Counselor III (Older Adult - Integrated Team Based Care)
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 role provides and coordinates supportive and therapeutic mental health services for people experiencing severe mental illness and addiction issues. It includes behavioral health assessments, service planning, individual and group interventions, and preparation of case presentations for the team. The position promotes integrated care, trauma-informed and person-first approaches, and an accepting work environment. It involves collaboration with clients, their support systems, interdisciplinary teams, hospitals, and internal and external stakeholders to support coordinated, person-centered care. The position is designed for in-person work and requires travel to multiple locations throughout the Portland Metro area. Work may take place in clinical offices, acute care settings, and community locations, including client residences, correctional facilities, shelters, hospitals, public places, and other social service sites. Meal periods and breaks may be interrupted. The work can involve unpredictability and exposure to potential violent behavior, disease, biohazards, noise, and contaminants, and requires sound judgment and flexible time management.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in a behavioral science field from an accredited college or university.
- Demonstrate 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 MHACBO credentialing requirements for a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP).
- 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 use AED equipment effectively; CPR and First Aid certifications must remain current.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and adapt time management to unpredictable or disrupted work.
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 person-centered service planning, incorporating client priorities and 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 termination sessions as 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 practices in accordance with the team and program’s current level of implementation.
- Partner with internal and external stakeholders to minimize care gaps and prevent duplicated 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.
- Provide 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.
- Connect clients in distress with appropriate staff or community resources.
- Comply with regulations, policies, and procedures applicable to the program.
- Assist in crises according to emergency protocols and coordinate trauma-informed interventions with the treatment team.
- Respect client rights and responsibilities and maintain professional boundaries and ethics.
- Maintain clinical records and documentation in compliance with agency policies, regulations, and billing requirements; complete required electronic medical records using Cascadia software.
- Maintain accurate and current documentation concerning assessments, treatment, client progress, and other activities.
- 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 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.
- 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
