Dual Diagnosis Counselor

Fora Health•Portland, OR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Dual Diagnosis Counselor provides services to adult patients in the assigned Fora Health program and works under the direction of the program manager in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. The counselor completes mental health and ASAM assessments, collaborative treatment plans, individual and group therapy, and referrals and transitions between levels of care to support recovery from substance use and mental health disorders, consistent with Fora Health’s mission and philosophy. The role includes evaluating patients’ needs and risks, determining appropriate ASAM levels of care and stages of change, using DSM-5 to assess and diagnose disorders, developing measurable treatment outcomes with patients, and reviewing progress and treatment plans. The counselor maintains timely and accurate clinical records, coordinates with internal care teams and external referral agencies, supports continuity of care and discharge planning, and follows applicable confidentiality, legal, ethical, and agency requirements. The counselor facilitates evidence-based individual and group counseling, supports patient engagement and recovery, teaches relevant health and life skills, and uses culturally responsive practice. The role also requires participation in clinical supervision, treatment team meetings, continuing education, and cross-department coverage as needed. The position has no supervisory duties. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some evenings required. Work is generally in an indoor office or clinical environment, with travel between Fora Health sites and to special events. Evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required based on patient needs. Salary: $75,129.60–$82,576.00.

Requirements

Graduate degree in psychology, social work, or another behavioral health field.
QMHP credential or master’s-level licensure (LPC, LCSW, or LMFT), as required by Oregon Administrative Rules.
CADC I credential, or ability to qualify for CADC I within six months.
Basic knowledge of substance use disorders and their impact on managing mental health symptoms.
Basic understanding of mental health diagnoses and symptomology.
Understanding of basic psychopharmacology.
Ability to describe warning signs, symptoms, and the course of substance use disorders; how these disorders affect families and concerned others; and principles and philosophy of prevention, treatment, and recovery.
Ability to incorporate foundational models such as MI, DBT, ACT, CBT, and IFS.
Skill in addressing self-awareness, diversity, and ethics.
Effective communication and rapport-building skills.
Ability to facilitate clinical evaluations covering ASAM and DSM-5 dimensions.
Knowledge of and ability to maintain clinical documentation, including treatment plans, according to agency standards.
Ability to facilitate groups.
Ability to engage in problem-solving and independent decision-making.
Understanding of emergency situations and protocols for maintaining a safe milieu, and ability to use de-escalation skills in crisis situations.
For employees with a history of substance use disorder, at least two years of sobriety is required under Fora Health policy.
Ability to pass a pre-employment or for-cause drug test and a DHS criminal background check.
Completed registration with Oregon Health Authority (DMAP) and a National Plan and Provider Identifier (NPI).

Nice To Haves

CADC II or CADC III credential.

Responsibilities

Inform patients of confidentiality rights and program procedures, and protect the privacy and confidentiality of patient information.
Gather and interpret assessment information from patients and collateral sources; use ASAM and DSM-5 criteria to assess needs, risks, diagnoses, and medical necessity.
Determine patients’ appropriate ASAM level of care and stage of change.
Develop measurable treatment outcomes and strategies collaboratively with patients, and review progress and revise treatment plans as appropriate.
Document patient encounters, assessments, treatment plans, progress, referrals, transfer information, and discharge information in the electronic medical record and other required systems.
Apply placement, continued-stay, and completion or transition criteria based on medical necessity and patient preferences.
Coordinate referrals and care with internal service areas, referral agencies, and external care team members.
Complete required clinical documentation and referent contacts within the stated timeframes, including treatment plan reviews, authorization summaries, continuity-of-care plans, and discharge summaries.
Establish professional, respectful, warm, genuine, concrete, and empathetic helping relationships with patients, and facilitate their engagement in treatment and recovery.
Participate as an active member of an integrated care team, coordinating care with peer mentors, psychiatric providers, medical providers, and other team members.
Provide evidence-based individual and group counseling and meet individually with patients at the frequency set by the treatment plan or program assignment.
Use cultural humility and account for patients’ cultural identities, values, backgrounds, ages, and genders in treatment and recovery.
Educate patients about health and behavioral issues related to substance use, including infectious disease transmission and prevention, and teach life skills such as stress management, communication, relaxation, and refusal skills.
Provide therapeutic interventions to address treatment-interfering behaviors when needed.
Arrange or assist with referrals to professionals, agencies, community programs, and other resources; explain referral processes, obtain required written consent before information disclosure, facilitate transitions to continuing care, and document referral and case-management services.
Maintain collaborative relationships with mental health practitioners, prescribers, probation officers, ADSS/ADES, EAP, DHS, insurance authorization representatives, and other involved agencies.
Follow professional ethical codes, applicable laws, and agency policies; maintain appropriate boundaries; and participate in supervision and consultation.
Maintain or complete required addiction counselor certification and QMHP privileging or mental health licensure, and complete continuing education.
Support patient coverage needs across departments and levels of care, including assessments, groups, individual sessions, and case management, sometimes with little advance notice.
Attend assigned treatment team, clinical supervision, and other meetings; maintain effective working relationships and communication with staff.
Maintain a clean and safe work environment and perform additional trainings, projects, and other assigned duties.