Counselor III, UWIC

Job Overview

Location/Schedule: This position is located at the Plaza Health Center, in SE Portland. The schedule for this position is Saturday and Sunday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Monday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Position: Counselor III, UWIC

Program: Urgent Walk-In Clinic

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. 

Job Overview 
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Counselor III for our Urgent Walk-In Clinic (UWIC) to serve adults and children in Multnomah County experiencing mental health crises. This role involves providing risk assessment, crisis stabilization planning, and coordinating mental health services in a Trauma-Informed Care environment. As a key part of the UWIC team, the Counselor III will use creativity and unique approaches to help clients develop recovery plans, advocate for their needs, and overcome barriers. This dynamic role is essential for stabilizing individuals in crisis and connecting them to ongoing care. 

Essential Duties 

Provide crisis response, risk assessment, and safety planning for clients at the clinic. Complete crisis assessments, coordinate care, and facilitate enrollment for new clients. Consult with supervisors, program managers, and medical directors for comprehensive care. Initiate involuntary holds when necessary, following appropriate documentation. Link clients to ongoing mental health treatment and social services. Teach and model positive behaviors while helping clients reestablish a sense of self. Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the Electronic Health Record (EHR). Collaborate with service providers across Multnomah County to ensure coordinated care. Respect client rights, maintain professional boundaries, and follow ethical guidelines. Provide clinical consultation to other Cascadia programs as need arises. Understand and abide by federal regulations of Alcohol and Drug information, 42CFR Part 2, mandatory abuse reporting laws, and HIPAA regulations for client confidentiality. Demonstrate responsibility for the safety of consumers, staff and property; demonstrate familiarity with fire regulations and evacuation procedures. Perform other duties as assigned. 

Role Specific Responsibilities  

Identify and assess risk factors for harm to self or others in the context of the client’s current pyscho-social context via interview with client and with careful consideration of collateral information.  Consider and articulate potential outcomes of various interventions, discuss their risks and benefits, and formulate why a particular course of action was pursued in lieu of other options.  If further evaluation at an Emergency Department is compelled facilitate this in a manner that is trauma-informed and client-centered.  On-call positions provide relief to regular staff in the UWIC program. They require the ability to work a flexible schedule and must commit to working a minimum of 4 shifts a month.  

Qualifications 

Education: Master’s Degree in a behavioral science field. Qualified as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP), or eligibility for registration with MHACBO. CADC preferred. Experience: Three years of clinical experience in inpatient or outpatient services preferred. Skills: Proficient in conducting Mental Status Assessments, familiar with the DSM, and knowledgeable in evidence-based practices and Motivational Interviewing. 

Work Environment and Physical Requirements 

Ability to manage crisis situations in a trauma-informed manner. Physical demands include occasional stooping, lifting, and running. Regular sitting, standing, walking, and keyboarding required. 

Cascadia is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply, and we do not discriminate based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. 

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 30 days after hire date)VSP Vision Discount Plan403(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 InsurancePaid Bereavement and Jury Duty LeaveLength of Service AwardVoluntary Life InsuranceSupplemental InsuranceStudent loan forgiveness options

Wellness Benefits:

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)Bicycle ReimbursementDiscounted Fitness MembershipsTrauma Support Team

Starting Rate Range in USD ($)

32.84

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35.17