Mental Health Aide I or II (Psychiatric Security Review Board - 23rd Avenue)

This position is based at 23rd Avenue, a residential treatment home located in NW Portland, OR. The schedule is Monday through Wednesday, 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.

About the Organization

Mission: Cascadia Health delivers whole health care – integrated mental health and addiction services, primary care, and housing – to promote hope and support the well-being of the communities we serve.

Vision: We envision a community where everyone benefits from whole health care, experiences well-being, and has a self-directed, connected life.

Cascadia offers diverse trauma-informed treatment services in residential settings, intensive outpatient settings, and the community to individuals mandated to treatment by the State of Oregon's Psychiatric Security Review Board (PSRB). As a forensic program, we provide monitoring and supervision of the stipulations of conditions of release issued by the PSRB prior to the client returning to the community. Our goal is to promote the health, wellness, and safety of the individual within the community.

There are nine PSRB homes in Multnomah County. Single-staffed locations include 23rd Avenue, 75th Avenue, Buena Vista, Overton, Rosewood, and Quints. Double-staffed locations include El Dorado, Orchid House, and Pisgah.

About the Role

As a Mental Health Aide at Cascadia Health, you will support individuals with mental health challenges within our residential settings. Responsibilities include assisting with daily living activities, implementing individualized care plans, and fostering a safe, supportive environment for residents. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to promote recovery and enhance overall well-being. This role requires compassion, patience, and a commitment to providing high-quality, trauma-informed care.

Responsibilities

• Implement and monitor treatment plans for residents as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Promote a strengths-based, resident-centered approach to help residents achieve their goals and transition to a less restrictive setting.
• Provide individual and group-based therapeutic interventions as directed by the mental health treatment plan.
• Supervise and support residents in self-care, hygiene, housekeeping, meal preparation, public transportation, community integration, and social skills.
• Coordinate with shift partners and staff regarding resident concerns, follow-up needs, and building/program needs.
• Accompany and assist residents during appointments, outings, and activities using a company-provided vehicle when possible.
• Administer medications according to providers' orders using a Medication Administration Report (MAR).
• Ensure daily household chores are completed, including light housekeeping and biohazard cleaning.
• Assist in crisis situations, de-escalating residents using non-violent crisis intervention techniques, and following emergency protocols.
• Adhere to compliance with laws, required trainings, safety regulations, mandatory abuse reporting, HIPAA, and fire regulations.
• Participate in staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and agency meetings.
• Document and maintain clinical records in compliance with agency policies and local, state, and federal regulations using an Electronic Health Record System (EHR).
• Complete annual training requirements to conduct ethical work, for professional development, and to stay in compliance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Mental Health Aide I

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Mental Health Aide II

• Must meet the requirements and demonstrate the competencies to be credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA).
• Bachelor’s degree in an approved behavioral science field from an accredited college or university or three years of mental health work experience.
• Certification must be current and in compliance with MHACBO.

Experience in a residential mental health setting and providing skills training services is preferred but not required.

Skills

• 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).
• CPR Certification (training provided post-hire).

Working Conditions

• Environmental: Work is generally performed in a residential treatment home and occasionally in the community. Universal precautions should be taken due to exposure to disease, biohazards, noise, and contaminants.
• Operating Hours: Mental Health Aides operate on three shifts within a 24/7 window: day shift (7:00 am to 3:30 pm), swing shift (3:00 pm to 11:30 pm), and overnight shift (11:00 pm to 7:30 am). Float positions fill in shifts as needed and default to one program if no coverage is needed. Per diem (On-call) positions provide coverage as available with a minimum shift requirement of 12 shifts per quarter. Schedules may vary depending on program.
• Additional Compensation/Differentials: Swing shift receives an additional $1.00/hr. Overnight shifts receive an additional $3.00/hr. Secure location staff receive an additional $1.00/hr. for working in a secure facility. Per diem positions include an additional $2.00/hr. in lieu of benefits.
• Mental: Meal periods and breaks may be interrupted. Constant awareness and alertness are critical to detect and address escalated, potentially volatile situations.
• Physical Demands: Requires constant alertness, perception, and awareness of surroundings. Regularly involves stationary work at a computer, moving around program spaces, assisting residents with daily living tasks, cleaning, and using a computer for documentation. Requires occasional lifting of 20 to 50 lbs. (e.g., supplies). Requires occasional fast movement in potentially escalated situations to evade harm.

Pay

Mental Health Aide I: Base pay $21.90/hr. to $22.56/hr. DOE

Mental Health Aide II: Base pay $24.81/hr. to $25.84/hr. DOE

Benefits

We offer generous benefits for our full-time and part-time employees (20 hours + pro-rated) including:

• Generous Paid Time Off Package: 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.
• Supplemental Insurance.
• Student loan forgiveness options.

Wellness Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Bike to Work Reimbursement.
• Discounted Fitness Memberships.
• Trauma Support Team.