Counselor II START $23.35+ DOE

Volunteers of America Oregon • Portland, OR

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Make a difference with VOA Oregon! For over 125 years, Volunteers of America Oregon have been dedicated to serving the most vulnerable members of our community. Through our programs in behavioral health, addiction treatment, reentry services, and support for children and families, we provide life-changing services that promote safety, healing, and empowerment. Join a mission-driven organization that truly values its employees! This is a full-time position with excellent benefits. At VOA Oregon, you’ll be part of a compassionate and dedicated team, making a real difference in our community. Apply today! This position 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 by performing the following duties.

Requirements

• A CADC I/II/III certification or QMHA credential is required, or a Bachelor’s degree in a QMHA-qualifying field (such as psychology, social work, or human services).
• Candidates must have experience conducting assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, and facilitating individual and group counseling sessions.
• CADC I certification must be obtained within 24 months of registering as a CADC I candidate if not already obtained upon hire.
• Knowledge of substance use disorders and evidence-based counseling methods such as Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to support individualized treatment and behavior change.
• Knowledge of the MHACBO Code of Conduct, counseling ethics, mandated reporting, and legal standards such as CFR 42 Part 2 to ensure ethical, confidential, and compliant clinical practice.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and the impact of trauma on substance use and recovery to promote safe, supportive client interactions.
• Knowledge of cultural humility, social determinants of health, and systemic barriers to deliver inclusive and responsive care.
• Knowledge of ASAM Criteria and substance use assessment tools to support accurate evaluation and treatment planning under supervision.
• Knowledge of documentation standards and electronic health records to ensure clear, timely, and clinically relevant communication.
• Knowledge of Feedback-Informed Treatment (FIT) and outcome tracking practices, including ORS/SRS, to enhance engagement and guide treatment decisions.
• Knowledge of community-based resources (e.g., housing, peer support, recovery programs) and referral processes to connect clients with holistic supports.
• Knowledge of engagement and retention strategies for individuals with varying levels of readiness for treatment in outpatient settings.
• Skilled in conducting substance use assessments and recovery planning under clinical supervision to support individualized treatment goals.
• Skilled in delivering individual and group counseling focused on substance use using established curriculum.
• Skilled in documenting clinical activities, treatment goals, and progress notes within an electronic health record systems to ensure continuity and compliance in care.
• Skilled in collaborating with interdisciplinary staff and external partners to align treatment goals and support client success.
• Skilled in managing a caseload with varying levels of acuity while maintaining responsiveness, engagement, and treatment quality.
• Skilled in responding to behavioral escalations and supporting client stabilization within role scope, escalating as needed.
• Ability to establish and maintain therapeutic relationships and professional boundaries that build trust and support recovery.
• Ability to apply sound judgment, recognize concerns outside scope of practice, and escalate appropriately to clinical supervisors.
• Ability to adhere to ethical and legal standards in all interactions to protect confidentiality and support client rights.
• Ability to engage in collaborative problem-solving with clients, peers, and teams to address treatment barriers and support progress.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and remain present in a dynamic outpatient treatment environment.
• Ability to reflect on and incorporate client, peer, and supervisor feedback to adapt engagement strategies and improve service delivery.
• Ability to coordinate care with external systems such as courts, DHS, hospitals, and housing providers to ensure continuity and access to needed services.
• 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, and culturally responsive service delivery is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides culturally responsive, trauma-informed substance use disorder services through individual counseling, recovery-focused conversations, and structured group sessions using evidence-based practices such as Motivational Interviewing (MI) 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, risk factors, and social determinants of health.
• 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 Treatment (FIT), 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 provide diagnostic impressions using DSM5-TR criteria for 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
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees