Counselor III, UWIC

Cascadia Health•Portland, OR

16d•$34 - $36•Onsite

About The Position

The Counselor III, UWIC provides risk assessment and crisis stabilization planning for adults and children in Multnomah County. The role provides and coordinates supportive and therapeutic mental health services to support the best possible treatment outcomes. It promotes integrated care and trauma-informed, person-first approaches, and contributes to a respectful and accepting work environment. The position is based at the Plaza Health Center (Urgent Walk in Clinic) and is per diem, with a minimum requirement of 12 shifts per quarter. Work is in person and may take place in administrative and clinical offices, acute care settings, and community locations such as client residences, correctional facilities, shelters, hospitals, public places, and social service sites. Breaks may be interrupted, and the work can involve potential aggressive behavior, disease exposure, biohazards, noise, and contaminants. The work is varied and unpredictable and requires flexibility and sound judgment. The role requires a master’s degree in a behavioral science field and current qualifications for credentialing as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) under Oregon requirements. Three years of clinical experience providing inpatient or outpatient services is preferred. The position is represented by a labor union.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a behavioral science field from an accredited college or university.
Demonstrate competencies for QMHP credentialing under Oregon Administrative Rules and meet MHACBO requirements for credentialing as a Qualified Mental Health Professional; certification must be current and compliant with applicable rules.
Effective communication and active listening skills.
Effective interpersonal and customer service skills.
Ability to work proactively and effectively both as part of a team and independently.
Knowledge of HIPAA and 42 CFR regulations.
Ability to conduct a Mental Status assessment and formulate a diagnosis according to the current DSM.
Advanced knowledge of risk assessment and crisis intervention.
Knowledge of evidence-based practices and strength-based case management philosophies and strategies, including trauma-informed care.
Ability to operate computer hardware and software needed to perform job functions, including Electronic Health Record software.
Ability to travel to multiple locations throughout the Portland Metro area.
Ability to perform CPR and properly use AED equipment; required certification must remain current.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and adapt to diverse, unpredictable, and disrupted work situations.
Ability to work in person in clinical and community settings and remain alert to environmental risks.

Nice To Haves

Three years of clinical experience providing inpatient or outpatient services.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive risk assessments to identify potential harm to self or others using clinical interviews and relevant collateral information.
Evaluate intervention options, explain potential outcomes, risks, and benefits, and document the rationale for clinical decisions.
Provide on-site crisis response, risk assessment, and safety planning for adults and children experiencing mental health crises in Multnomah County.
Coordinate crisis response and stabilization with internal team members and external service providers throughout Multnomah County.
Communicate assessment dispositions and clinical findings promptly and accurately to treatment providers and emergency departments.
Initiate involuntary holds when clinically appropriate and complete required legal and clinical documentation.
Provide information, support, and connections to mental health treatment and other social services to promote stabilization and engagement in care.
Conduct crisis assessments, complete enrollment paperwork, and maintain documentation in accordance with organizational and regulatory standards.
Apply Feedback Informed Treatment (FIT) practices in alignment with Cascadia and program-level implementation.
Comply with department regulations, policies, and procedures, and follow emergency protocols during crisis situations.
Maintain electronic health records and ancillary records in compliance with agency policies, program procedures, and local, state, and federal regulations.
Understand fire regulations and evacuation procedures and participate in required safety drills.
Follow 42 CFR Part 2, mandatory abuse reporting laws, and HIPAA requirements for client confidentiality.
Complete annual employee training and participate in scheduled staff meetings, supervision, and other agency and departmental meetings.
Contribute to respectful teamwork, ethical conduct, cultural awareness, and the safety and welfare of the Cascadia community.
Travel to multiple locations throughout the Portland Metro area as needed.
Maintain required licenses, certifications, registrations, and other credentials in active and good standing; obtain CPR/BLS training and maintain current certification.

Benefits

Generous paid time off; full-time employees earn six weeks of PTO in their first year.
Medical and 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 opportunity for an additional discretionary contribution of up to 5% at fiscal year-end.
Flexible Spending Account for medical, dependent care, and transportation expenses.
Short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance.
Paid bereavement and jury duty leave.
Length of Service Award.
Voluntary life insurance.
Supplemental insurance.
Student loan forgiveness options.
Employee Assistance Program.
Bike to Work Reimbursement.