Mental Health Aide II

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

Cascadia operates three secure residential homes in the Portland Metro area for adults who experience severe and persistent mental health challenges. Employees work as a team to provide comprehensive services that focus on psychiatric treatment, personal care, skills training, and case management. Our residents are referred from the counties or the state and must either be under commitment or have a guardian. The focus of treatment is on immediate safety and preparing individuals to live in a less restrictive environment.

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

• Provide individual and group-based therapeutic interventions for residents as directed by the mental health treatment plan and meet productivity standards.
• Provide supervision and support to residents in areas of self-care, hygiene, housekeeping, meal preparation, use of public transportation, community integration, and social skills.
• Coordinate with shift partner(s) and staff ending shift regarding resident concerns, needed follow-up, building/program needs, etc.
• Accompany residents to, and assist residents during, various types of appointments, outings, and activities in the community, generally using a company-provided vehicle.
• Administer medications following the provider’s orders using a Medication Administration Report (MAR).
• Review daily cleaning schedule and collaborate with staff to ensure daily household chores are completed, including light housekeeping and cleaning of biohazards. Assist in meal set-up, preparation, serving, and clean-up.
• Assist in crisis situations and with de-escalating residents using non-violent crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques (Pro-ACT).
• Adhere to compliance, required laws and trainings, safety regulations, mandatory abuse reporting laws, and HIPAA.
• Participate in all scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and agency meetings.
• Document and maintain clinical records in compliance with agency policy and local, state, and federal regulations using the Electronic Health Record System (EHR).
• Complete annual employee training requirements for ethical work, professional development, and compliance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science field from an accredited college or university or three years of full-time professional experience providing direct service to individuals in a social service setting.
• Demonstrate competencies to become credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA), as outlined in the Oregon Administrative Rulings (OARs). Certification must be kept current and in compliance with OARs through MHACBO.
• Experience in a residential mental health setting and providing skills training services is preferred but not required.
• 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).

Schedule

• This position is located at Arbor Place with a schedule of Tuesday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Location is based on program need and is scheduled one month at a time with notice provided for changes.
• Employees are expected to meet FTE requirements each week across the secure residential programs.
• 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.
• Per diem (On-call) positions provide coverage up to 12 shifts per quarter, as available.

Pay

• Starting rate: $24.72 - $25.84 per hour.
• Secure locations receive an additional $1.00/hr.
• Swing shift receives an additional $1.00/hr.
• Overnight shifts receive an additional $3.00/hr.
• Per diem positions include an additional $2.00/hr in lieu of benefits.
• Bilingual pay is available depending on language and ability to pass competency exam.

Benefits

• 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 Plan – Eligible after 60 days with immediate 100% vesting and a 1-to-1 company match up to 3% per pay period, plus the opportunity for an additional discretionary contribution (up to 5%) at the end of the fiscal year.
• 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.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Bike to Work Reimbursement.
• Discounted Fitness Memberships.
• Trauma Support Team.

Working Conditions

• Environmental: Work is generally performed in a supportive/supported housing facility 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 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.