Community Counselor III (Housing Outreach)

Job Overview

The position is located at Garlington Health Center in NE Portland, OR. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

About the Role

The Community Counselor III works on the Housing Outreach Team, providing home and community based services to participants who experienced homelessness and have a mental health disability. Services focus on stabilizing housing, ending homelessness, improving health, and supporting mental health recovery.

Responsibilities

• Conduct mental health assessments and develop Individual Service Plans (ISPs) and Support Plans.
• Guide clients in setting goals and identifying 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.
• Engage with clients in the community to ensure accessibility and continuity of care.
• Support clients through crisis situations, offering interventions in a trauma-informed environment.
• 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 to ensure coordinated care and advocate for clients to secure needed services.
• Aid 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 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.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in behavioral science field from an accredited college or university.
• Demonstrate the 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.
• Three years of clinical experience providing inpatient or outpatient services is preferred.
• Experience working with individuals who experience homelessness and with individuals experiencing substance use issues 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).
• 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.

Specialized Skills And Knowledge

• 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).

Working Conditions

• Environmental: Work with clients is performed primarily in the community and in participant’s homes with some office work being performed in an outpatient clinic setting where the team is based or in a designated primary site related to a specific program.
• Operating Hours: Most work is performed during normal business hours but may include occasional evenings or weekend work.
• 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 and structure support community integration assisting clients in continued growth for successful independent living. The employee must have the ability to assist residents to participate in a variety of activities, events, and excursions involving skills building and community integration.

Benefits

• Generous Paid Time Off Package
• 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
• Supplemental Insurance
• Student loan forgiveness options
• Wellness Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Bike to Work Reimbursement
• Discounted Fitness Memberships
• Trauma Support Team

Starting Rate Range

$70,331.30 - $75,355.73

Equal Opportunity Employer

Cascadia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, contact us at 503-963-7654. This position is represented by a labor union.