Community Counselor III (Intensive Case Management)

Location: Talbert Health Center, Clackamas, OR

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

About the Role

Cascadia’s Intensive Case Management (ICM) is a community-based, interdisciplinary team that provides flexible services tailored to each person’s changing needs and personal recovery goals. The length of services depends on each participant’s level of need and engagement. The team consists of community counselors, skills trainers, and peer providers, and is expanding to include medical staff for a fully integrated approach.

ICM serves individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) who benefit more from community-based services than traditional clinic-based care. The goal is to meet participants where they are, supporting their recovery journey, often using integrated dual disorder treatment (IDDT).

The Community Counselor III provides and coordinates supportive and therapeutic mental health services within a Trauma Informed Care environment. This role operates from a Strengths Based philosophical framework for a caseload of approximately twenty adults. The team uses creativity and out-of-the-box thinking to develop personal recovery plans with clients, helping them overcome barriers to recovery.

Responsibilities

• Complete and implement mental health assessments and Individual Service Plans.
• Apply knowledge of accepted treatment practices and implement treatment plans.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment plans and recommend alternate strategies as necessary.
• Assess client behavior and diagnose mental health disorders.
• Complete Strengths Assessment covering six life domains: independent living, vocational/educational, financial/insurance, social supports, health, and leisure/recreational.
• Use the Strengths Assessment to set initial long-term goals and develop the Individualized Support and Services Plan.
• Guide clients in setting their own goals and identifying realistic steps to achieve them.
• Utilize naturally occurring resources to assist clients 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 records (EHR) and ancillary records in compliance with agency policies and regulations.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation for billing, assessment, treatment, and progress.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external partners to ensure clients receive optimal treatment.
• Advocate for clients when difficulties arise in obtaining needed services.
• Work cooperatively in a team setting to coordinate continuity of care.
• Provide input into the establishment of operational procedures.
• Adhere to departmental rules, company policies, and contractual or grant terms.
• Understand and abide by federal regulations (42 CFR Part 2 and HIPAA) for client confidentiality.
• Respect and honor client rights and responsibilities, demonstrating professional boundaries and ethics.
• Assist in crisis situations, following emergency protocols and coordinating with the treatment team to support a trauma-informed environment.
• Demonstrate responsibility for safety of clients, staff, and property; familiarity with fire regulations and evacuation procedures.
• Complete annual employee training requirements as indicated by licensing and agency requirements.
• Attend seminars, training, and other educational opportunities to develop professional skills.
• Remain flexible, support peer staff, and seek clinical support when needed.
• Participate in all scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental or agency meetings.
• Seek additional supervision as needed.
• Adhere to mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPAA requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in a 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 Rules (OAR). Certification must be current and in compliance with OARs.
• CADC credential preferred, given the high occurrence of substance use/abuse.
• Clinical experience providing inpatient or outpatient services preferred.
• Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment (IDDT) experience preferred.
• Valid driver’s license with a three-year driving history, clean driving record, and ability to pass a DMV check.
• Complete Cascadia’s online Defensive Driving course.
• Access to reliable transportation.

Skills

• Able to conduct a Mental Status assessment and formulate a diagnosis according to the most current DSM.
• Understand the recovery model, motivational interviewing, and illness management and recovery.
• Thorough knowledge of evidence-based practices and strength-based case management philosophies and strategies.
• Operate computer hardware and software effectively to perform job functions, including data entry and retrieval.
• Comfortable working in a variety of Portland neighborhoods and client home environments.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in the community, clinical office, and acute care settings. The majority of work occurs during regular business hours, with potential early evening extensions for specific client needs or events. The role requires comfort in diverse neighborhoods and the ability to develop clinical skills in clients’ home environments.

Daily routines may be hectic, requiring the ability to perform various functions and occasionally cover tasks for other employees. Meal periods and breaks may be subject to interruption. Universal precautions and environmental awareness are critical due to the potential for violent behavior, exposure to disease, biohazards, noise, and contaminants.

Mental demands include addressing diverse and unpredictable circumstances, requiring flexible time management. Physical demands involve assisting the team in ensuring safety in potentially volatile situations.

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 Savings: Pre- and post-tax plans with up to 8% employer matching contribution.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options for medical, dependent care, and transportation.
• Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance.
• Paid Bereavement and Jury Duty Leave.
• Length of Service Award.
• Voluntary Life Insurance and Supplemental Insurance.
• Student loan forgiveness options.

• 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.