Mental Health Associate (David's Harp)

Job Overview

Location/Schedule: This position is located at David’s Harp program in NE Portland. The schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, typically 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Position: Mental Health Associate

Program: David’s Harp

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.

Position Overview

As a Mental Health Associate, you will be a key part of an interdisciplinary team, providing skills training, case management, and support to clients in both community and health center settings. This role is instrumental in Cascadia’s trauma-informed care approach, where you’ll help clients work toward treatment goals through skills training, case coordination, and participation in program objectives. This position requires the ability to work independently and collaboratively to create a strengths-based, client-centered experience for each individual.

Responsibilities

Conduct individual and group skills training as directed by client treatment plans.Provide case management, including completing paperwork for referrals and entitlements.Collaborate with clients’ treatment teams to ensure alignment with treatment plans.Implement evidence-based practices, including Harm Reduction, Trauma-Informed Care, and Motivational Interviewing.Maintain accurate electronic health records (EHR), and complete documentation related to treatment and client progress.Support crisis intervention following emergency protocols in coordination with the treatment team.Assist clients in participating in skill-building activities and accessing community resources.

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science field, or three years of professional experience working with adults with severe and persistent mental illness.Must qualify as a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA) per Oregon Administrative Rules, with certification from MHACBO.Preferred experience with adults experiencing severe and persistent mental illness.Proficient in report preparation and data entry for clinical documentation.Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record, and ability to pass DMV and Defensive Driving checks.

Experience:

Relevant experience includes working with individuals coping with a serious mental illness.

Specialized Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Understanding of strength based case management philosophies and strategiesAbility to implement recovery model, motivational interviewing, and illness management and recoveryAbility to operate computer hardware and software (including Electronic Medical Record software) at a level needed to effectively perform job functionsKnowledge of accepted treatment practiceAbility to enter data and retrieve data and to prepare simple reports

Other:

Possess a valid drivers license, three-year driving history; clean driving record, ability to pass Driver Motor Vehicle (DMV) check and complete the Cascadia online Defensive Driving course.

Ability to perform CPR, First Aid, and properly use AED equipment. CPR/ First Aid certifications are required and must remain current.

Working Conditions

Environmental: Work is performed in both a community and clinic setting. David’s Harp program is a joint venture is association with Parkrose United Methodist Church. It provides daily structure and support and skills building services for adult clients with severe and persistent mental illness. Given location, most clients may live in east Multnomah County and are for the most part provided out-patient mental health services from Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare. Daily routines may be hectic and will likely require the Counselor II to perform various functions of the site and, on occasion, perform the tasks of other employees as needed. Meal periods and breaks are subject to interruption. Universal Precautions and remaining alert to the environment are critical to address the potential for violent behavior, exposure to disease, biohazards, noise and contaminants.

Mental Demands: The work assigned is diverse and involves addressing new and unusual circumstances in which outcomes may negatively affect costs, employee morale or clients. The work regularly involves a degree of unpredictability and disruption of planned tasks requiring a flexible time management approach.

Physical Demands: Work includes activities and structure which support community integration and enhancement, while also assisting program consumers in becoming more adapted to increasing independence within the larger community. These are required to enhance behavioral and social repertoires within less structured community situations and settings. Staff must be approved to provide transportation utilizing agency vehicles so that residents may access the community. Staff must also have the ability to assist residents in participating in a variety of active leisure and recreational events, as well as skill building outings and accessing community resources. The Counselor II must have the ability to assist the team in providing safety to all residents and staff in a variety of community settings.

Cascadia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at 503.963.7654.

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 ($)

24

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25.09