Community Counselor III (Housing Outreach)

Location: Garlington Health Center in NE Portland, OR. Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

About the role

The Community Counselor III will work on the Housing Outreach Team, providing home and community-based services to participants—individuals and families—who have experienced homelessness and have a mental health disability. Services focus on supporting participants and/or families to stabilize housing, end homelessness, improve health, and advance mental health recovery. The role involves assisting participants in obtaining income, medical care, and community support systems while promoting a strengths-based, client-centered approach to achieving individual goals.

Responsibilities

• Conduct mental health assessments, behavioral health assessments, and develop Individual Service Plans (ISPs) and Support Plans.
• 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 documentation in compliance with agency policies, local, state, and federal regulations, including HIPAA.
• Collaborate with internal and external providers to ensure coordinated care and advocate for clients to secure needed services.
• 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.
• Complete required housing and program documentation, including grant-specific paperwork and data entry.
• 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 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 from an accredited college or university.
• Demonstrate competencies to become credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) as outlined in 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.
• Three years of clinical experience providing inpatient or outpatient services is preferred.
• Experience working with individuals who experience homelessness and those with substance use issues is preferred.
• Ability to conduct a Mental Status assessment and formulate a 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 a Driver Motor Vehicle (DMV) check, and complete the Cascadia online Defensive Driving course.

Working Conditions

• Environmental: Work is performed primarily in the community and in participants’ homes, with some office work in an outpatient clinic setting.
• Operating Hours: Most work is performed during normal business hours but may include occasional evenings or weekends.
• Mental: Meal periods and breaks may be interrupted. Constant awareness and alertness are critical to detect and address escalated, potentially volatile situations.
• Physical Demands: Activities support community integration, assisting clients in continued growth for successful independent living. The employee must be able to assist residents in participating in a variety of activities, events, and excursions involving skills building and community integration.

Benefits

• Generous Paid Time Off: Full-time employees earn 6 weeks of PTO in their first year.
• Medical and Dental Coverage: Begins the 1st 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 (up to 5%) at the end of the fiscal year.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Medical, dependent care, and transportation options.
• Insurance: Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance.
• Paid Leave: Bereavement and Jury Duty.
• 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.