Counselor III (Older Adult - Integrated Team Based Care)

Cascadia Health•Portland, OR

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Counselor III works within Cascadia’s Integrated Team-Based Care (ITBC) model, a multidisciplinary approach coordinating behavioral health, substance use disorder, psychiatry, peer support, and other services. The model uses daily team huddles, weekly case consultations, shared accountability for client outcomes, and data-informed quality improvement to provide timely, person-centered, whole-person care. This position provides and coordinates behavioral health assessments, service planning, individual and group interventions, and case presentations for people experiencing severe mental illness and addiction issues. The Counselor III promotes integrated care, trauma-informed and person-first approaches, and an accepting work environment. The role is designed for in-person work and involves engagement with clients in clinical, acute-care, and community settings. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with breaks potentially subject to interruption and a need to respond flexibly to unpredictable situations. The role requires a master’s degree in a behavioral science field and current credentials meeting Oregon QMHP requirements. The position requires travel to multiple locations throughout the Portland Metro area. The starting rate range is $65,731.24–$70,436.33.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a behavioral science field from an accredited college or university.
Demonstrated competencies to become credentialed as a QMHP under Oregon Administrative Rules; certification must be current and compliant with those rules.
Meet requirements for credentialing as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) through MHACBO.
Effective communication and active listening skills.
Effective interpersonal and customer service skills.
Values consistent with a patient-centered care model.
Ability to work proactively and effectively both on a team and independently.
Basic knowledge of Trauma-Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, and evidence-based practices.
Basic understanding of the recovery model, illness management, and strength-based philosophies.
Ability to operate computer hardware and software needed to perform job functions.
Ability to travel to multiple locations throughout the Portland Metro area.
Ability to perform CPR and First Aid and use AED equipment effectively; CPR and First Aid certifications are required and must remain current.
Ability to maintain all required licenses, certifications, registrations, and other credentials in active, good-standing status.
Ability to work in person in clinical, acute-care, and community settings, with potential interruptions to breaks and unpredictable or changing work demands.

Nice To Haves

Clinical experience within a safety net organization.

Responsibilities

Complete timely, comprehensive behavioral health assessments for new and ongoing clients.
Conduct diagnostic evaluations using DSM-5 criteria and use the results to inform individualized treatment planning.
Complete and implement treatment plans and clinically indicated assessments, including annual reviews.
Engage clients and their support systems in person-centered service planning that reflects client priorities and addresses social determinants of health.
Monitor and revise service plans based on client progress, changing needs, and interdisciplinary team input.
Provide individual and group counseling, including community-based interventions, consistent with service plans.
Promote illness self-management and recovery throughout treatment.
Facilitate sessions with families or support people and conduct termination sessions as appropriate.
Recognize crisis warning signs and use prevention and intervention strategies to support safety.
Provide psychoeducation and connect clients and families with external resources as needed.
Apply Feedback Informed Treatment practices in alignment with the service team and the program’s current implementation.
Partner with internal and external stakeholders to reduce care gaps and avoid duplication of services.
Coordinate, monitor, and evaluate services addressing clients’ health, social, and other needs.
Collaborate with hospitals on discharge planning and continuity of care.
Provide clinical guidance and support to team members, encouraging collaborative problem-solving and service quality.
Respond to client crises with assessment and interventions aimed at de-escalation and stabilization.
Connect clients in distress with appropriate staff or community resources.
Follow program regulations, policies, and procedures, and support crisis response using emergency protocols and trauma-informed interventions.
Respect client rights and responsibilities and maintain professional boundaries and ethics.
Maintain compliant, accurate, and current clinical documentation and electronic medical records, including records related to assessments, treatment, progress, and billing.
Take responsibility for the safety of people served; understand fire and evacuation procedures and participate in required safety drills.
Follow mandatory abuse-reporting laws and HIPAA requirements.
Complete required annual employee training on time.
Participate in scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and agency meetings.
Travel to multiple locations throughout the Portland Metro area.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Paid time off; full-time employees earn six weeks in their first year.
Medical coverage beginning the first of the month following hire.
Dental coverage beginning the first of the month following hire.
VSP Vision Discount Plan.
403(b) retirement plan, eligible after 60 days, with immediate 100% vesting and a 1-to-1 company match up to 3% per pay period, plus the opportunity for an additional discretionary fiscal-year contribution up to 5%.
Flexible Spending Account for medical, dependent care, and transportation expenses.
Short-term disability insurance.
Long-term disability insurance.
Life insurance.
Paid bereavement leave.
Paid jury duty leave.
Length of Service Award.
Voluntary life insurance.
Supplemental insurance.
Student loan forgiveness options.
Employee Assistance Program.
Bike to Work Reimbursement.