Mental Health Aide I or II (Secure - Arbor Place)

This position is based at Arbor Place, a secure residential treatment facility located in NE Portland, OR.

About the role

As a Mental Health Aide at Cascadia Health, you will play a vital role in supporting individuals with mental health challenges within our residential settings. Your responsibilities include assisting with daily living activities, implementing individualized care plans, and fostering a safe, supportive environment for our residents. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to promote recovery and enhance the overall well-being of those in your care. This position 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.

Requirements

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).
• Must have a 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.

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).

Schedule

The schedule for this position is Friday through Tuesday, 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

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.

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

Additional Compensation/Differentials:

• Swing shift receives an additional $1.00/hr. in addition to the base pay.
• Overnight shifts receive an additional $3.00/hr. in addition to the base pay.
• 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 the base pay in lieu of benefits.

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.

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.
• 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 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.