Counselor III - Urgent Walk-in Clinic

Job Overview

The Counselor III, UWIC provides risk assessment and crisis stabilization planning for adults and children in Multnomah County.  This position is responsible for providing and coordinating a wide range of supportive and therapeutic mental health services to ensure the best possible treatment for individuals served.

This position must understand, appreciate, and respect the differences within our Cascadia community.   As such, it is expected that this position promotes integrated care, our vision of trauma-informed and person-first approaches and helps create a work environment of acceptance.

Essential Duties

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. 

General

·       Conduct comprehensive risk assessments to identify potential harm to self or others, utilizing clinical interviews and relevant collateral information.

·       Evaluate intervention options by clearly outlining potential outcomes, risks, and benefits, and document rationale for chosen clinical decisions.

·       Provide on‑site crisis response, risk assessment, and safety planning for adults and children in Multnomah County experiencing mental health crises.

·       Coordinate care with internal team members, including supervisors, program managers, medical directors; and collaborate with external service providers throughout Multnomah County to support crisis response and stabilization.

·       Provide assessment dispositions to treatment providers and emergency departments, ensuring timely and accurate communication of clinical findings.

·       Initiate involuntary holds when clinically appropriate and complete all required legal and clinical documentation.

·       Offer information, support, and linkage to mental health treatment and other social services to promote ongoing stabilization and care engagement.

·       Perform crisis assessments, complete enrollment paperwork, and ensure all documentation meets organizational and regulatory standards.

·       Apply Feedback Informed Treatment (FIT) practices in alignment with Cascadia and program-level implementation.

·       Perform other duties as assigned.

Regulatory & Compliance

·       Comply with and implement regulations, policies, and procedures under which the department operates.

·       Assist in crisis situations as appropriate, following emergency protocols and procedures.  

• Document and maintain electronic health record (EHR) and ancillary records in a manner that ensures compliance with all agency policies, program procedures and local, state, and federal regulations.   

·       Understand fire regulations and evacuation procedures; participate in regular safety drills in compliance with department policies and procedures.

• Adhere to federal regulations of Alcohol and Drug information, 42CFR Part 2, mandatory abuse reporting laws, and HIPAA regulations for client confidentiality.

·       Complete annual employee training requirements on a timely basis.

·       Participate in all scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and agency meetings.

Qualifications

Education:

Required:

Must have a master’s degree in a behavioral science field from an accredited college or university. Demonstrate the competencies to become credentialed as a QMHP as outlined in the Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR). Certification must be current and in compliance with the OAR’s. Must meet the requirements to be credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) through MHACBO.

Experience:

Preferred:

Three years of clinical experience providing inpatient or outpatient services.

Specialized Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Effective communication and active listening skills.

Demonstrated effective interpersonal and customer service skills.

Ability to work proactively and effectively in a team as well as independently.

Knowledge of HIPAA/42CFR regulations.

Conduct a Mental Status assessment and formulate a diagnosis according to the most current DSM.  

Advanced knowledge of risk assessment and crisis intervention. 

Understand evidence-based practices, and strength-based case management philosophies and strategies including trauma informed care.  

Operate computer hardware and software at a level needed to effectively perform job functions, including the ability to operate Electronic Health Record software. 

Other:

Must have the ability to travel to multiple locations throughout the Portland Metro area.

Must have the ability to perform CPR and properly use AED equipment. BLS certification training will be provided within the first 60 days of hire for client-facing staff, and CPR certification training will be provided within 120 days for all other staff. Certification must remain current.

Core Competencies

Teamwork:

Contribute to a culture that promotes cooperation, respectful communication, and mutual trust. Collaborate across interdisciplinary teams by working together and sharing ideas, skills, and knowledge to achieve common goals. Foster environment that fuels creativity by combining differing perspectives and experiences to generate innovative solutions.

Ethics, Values, & Integrity:

Maintain a respectful work environment where decisions are transparent and objective. Hold yourself and Cascadia Health accountable for their actions while contributing to a positive organizational culture.

Emotional Awareness:
Understand and manage one’s own emotions while respecting diverse emotional expressions and communication styles of others. This includes recognizing the varied ways emotions can influence thoughts and behaviors and adapting interactions to enhance interpersonal effectiveness and self-awareness.

Culture:

Positively contribute to a work environment that values all individuals. Evaluate social situations to determine what is expected or required to recognize the feelings and intentions of others.

Safety:

Actively contribute to the safety and welfare of the Cascadia community through prevention, education, and awareness. Participate in and promote a work environment that identifies and prevents workplace safety issues.

Working Conditions

Environmental:

This role is centered on direct client and community engagement; it is designed for in-person work and does not include hybrid or remote work options.

Work is performed in one or more of the following: administrative office, clinical office, acute care settings and community setting including client residences, correctional facilities, shelters, hospitals, public places and other social service sites. Meal periods and breaks are subject to interruption. Universal Precautions and remaining alert to the environment are critical to address the potential for aggressive behavior, exposure to disease, biohazards, noise, and contaminants.

Mental Demands:

The work assigned is diverse and involves addressing new and unusual circumstances. The work regularly involves a degree of unpredictability and disruption of planned tasks requiring a flexible time management approach. In addition, this position requires exercising sound judgment.

Cascadia is an Equal Opportunity employer.  If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at 503.963.7654 or at [email protected]

This position is represented by a labor union.

Employees are responsible for obtaining and maintaining all licenses, certifications, registrations, and other credentials required for their position. Required credentials must remain active and in good standing as a condition of employment. Candidates are encouraged to familiarize themselves with any applicable credentialing requirements, including associated fees and renewal or maintenance obligations, prior to applying.

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 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
• Supplemental Insurance
• Student loan forgiveness options

Wellness Benefits:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Bike to Work Reimbursement

Starting Rate Range in USD ($)