Counselor III - Integrated Team Based Care (Adult Outpatient)

Location: Plaza Health Center in SE Portland, OR. Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This is an on-site position; remote or hybrid work is not available.

About the Role

Working in an adult outpatient setting, Counselor III’s provide evidence-based clinical interventions, case management support, and crisis intervention to adults who meet diagnostic criteria for severe and persistent mental illness. Clinicians utilize a trauma-informed lens and cultural-awareness to serve clients through a treatment team approach that includes medication management, addiction treatment, and primary care services.

Responsibilities

• Utilize a variety of evidence-based practices to deliver therapeutic services tailored to client needs.
• Complete comprehensive behavioral health assessments, create individualized service plans, and maintain accurate and timely electronic health records (EHR).
• Work closely with other providers and support systems to ensure comprehensive treatment planning and continuity of care.
• Offer strengths-based case management and motivational interviewing in community venues using assertive engagement techniques.
• Establish trusting relationships with clients to support self-advocacy, goal setting, and achievement of personal milestones.
• Nurture collaborative relationships with community stakeholders to promote stability and continuity of care.
• Provide crisis intervention services and utilize de-escalation techniques to minimize acute care and hospitalization.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date documentation compliant with agency policies, local, state, and federal regulations, and billing requirements.
• Support clients in obtaining necessary services and benefits, including medical, housing, and social services.
• Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in behavioral science from an accredited college or university.
• Demonstrated competencies to become credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) per Oregon Administrative Rulings (OARs) or licensed through the Board of Licensed Social Workers or Board of Licensed Professional Counselors; certification must remain current.
• Ability to conduct Mental Status assessments and formulate diagnoses according to the most recent DSM.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills.
• Understanding of recovery model, motivational interviewing, illness management and recovery, evidence-based practices, and strength-based case management.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word & Excel).
• CPR Certification (training provided post-hire).

Working Conditions

• Environmental: Work is generally performed in an outpatient setting and occasionally in the community or residential treatment facility. Universal precautions are required due to potential exposure to disease, biohazards, noise, and contaminants.
• Operating Hours: Typically general business hours, with possible after-hours crisis response or on-call duties for multiple programs.
• Mental: Meal periods and breaks may be interrupted; constant awareness and alertness are critical to address escalated or volatile situations.
• Physical Demands: Ability to assist clients in community integration activities, events, and excursions. May require providing transportation using agency vehicles. Must be able to assist in ensuring safety during 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 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.
• Wellness Benefits:
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Bike to Work Reimbursement.
  • Discounted Fitness Memberships.
  • Trauma Support Team.

Pay

Starting rate range: $65,731.24 - $70,436.33 USD.