Mental Health Aide 1 or 2

Job Overview

Location: This position is located at Faulkner Place, a secure residential treatment facility in SE Portland, OR.

Schedule: The schedule for this position is Friday through Tuesday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Position: Mental Health Aide I or II

Program: Secure

Cascadia’s Mission and Vision:  

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.

Program Description: Cascadia operates three secure residential homes in the Portland Metro area. These are homes 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. Our work is important, impactful, and rewarding to those we are lucky enough to serve. Sites include Faulkner Place, Arbor Place, and Barbara Roberts House.

Position Summary: 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.

Essential Responsibilities:

This position description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position.  Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties as necessary.  

• 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

Education:

Mental Health Aide I:

• Required: High school diploma or equivalent.

• Compensation: Base Pay $21.90/hr. to $ 22.56/hr. DOE

Mental Health Aide II: 

• Must meet the requirements and demonstrate the competencies to be credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA).

• Required: 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.

• Required: Certification must be current and in compliance with MHACBO.

•  Compensation: Base Pay $24.81/hr. to $25.84/hr. DOE

Experience:

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

Specialized Skills and Knowledge:

• 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).

Other:

• 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: Depending on program, shift, and other factors, additional compensation may be available. 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.

• 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.

Cascadia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, contact us at 503-963-7654.

This position is represented by a labor union.

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

Starting Rate Range in USD ($)