Counselor III (Integrated Team Based Care)

This position is located at our Garlington Health Center in NE Portland, OR. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This position is not hybrid or available for remote work.

About the Role

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

Responsibilities

• Utilize a variety of evidence-based practices to deliver individual therapy and facilitate therapeutic groups 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, using assertive engagement techniques to meet clients where they are.
• Establish trusting relationships with clients to support self-advocacy, goal setting, and achievement of personal milestones.
• Establish and nurture collaborative relationships with community stakeholders to promote stability and continuity of care.
• Provide crisis intervention services and utilize de-escalation techniques to minimize the need for acute care and hospitalization.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation that ensures compliance with all agency policies and procedures and local, state, and federal regulations, and billing requirements.
• Support clients in obtaining necessary services and benefits, including medical, housing, and social services.
• Comply with laws, regulations, policies, and procedures under which the program and company operates.

Requirements

• 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. Certification must be kept current and in compliance with OARs through MHACBO or respective licensing board.
• Clinical experience providing inpatient or outpatient adult mental health services is preferred.
• Able to perform CPR, First Aid, and properly use AED equipment. CPR/First Aid certifications are required and must remain current (training provided post-hire).

Skills

• Ability to conduct a Mental Status assessment and formulate diagnosis 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 philosophies and strategies.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word & Excel).

Working Conditions

• Environmental: Work is generally performed in an outpatient setting and occasionally in the community or residential treatment facility. Universal precautions should be taken due to exposure to disease, biohazards, noise, and contaminants.
• Operating Hours: Typically works general business hours, though may be required to respond to crises after hours or if designated as the counselor on-call for multiple programs. Schedules may vary depending on program.
• 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. Must have the ability to assist clients in a variety of activities, events, and excursions. May need to be approved to provide transportation using agency vehicles. Must assist the team in providing 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 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.
• 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.