Community Counselor III (Forensic Assertive Community Treatment)

Location: Kerns building in NE Portland, OR. Work is primarily conducted in the community.

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Some weekend and holiday availability required as necessary.

About the role

As a Community Counselor III in the Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) program, you’ll play a pivotal role in providing comprehensive support and therapeutic services for justice-involved adults with severe mental illness and addiction issues. You will help clients achieve their personal goals and reduce recidivism in community-based settings, including client homes, justice-involved settings, and community spaces.

Program Overview

FACT is a transformative forensic mental health program focusing on individuals with severe and persistent mental illnesses (SPMI) who have past or current justice involvement. Our multidisciplinary team provides community-based, client-centered, and unlimited services, improving mental health outcomes while addressing criminogenic risks to reduce recidivism. Services include individual therapy, crisis support, SUD counseling, supported employment, medication management, and more.

Responsibilities

• Conduct mental health assessments, behavioral health assessments, and develop Individual Service Plans (ISPs) and Support Plans.
• Maintain fidelity to the Assertive Community Treatment model.
• Guide clients in setting goals and identify realistic steps to achieve them using tools like Strengths Assessment.
• Provide individual and group therapy using evidence-based practices, including strengths-based counseling and motivational interviewing.
• Deliver mental health services in the community, engaging with clients where they are to ensure accessibility and continuity of care.
• Support clients through crisis situations, offering trauma-informed interventions.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date electronic health records (EHR) and ancillary documentation in compliance with agency policies, local, state, and federal regulations, including HIPAA.
• Collaborate with internal and external providers and justice-involved entities (probation officers, judicial staff, correctional facility staff) to ensure coordinated care and advocate for clients.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with landlords, community partners, and other service providers.
• Assist clients in navigating the housing process, including finding housing, addressing barriers, and ensuring housing stability.
• Work closely with other providers and support systems to ensure comprehensive treatment planning and continuity of care.
• Adhere to safety protocols, including emergency procedures, and demonstrate responsibility for the safety of clients and staff.
• Maintain professional boundaries, ethics, and respect for client rights.
• Participate in staff meetings, supervision sessions, and training opportunities to develop professional skills and ensure ongoing compliance with training requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including driving to meet with clients in the community and providing practical support such as transportation.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in behavioral science field from an accredited college or university.
• Demonstrate competencies to become credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) as outlined in the Oregon Administrative Rulings (OARs); or credentialed through state licensing boards: Board of Licensed Social Workers, Board of Licensed Professional Counselors. Certification must be kept current and in compliance with OARs through MHACBO or respective licensing board.
• CADC credential preferred in addition to a master’s degree given the high occurrence of substance use/abuse.
• Experience in a non-profit organization is preferred.
• Ability to conduct a Mental Status assessment and formulate diagnosis according to the most recent DSM.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic knowledge of Trauma Informed Care (TIC), Motivational Interviewing, and Evidence-Based Practices.
• Basic understanding of recovery models, illness management, and strength-based philosophies.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word & Excel).
• CPR Certification (training provided post-hire).
• Possess a valid driver’s license, minimum of one year driving history, ability to pass Driver Motor Vehicle (DMV) check and complete the Cascadia online Defensive Driving course.
• Must have access to a reliable mode of transportation to commute around the Portland metro area.

Working Conditions

Environmental: This role is centered on direct client and community engagement; it is designed for in-person work and does not include hybrid or remote work options. Work is performed in one or more of the following: clinical office, acute care settings, and community settings including client residences, correctional facilities, shelters, hospitals, public places, and other social service sites. Meal periods and breaks are subject to interruption. Universal Precautions and remaining alert to the environment are critical to address the potential for violent behavior, exposure to disease, biohazards, noise, and contaminants. Ability to work some weekends, evenings, and provide on-call support to the assigned team as required.

Mental Demands: The work involves addressing new and unusual circumstances with a degree of unpredictability and disruption of planned tasks, requiring a flexible time management approach. This position requires exercising sound judgment.

Benefits

• Generous Paid Time Off Package: Full-time employees earn 6 weeks of PTO in their first year.
• Medical and Dental Coverage (begins 1st of the month following hire date).
• VSP Vision Discount Plan.
• 403(B) Retirement Savings (Pre and post-tax plans with up to 8% employer matching contribution).
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) (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.
• Wellness Benefits:
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Bike to Work Reimbursement.
  • Discounted Fitness Memberships.
  • Trauma Support Team.

Pay

Starting rate range: $70,331.30 - $75,355.73 USD.