Counselor II $23.35+ DOE

Volunteers of America Oregon • Portland, OR

1d • $23 - $31 • Onsite

About The Position

Since 1896, Volunteers of America Oregon has been dedicated to meeting the needs of our community. Through our innovative programs in behavioral health, addiction treatment, reentry services, and support for children and families, we deliver life-changing services that promote safety, healing, and empowerment. At VOA Oregon, each staff member is part of a compassionate, mission-driven team working collaboratively to create lasting, meaningful, positive change. Every role contributes to the clients we serve and the mission we advance together. This work matters. Are you ready to join an organization committed to service, inclusion, and employee support? Read on to learn more and apply today!

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.
• 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.
• 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 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.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• Medical insurance options with employer-paid premiums covering 71%–89% of employee-only coverage, with employee costs starting at $66.23 per paycheck
• Optional dental and vision coverage at employee cost.
• Employer-provided life insurance, along with short- and long-term disability coverage.
• 403(b) retirement plan with an automatic 5.5% employer contribution after 18 months of employment, regardless of employee contribution.
• A generous paid time off (PTO) plan, with accruals of 15 days in the first year, 23 days in the second year, and 26 days in the third year.
• 80 hours of frontloaded sick time (prorated in the first year), resetting annually on January 1.
• 10 paid holidays each year, plus 3 personal holidays (prorated in the first year) to allow employees time off for important holidays, events, or milestones.
• As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, VOA Oregon is a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, which may help reduce or eliminate federal student loan debt for employees who meet eligibility requirements.
• Flexible spending accounts, employee assistance program (EAP), and access to other voluntary benefits and employee discounts.

What This Job Offers

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