Counselor III (Older Adult - Integrated Team Based Care)

Position Description

The Counselor III plays a critical role within Cascadia, ensuring timely and effective behavioral health assessments and service planning, individual and group interventions and, developing case presentations for the team. This position provides and coordinates a wide range of supportive and therapeutic mental health services for individuals who experience severe mental illnesses and addiction issues.

Essential Duties

• Complete timely and implement comprehensive behavioral health assessments for new and ongoing clients.
• Conduct diagnostic evaluations using DSM-5 criteria to inform individualized treatment planning.
• Complete and implement treatment plans and other clinically indicated assessments, including annual reviews.
• Engage clients and their support systems in the development of person-centered service plans, incorporating goals that reflect client priorities and address social determinants of health.
• Monitor and revise service plans based on client progress, evolving needs, and interdisciplinary team input.
• Provide individual and group counseling, including community-based interventions, consistent with service plans.
• Promote illness self-management and recovery throughout treatment.
• Facilitate family/support person sessions and conduct termination sessions as appropriate.
• Recognize warning signs of crisis and implement prevention and intervention strategies to ensure safety.
• Offer psychoeducation and link clients and families to external resources as needed.
• Apply Feedback Informed Treatment (FIT) practices as part of service delivery team.
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to minimize care gaps and prevent duplication of services.
• Coordinate, monitor, and evaluate services required to meet client's health, social and other needs.
• Collaborate with hospitals to support client discharge planning and continuity of care.
• Offer clinical guidance and support to team members, promoting collaborative problem-solving and service quality.
• Respond to client crises, providing assessments and interventions aimed at de-escalation and stabilization.
• Connect clients in distress with appropriate staff or community resources for further support.

Regulatory & Compliance

• Comply with and implement regulations, policies, and procedures under which the program operates.
• Assist in crisis situations as appropriate, following emergency protocols/procedures.
• Respect and honor client rights and responsibilities and demonstrate professional boundaries and ethics.
• Document and maintain clinical records in compliance with agency policies and local, state, and federal regulations and billing requirements.
• Complete electronic medical records (EMR) as required.
• Adhere to mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPAA requirements.
• Complete annual employee training requirements on a timely basis.
• Participate in all scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and agency meetings.

Qualifications

Required: Must have a master's degree in a behavioral science field from an accredited college or university. Must meet the requirements to be credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) through MHACBO.

Preferred: Clinical experience within a safety net organization.

Specialized Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Effective communication and active listening skills.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Philosophy and values consistent with a patient-centered care model.
• Ability to work proactively and effectively in a team as well as independently.
• Basic knowledge of Trauma Informed Care (TIC), Motivational Interviewing, and evidence-based practices.
• Basic understanding of recovery model, illness management and strength-based philosophies.
• Operate computer hardware and software at a level needed to effectively perform job functions.
• Must have the ability to travel to multiple locations throughout the Portland Metro area.
• Ability to perform CPR, First Aid, and effectively use AED equipment. CPR/First Aid certifications are required and must remain current.