Community Counselor III (Intensive Case Management)

About the role

The Community Counselor III position is located at the Plaza Health Center in SE Portland, OR, with a Monday through Friday schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Responsibilities

• Complete and implement mental health assessments and Individual Service Plans.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment plans and recommend alternate strategies as necessary.
• Assess client behavior and be able to diagnose mental health disorders.
• Complete Strengths Assessment covering six life domains.
• Develop the Individualized Support and Services Plan.
• Guide clients in setting their own goals and identifying realistic steps to achieve these goals.
• Utilize naturally occurring resources to assist the person in achieving their goals.
• Explore formal mental health services only when necessary.
• Provide strengths-based counseling focused on minimizing illness and maximizing client’s strengths.
• Document and maintain electronic health record (EHR) and ancillary records.
• Work with others to ensure assigned clients receive the best possible treatment.
• Advocate for each individual when needed.
• Coordinate continuity of care with the treatment team.
• Provide input into the establishment of operational procedures.
• Adhere to departmental rules, company policies, and terms and conditions of contracts or grants.
• Understand and abide by federal regulation of Alcohol and Drug information, 42CFR Part 2 and HIPAA regulations for client confidentiality.
• Respect and honor client rights and responsibilities and demonstrate professional boundaries and ethics.
• Assist in crisis situations as appropriate.
• Demonstrate responsibility for safety of clients, staff, and property.
• Complete annual employee training requirements.
• Attend seminars, training, and other educational opportunities.
• Remain flexible and able to support peer staff and ask for clinical support when needed.
• Participate in all scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and agency meetings.
• Solicit additional supervision as needed.
• Adhere to mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPAA requirements.
• Remain awake on all shifts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A Master’s Degree in a 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 Rules (OAR).
• The CADC credential is preferred in addition to a Master’s Degree given the high occurrence of substance use/abuse.
• Clinical experience providing inpatient or outpatient services is preferred.
• Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment (IDDT) experience preferred.
• Able to conduct a Mental Status assessment and formulate a diagnosis according to the most current DSM.
• Thorough knowledge of evidence based practices, and strength based case management philosophies and strategies.
• Operate computer hardware and software at a level needed to effectively perform job functions.
• Enter and retrieve data.

Specialized Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Able to conduct a Mental Status assessment and formulate a diagnosis according to the most current DSM.
• Understand recovery model, motivational interviewing, illness management and recovery.
• Thorough knowledge of evidence based practices, and strength based case management philosophies and strategies.
• Operate computer hardware and software at a level needed to effectively perform job functions.
• Enter and retrieve data.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in the community, clinical office, and acute care settings.
• The majority of the work is performed during regular business hours with potential of extending into the early evening only for a specific client need or event.
• The incumbent should be comfortable in a variety of Portland's neighborhoods, comfortable exploring opportunities within the client's neighborhood, and able to develop clinical skills with clients in their home environments.
• Incumbents in this position are provided a company cell phone and are equipped with an electronic notepad that can accompany them into the community to add in clinical records access and timely documentation.
• Daily routines may be hectic and will likely require the Community Counselor III to perform various functions and, on occasion, perform the tasks of other employees as needed.
• Meal periods and breaks are subject to interruption.
• Mental Demands: The work assigned is diverse and involves addressing new and unusual circumstances in which outcomes may negatively affect costs, employee morale or clients. The work regularly involves a degree of unpredictability and disruption of planned tasks requiring a flexible time management approach.
• Physical Demands: Activities and structure support community integration while assisting residents in continued growth for successful independent living. Employee must have the ability to assist the team in providing safety to all residents and staff in potentially volatile situations.