Mental Health Aide II (Secure - Arbor Place)

Location: Arbor Place, a secure residential treatment facility in NE Portland, OR.

About the Role

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

Program Overview

Cascadia operates three secure residential homes in the Portland Metro area for adults experiencing severe and persistent mental health challenges. Services focus on psychiatric treatment, personal care, skills training, and case management. Residents are referred from counties or the state and must be under commitment or have a guardian. The goal is to ensure immediate safety and prepare individuals for less restrictive living environments.

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 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 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 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).

Schedule

This position follows a Friday through Tuesday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. schedule. Mental Health Aides operate on 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, and per diem (on-call) positions provide coverage with a minimum of 12 shifts per quarter. Secure location staff receive an additional $1.00/hr.

Pay

Base pay ranges from $24.81/hr. to $25.84/hr., depending on experience. Additional compensation includes:

• Swing shift: +$1.00/hr.
• Overnight shift: +$3.00/hr.
• Secure facility staff: +$1.00/hr.
• Per diem positions: +$2.00/hr. in lieu of benefits.

Working Conditions

• Environmental: Work is performed in a residential treatment home and occasionally in the community. Universal precautions are required 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. Includes stationary work at a computer, moving around program spaces, assisting residents with daily living tasks, cleaning, and occasional lifting of 20 to 50 lbs. Fast movement may be required in potentially escalated situations.

Benefits

Generous benefits are available for full-time and part-time employees (20+ hours, pro-rated):

• Paid Time Off: Full-time employees earn 6 weeks of PTO in their first year.
• Medical and Dental Coverage: Begins the 1st of the month following hire date.
• Vision: VSP Vision Discount Plan.
• Retirement: 403(B) Retirement Savings with up to 8% employer matching contribution (pre- and post-tax plans).
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Medical, dependent care, and transportation options.
• Insurance: Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance.
• Leave: Paid Bereavement and Jury Duty Leave.
• Additional Benefits: Length of Service Award, Voluntary Life Insurance, Supplemental Insurance, and student loan forgiveness options.
• Wellness Benefits: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Bike to Work Reimbursement, Discounted Fitness Memberships, and Trauma Support Team.