Counselor III, UWIC

Cascadia Health • Portland, OR

13d • 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, promoting integrated care, trauma-informed and person-first approaches, and an accepting work environment that respects differences within the Cascadia community.

This is an in-person position at Plaza Health Center (Urgent Walk in Clinic), with work also performed in other clinical and community settings. The position is per diem and requires a minimum of 12 shifts per quarter. It 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 (OAR); certification must be current and compliant with OAR requirements.
• Meet requirements to be credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) through MHACBO.
• Effective communication, active listening, 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 most 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 for the job, 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. BLS training is provided within the first 60 days for client-facing staff, and CPR training within 120 days for other staff.
• Ability to manage unpredictable circumstances and disruptions, use flexible time management, and exercise sound judgment.
• Must obtain and maintain all licenses, certifications, registrations, and other credentials required for the position in active, good standing.

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 care with internal colleagues and collaborate with external service providers throughout Multnomah County to support crisis response and stabilization.
• Communicate assessment dispositions and clinical findings to treatment providers and emergency departments in a timely and accurate manner.
• 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 that meets organizational and regulatory standards.
• Apply Feedback Informed Treatment (FIT) practices in alignment with Cascadia and program-level implementation.
• Comply with applicable 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 safety drills.
• Follow 42 CFR Part 2, mandatory abuse reporting laws, and HIPAA confidentiality requirements.
• Complete annual employee training and participate in scheduled staff meetings, supervision, and other departmental and agency meetings.
• Contribute to a cooperative, respectful, and safe workplace; collaborate across interdisciplinary teams and support an inclusive organizational culture.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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.
• 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 (FSA) 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 (EAP).
• Bike to Work reimbursement.

What This Job Offers