Mobile Counselor III (Project Respond, Mobile Crisis)

Work is performed in the community setting including client residences, schools, police precincts, shelters, residential facilities, and public spaces. This position is based out of Kerns building in NE Portland, Lloyd Center area. The schedule is Wednesday through Saturday, overnights, 9:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.

The Project Respond Clinician provides Mobile Crisis response, risk assessment and crisis stabilization planning for adults and children in Multnomah County. This position works as part of a team and approaches work with people from a trauma-informed, strength-based, perspective and works in concert with programs in Multnomah County’s Acute Care Continuum. The Project Respond Clinician works collaboratively with mental health and physical health care providers, police agencies, emergency departments, school personnel, and other social service agencies to assure the best possible treatment for clients, while supporting a Trauma Informed Care environment.

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 30 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.

• Provide immediate mobile response to individuals experiencing mental health crises in Multnomah County.
• Triage mental health crisis calls as they come into the office from the Multnomah County Call Center and law enforcement agencies.
• Identify and assess risk factors for harm to self or others in the context of the client’s current psycho-social state via interview with client and with consideration given to 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; opt for least intrusive and most supportive intervention.
• Initiate involuntary transport holds for individuals deemed at risk of harm to self and/or others following County guidelines.
• Coordinate responses to crisis situations with community agencies and service providers.
• Provide assessment dispositions to treatment providers and emergency departments as appropriate.
• Assess for personal safety in the environment and request law enforcement support as appropriate.
• Collaborate with law enforcement agencies to determine risk of intervention and develop plans for approach of clients in crises.
• Provide information and facilitate linkage to mental health treatment and other social services.
• Consult with teammates, supervisors, program managers, and program medical directors as appropriate.
• Operate in a sometimes ambiguous and frequently changing work environment.
• Respect client rights and responsibilities and demonstrate professional boundaries and ethics.
• Adhere to mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPAA requirements.
• Document and maintain electronic health record (EHR) and ancillary records in a manner that assures compliance with all agency policies, program procedures and local, state, and federal regulations.
• Demonstrate responsibility for safety of consumers, staff and property; possess familiarity with fire regulations and evacuation procedures.
• Complete annual employee training requirements on a timely basis as indicated in the licensing requirements for the facility as well as agency requirements. Attend seminars, training and other educational opportunities in order to develop professional skills and abilities.
• Participate in all scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and agency meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in a behavioral science field from an accredited college or university. Demonstrate the competencies to become credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) as outlined in the Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR).
• Equivalent combination of education/experience preferably in a non-profit organization preferred.
• 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.
• The Project Respond Clinician must have the ability to work a flexible work schedule as the Project Respond program operates 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
• Possess a valid driver’s license, three year driving history; clean driving record, ability to pass Driver Motor Vehicle (DMV) check and complete the Cascadia online Defensive Driving course. This position requires the ability to drive a personal or company vehicle for the completion of work duties.

Working Conditions

• The Mobile Counselor must work collaboratively with partners as well as independently to minimize risk to self and clients and, when necessary, quickly and accurately communicate with police agencies in emergent situations
• Occasionally stooping, lifting 20 to 50 lbs, crouching, climbing (stairs), 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

This position is represented by a labor union