedback and outcome monitoring tools, e.g., Feedback-Informed Care (FIC), into clinical practice to inform treatment adjustments and improve client-centered care.
• Contributes to the implementation and improvement of clinical workflows, curriculum, and service delivery practices under the direction of clinical leadership.
• Complies with all applicable professional codes of ethics (e.g., MHACBO), agency policies, and federal and state regulations including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 regarding confidentiality and client rights.
• Engages in regular clinical supervision and program meetings to receive feedback, enhance skills, and contribute to team-based service delivery.
• Manages administrative responsibilities such as checking email, responding to phone calls, managing appointment schedules, and maintaining timely documentation.
• Participates in ongoing training and professional development activities to maintain certification and improve service delivery.
• If a QMHA, assists in mental health screenings and assessments and provides diagnostic impressions using recognized evidence-based clinical practices and applicable professional standards to support treatment planning and referrals.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage – medical, dental, and vision insurance, with an employee medical premium starting at just $12.50 per paycheck
• Financial protection – life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance
• Retirement security – 403(b) with an automatic 5.5% employer contribution after 18 months, regardless of employee participation
• Work-life balance – a generous paid time off (PTO) plan, starting with accruals that earn 15 days in the first year, 23 days in the second, and 26 days in the third
• Upfront sick leave – 80 hours of front-loaded sick time (prorated in the first year), which resets annually on January 1
• Paid holidays – 10 paid holidays each year, plus three personal holidays (prorated in the first year) for employees to take time off to celebrate holidays, events, or milestones that matter most to them
• Student loan forgiveness – As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, VOA Oregon is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, which can help employees reduce or eliminate their federal student loan debt after 10 years of qualifying payments.
• Additional perks – flexible spending accounts, an employee assistance program, and other voluntary benefits and discounts

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level