Counselor III (Integrated Team Based Care)

Cascadia Health•Portland, OR

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Counselor III works within Cascadia’s Integrated Team-Based Care (ITBC) program, a collaborative, multidisciplinary model coordinating behavioral health, substance use disorder, psychiatry, peer support, and other services. The role provides and coordinates supportive and therapeutic mental health services for people experiencing severe mental illness and addiction issues. It promotes integrated care, trauma-informed and person-first approaches, and an accepting work environment that respects differences within the Cascadia community. The Counselor III completes behavioral health and diagnostic assessments, develops and monitors individualized treatment and service plans, provides individual and group counseling, and coordinates care with clients, their support systems, interdisciplinary teams, hospitals, and community partners. The position also responds to crises, maintains compliant clinical documentation, and provides clinical guidance to team members. Work is designed to be in person at the Woodland Park Health Center and other clinical and community locations; hybrid and remote work are not offered. 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.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a behavioral science field from an accredited college or university.
Demonstrate competencies for QMHP credentialing under the Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR); certification must be current and compliant with OAR requirements.
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.
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 (TIC), 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 at the level 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 remain current.
Ability to adapt to diverse, unpredictable, and disruptive circumstances, manage time flexibly, and exercise sound judgment.
Maintain all licenses, certifications, registrations, and other credentials required for the position in active, good standing.

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 when appropriate.
Recognize crisis warning signs 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 team and the program’s level of implementation.
Partner with internal and external stakeholders to minimize care gaps and prevent duplication of services.
Coordinate, monitor, and evaluate services addressing 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 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 according to emergency protocols and coordinate trauma-informed interventions with the treatment team.
Respect client rights and responsibilities and maintain professional boundaries and ethics.
Document and maintain clinical records in compliance with agency policies, applicable regulations, and billing requirements.
Maintain accurate, up-to-date documentation of assessments, treatment, client progress, and other activities, including required electronic medical records using Cascadia software.
Take responsibility for the safety of those served; understand fire regulations and evacuation procedures and participate in 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.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Travel to multiple locations throughout the Portland Metro area.
Maintain current CPR and First Aid certifications and be able to effectively use AED equipment.

Benefits

Generous paid time off; full-time employees earn six weeks of PTO in their first year.
Medical coverage beginning on the first of the month following hire.
Dental coverage beginning on 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 contribution of up to 5% at fiscal year-end.
Flexible Spending Account options 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 (EAP).
Bike to Work Reimbursement.