Counselor III (Integrated Team Based Care)

Cascadia Health•Portland, OR

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Counselor III works within Cascadia’s Integrated Team-Based Care program, a collaborative multidisciplinary model coordinating behavioral health, substance use disorder, psychiatry, peer support, and other services. The position provides and coordinates supportive and therapeutic mental health services for people experiencing severe mental illness and addiction. It completes behavioral health assessments and service planning, provides individual and group interventions, and develops case presentations for the team. The role promotes integrated care, trauma-informed and person-first approaches, respect for differences, and an accepting work environment. The position is based at Plaza Health Center in Southeast Portland and is designed for in-person work, with travel to multiple locations throughout the Portland Metro area. Work may take place in clinical offices, acute care settings, client residences, correctional facilities, shelters, hospitals, public places, and other social-service sites. Meal periods and breaks may be interrupted. The role requires remaining alert to potential violence, disease exposure, biohazards, noise, and contaminants. Work is diverse and may involve unpredictable or disruptive circumstances, requiring flexibility and sound judgment. This is a regular position with an initial temporary assignment of about one year. A new placement will be determined when that assignment ends. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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 (OAR); certification must be current and compliant with OAR requirements.
Meet the requirements for QMHP credentialing 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 as part of 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 remain current.
Maintain all licenses, certifications, registrations, and other credentials required for the position in active, good standing status.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and adapt to unpredictable or disruptive circumstances.
Ability to remain alert to environmental hazards and potential violent behavior.

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 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, 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 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 Cascadia and the program’s current level of implementation.
Partner with internal and external stakeholders to minimize care gaps and avoid 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.
Offer clinical guidance and support to team members, encouraging collaborative problem-solving and service quality.
Respond to client crises with assessment and interventions aimed at de-escalation and stabilization.
Connect clients in distress with appropriate staff or community resources for further support.
Comply with and implement applicable program regulations, policies, and procedures.
Assist in crisis situations as appropriate, following emergency protocols and coordinating trauma-informed interventions with the treatment team.
Respect client rights and responsibilities and maintain professional boundaries and ethics.
Maintain clinical records in compliance with agency policies, local, state, and federal regulations, and billing requirements.
Complete accurate, up-to-date documentation for assessments, treatment, client progress, and other activities, using Cascadia’s electronic medical record software as required.
Take responsibility for the safety of those served.
Understand fire regulations and evacuation procedures and participate in required safety drills with residents.
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 as needed.
Maintain current CPR and First Aid certifications and be able to use AED equipment effectively.

Benefits

Full-time employees earn six weeks of paid time off 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 with medical, dependent care, and transportation options.
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.