Mental Health Aide II (Multnomah Co. - Firefly)

Location: Firefly, a residential treatment facility in NE Portland, OR.

Schedule

• Tuesday through Saturday, 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
• Operating hours span three shifts within a 24/7 window:
  • Day shift: 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Swing shift: 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. (additional $1.00/hr)
  • Overnight shift: 11:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. (additional $3.00/hr)
• Float positions fill in shifts as needed; per diem (on-call) positions provide coverage up to 12 shifts per quarter.
• Secure locations receive an additional $1.00/hr.
• Per diem positions include an additional $2.00/hr in lieu of benefits.
• Bilingual pay available depending on language and ability to pass competency exam.

About the Role

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

Cascadia Health delivers whole health care—integrated mental health and addiction services, primary care, and housing—to promote hope and support community well-being. We operate licensed residential treatment homes for adults experiencing mental health challenges, providing psychiatric treatment, personal care, skills training, and case management. Referrals are typically from counties and the state for individuals leaving the state hospital.

Responsibilities

• Implement and monitor treatment plans for residents as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Promote a strengths-based, client-centered approach to help residents achieve goals and transition to less restrictive settings.
• 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 Record (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 (Pro-ACT) 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 for ethical work, professional development, and compliance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must meet requirements and demonstrate 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.
• CPR certification (training provided post-hire).

Qualifications

• 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).

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 involves stationary work at a computer, moving around program spaces, assisting residents with daily living tasks, cleaning, and documentation. Occasional lifting of 20 to 50 lbs. (e.g., supplies). Requires occasional fast movement in potentially escalated situations to evade harm.

Pay

Base pay: $24.81/hr. to $25.84/hr., depending on experience.

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 Plan: Eligible after 60 days with immediate 100% vesting and a 1-to-1 company match up to 3% per pay period, plus discretionary contribution (up to 5%) at the end of the fiscal year.
• 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.