Counselor III, UWIC

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.

Essential Duties

• 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.

Regulatory & Compliance

• Comply with and implement regulations, policies, and procedures under which the department operates.
• Document and maintain electronic health record (EHR) and ancillary records in compliance with agency policies, program procedures and local, state, and federal regulations.
• Adhere to federal regulations of Alcohol and Drug information, 42CFR Part 2, mandatory abuse reporting laws, and HIPAA regulations for client confidentiality.

Qualifications

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). Must meet the requirements to be credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) through MHACBO.

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.
• 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.