Counselor III (Integrated Team Based Care)

Cascadia Health • Portland, OR

5d • $65,731 - $70,436 • Onsite

About The Position

The Counselor III is a member of Cascadia’s Integrated Team-Based Care (ITBC) program, a collaborative, multidisciplinary model integrating behavioral health, substance use disorder, psychiatry, peer support, and other services. The role provides and coordinates behavioral health services for people experiencing severe mental illness and addiction, including assessment, service planning, counseling, and case presentations for the care team. The position promotes integrated care, trauma-informed and person-first approaches, and an accepting work environment.

The role is based at Woodland Park Health Center in NE Portland and is designed for in-person work, with no hybrid or remote option. Work may take place in clinical offices, acute care settings, and community locations such as client residences, correctional facilities, shelters, hospitals, public places, and other social service sites. The position requires travel to multiple locations throughout the Portland Metro area. Meal periods and breaks may be interrupted; the work may involve exposure to violent behavior, disease, biohazards, noise, and contaminants, and requires alertness, flexibility, and sound judgment.

The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The starting rate range is $65,731.24–$70,436.33 per year. Cascadia offers benefits to full-time and eligible part-time employees, including paid time off, medical and dental coverage, a vision discount plan, retirement savings with matching contributions, flexible spending accounts, disability and life insurance, leave benefits, employee assistance, and bike-to-work reimbursement.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in a behavioral science field from an accredited college or university.
• Demonstrated competencies to become credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) under Oregon Administrative Rules; certification must be current and compliant with those rules.
• Meet requirements for QMHP credentialing through MHACBO.
• Effective communication and active listening skills.
• Effective interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Values and philosophy 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; CPR and First Aid certifications must be current.
• Maintain all licenses, certifications, registrations, and other credentials required for the position in active, good standing status.

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 to inform individualized treatment planning.
• Complete and implement treatment plans and 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, 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 family or support-person sessions and conduct termination sessions as appropriate.
• Recognize warning signs of crisis and implement prevention and intervention strategies to support safety.
• Provide psychoeducation and connect clients and families with external resources as needed.
• Apply Feedback Informed Treatment (FIT) practices in alignment with the service delivery team and the program’s current level of implementation.
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to minimize gaps in care and prevent duplication of services.
• Coordinate, monitor, and evaluate services needed to address clients’ health, social, and other needs.
• Collaborate with hospitals on client 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 assessments and interventions aimed at de-escalation and stabilization.
• Connect clients in distress with appropriate staff or community resources.
• Comply with and implement applicable program regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Assist in crisis situations under emergency protocols, coordinating with the treatment team and supporting a trauma-informed environment.
• Respect client rights and responsibilities and maintain professional boundaries and ethics.
• Document and maintain clinical records in compliance with agency policies, regulations, and billing requirements.
• Maintain accurate, timely records of assessments, treatment, client progress, and other activities; complete required electronic medical records using Cascadia software.
• Take responsibility for the safety of those served; understand fire regulations 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, and departmental and agency meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off; full-time employees earn six weeks 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 options for medical, dependent care, and transportation.
• Short-term disability and long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance and voluntary life insurance.
• Paid bereavement and jury duty leave.
• Length of Service Award.
• Supplemental insurance.
• Student loan forgiveness options.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Bike-to-Work reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

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