10811- Counselor III (Enhanced Care)

This position is located at Enhanced Care Facility, The schedule is Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Counselor III works collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team environment, providing individual and group therapy, case management and psycho-social programming for persons with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) residing in an Enhanced Care Facility (ECF). Employee will work collaboratively with the Enhanced Care Facilities Managers and Supervisors, however, direct supervision will be received from the Program Manager at Cascadia. This position involves participation and implementation of program goals and objectives to promote a strengths-based, client centered approach to assisting residents in achieving individual goals.

All incumbents must understand, appreciate and respect the diversity and cultural differences within our Cascadia community. It is expected that there is an awareness and sensitivity to the perspectives and perceptions to those we serve, as well as our colleagues. As Cascadia is Trauma informed, the incumbent must support a Trauma Informed Care Environment. With the high prevalence of trauma among individuals receiving behavioral health services, it is required that the incumbent understand the effects of trauma on health, coping, and other aspects of the lives of those we serve.

On the first of the month, following 60 days of employment, benefit eligible employees (20/hrs. or more per week) are able to enjoy affordable, low cost, medical, dental, and vision benefits. Additionally, Cascadia provides a generous paid time off package, volunteer time off, and more. Upon hire, you will complete paid training and then continue to train onsite in your new job. During the first week of training, you will learn about the agency, understanding those we serve, Trauma informed care, and other skills to prepare you for significant and meaningful work in the behavioral health field, whether you are providing clinical services or non-direct services. Click here to learn about the benefits we offer and more.

Essential Duties

This position description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities or an all inclusive job description.

• Participate as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Provide individual and group psycho-therapeutic interventions, case management and transition planning (discharge).
• Perform and document comprehensive behavioral health assessments; communicate with outside agencies and individuals as needed.
• Develop and maintain a therapeutic milieu.
• Work collaboratively with ECF team to develop and implement mental health treatment and behavior plans including specific rehabilitation and behavioral interventions.
• Develop and implement psycho-social and rehabilitative programming including recreation and skill building groups appropriate for elderly clients, as well as younger physically disabled clients.
• Participate in individual and/or group outings.
• Works with clients by training in daily living skills, supervision, and support in areas such as self-care, hygiene, community resources, and other life skills, as directed by the plan of care.
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively with facility staff around client care and treatment issues. Provide training and consultation to facility staff on mental health issues.
• Develop and lead individualized rehabilitation interventions, such as emotional regulation skills, socialization and communication enhancement skills, anxiety reduction skills, etc.
• Conduct specialized assessments, such as Mini Mental Status Exam, Behavioral Health Assessments, etc.
• Assess crisis situations and provide appropriate interventions, following emergency protocols and procedures to assure safety of residents and others. Effectively manage difficult client behavior so that agitation and aggression are minimized.
• Arrange for medical and psychiatric hospitalizations when required.
• Actively participate in weekly meetings with the interdisciplinary team.
• Revise or develop work procedures or practices and treatment strategies.
• Respect and honor client rights and responsibilities.
• Adhere to mandatory abuse reporting laws.
• Demonstrate responsibility for safety of residents and property; demonstrate familiarity with fire regulations and evacuation procedures; hold regular fire safety drills with residents in compliance with facility policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation associated with billing, assessment, treatment, residents’ progress and other activities, as required. Complete electronic medical records (EMR) using Cascadia software.
• Document and maintain clinical records in a manner that assures compliance with all agency policy and procedures and local, state, and federal regulations.
• Complete annual employee training requirements on a timely basis as indicated in the licensing requirements for the facility as well as agency requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Assist clients in Activities of Daily Living. Types of assistance to be provided will include cueing, monitoring, reassurance, redirection, set-up, stand-by and support.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Must meet the requirements and demonstrate the competencies to be credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP). Must have a Master’s Degree in a behavioral science field from an accredited college or university. Certification must be current and in compliance with MHACBO.
• Three years of clinical experience providing inpatient or outpatient services and experience working with older adults is preferred
• Understanding of the aging process, physiological and psychological changes of aging, physical disability and psychotropic medications
• Familiarity or experience working in longer-term care or residential setting
• Ability to conduct a Mental Status assessment and formulate a diagnosis according to the most current DSM
• Understanding of recovery model, motivational interviewing, illness management and recovery, evidence based practices, and strength based case management philosophies and strategies
• Proficiency in operating computer hardware and software (including EMR software)
• CPR/ First Aid certifications are required and must remain current. Training is provided.

Working Conditions

• May require the ability to drive a 15 passenger van or a small bus type of vehicle to transport clients in the community and must be approved to provide this transportation.
• Must be able to perform CPR and First Aid.
• Activities and structure support community integration assist program residents in learning socially acceptable behaviors.
• Employee must also have the ability to assist residents in skill building outings and accessing community resources.
• Must have the ability to assist the team in providing safety to all residents and staff in potentially volatile situations.
• When the need arises, staff may be asked to perform non-violent physical interventions.
• Occasionally stooping, lifting 20 to 50 lbs, climbing (stairs), crouching, reaching and running
• Regular sitting, Standing, walking, and Keyboarding
• Constant visual and auditory

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 or peopleandculture@cascadiabhc.org