Counselor III (Integrated Team Based Care)

Cascadia Health • Portland, OR

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Counselor III works within Cascadia’s Integrated Team-Based Care (ITBC) model, a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach that coordinates behavioral health, substance use disorder, psychiatry, peer support, and other services. The model uses daily team huddles, weekly case consultations, shared accountability, and data-informed quality improvement to provide timely, person-centered care and coordinated support.

The Counselor III provides and coordinates behavioral health assessments, service planning, and individual and group interventions for people experiencing severe mental illnesses and addiction issues. The role develops case presentations for the team and collaborates with clients, support systems, interdisciplinary colleagues, and internal and external partners. The position promotes integrated care, trauma-informed and person-first approaches, and an accepting work environment that respects differences within the Cascadia community.

This is an in-person role based at Garlington Health Center in Northeast Portland, with work also taking place at community locations. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Travel to multiple locations throughout the Portland Metro area is required. The position may involve interrupted breaks, unpredictable circumstances, and exposure to potential safety and environmental hazards.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in a behavioral science field from an accredited college or university.
• Meet the competencies for credentialing as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) under Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR); certification must be current and compliant with the OAR.
• Meet MHACBO requirements for credentialing as a QMHP.
• Effective communication and active listening skills.
• Effective interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Philosophy and 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 effectively use AED equipment.
• Current CPR and First Aid certifications, which must remain current.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and adapt to diverse, unpredictable, and disruptive circumstances.

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 develop individualized treatment plans.
• Complete treatment plans and other clinically indicated assessments, including annual reviews.
• Engage clients and their support systems in developing person-centered service plans that reflect client priorities and address social determinants of health.
• Monitor and revise service plans based on client progress, evolving 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 family or support-person sessions and termination sessions as appropriate.
• Recognize warning signs of crisis and implement prevention and intervention strategies to ensure safety.
• Provide psychoeducation and connect clients and families with external resources as needed.
• Apply Feedback Informed Treatment (FIT) practices in alignment with Cascadia and the program’s current level of implementation.
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to minimize care gaps and prevent duplication of services.
• Coordinate, monitor, and evaluate services needed to meet clients’ health, social, and other needs.
• Collaborate with hospitals on client discharge planning and continuity of care.
• Offer clinical guidance and support to team members, encouraging collaborative problem-solving and service quality.
• Respond to client crises with assessments and interventions intended to de-escalate and stabilize situations.
• Connect clients in distress with appropriate staff or community resources.
• Comply with and implement applicable program regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Assist in crisis situations according to emergency protocols, coordinating trauma-informed interventions with the treatment team.
• Respect client rights and responsibilities and maintain professional boundaries and ethics.
• Maintain compliant clinical records and accurate, up-to-date documentation for assessments, treatment, client progress, and other activities; complete required electronic medical records using Cascadia software.
• Demonstrate responsibility for the safety of people served; understand fire regulations and evacuation procedures and participate in required safety drills.
• Follow mandatory abuse-reporting laws and HIPAA requirements.
• Complete annual employee training on time as required by licensing and agency requirements.
• Attend scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and agency meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Travel to multiple locations throughout the Portland Metro area.
• Maintain required licenses, certifications, registrations, and other credentials in active, good standing status.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off; full-time employees earn six weeks of PTO in their first year.
• Medical coverage beginning the first of the month following hire date.
• Dental coverage beginning the first of the month following hire date.
• 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 possibility of an additional discretionary contribution up to 5% at fiscal year-end.
• Flexible Spending Account options for medical, dependent care, and transportation.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time