Community Counselor III (Housing Outreach - Home Safe)

Community Counselor III (Housing Outreach - Home Safe)

Job Overview

Location: This position is located at the Garlington Heatlh Center in NE Portland, OR. The schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Position: Community Counselor III 

Program: Housing Outreach Team (Home Safe)
 

Cascadia's Mission and Vision

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 Description: Cascadia provides permanent supportive housing to approximately 240 households throughout Multnomah County through our Housing Supports and Services. These programs provide home and community-based services, including housing search and placement services, housing retention services, mental health services — including case management, skills training, counseling, medication services, and crisis intervention services.
 

Essential Responsibilities:

This position description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as necessary.

• Conduct mental health assessments, behavioral health assessments, and develop Individual Service Plans (ISPs) and Support Plans.
• Guide clients in setting goals and identify realistic steps to achieve them, using tools like Strengths Assessment.
• Provide individual and group therapy using evidence-based practices, including strengths-based counseling and motivational interviewing.
• Provide mental health services in the community, engaging with clients where they are to ensure accessibility and continuity of care.
• Support clients through crisis situations, offering interventions that ensure a trauma-informed environment.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date electronic health records (EHR) and ancillary documentation in compliance with agency policies, local, state, and federal regulations, including HIPAA.
• Collaborate with internal and external providers to ensure coordinated care and advocate for clients to secure needed services.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with landlords, community partners, and other service providers.
• Assist clients in navigating the housing process, including finding housing, addressing barriers, and ensuring housing stability.
• Complete required housing and program documentation, including grant-specific paperwork and data entry.
• Work closely with other providers and support systems to ensure comprehensive treatment planning and continuity of care.
• Adhere to safety protocols, including emergency procedures, and demonstrate responsibility for the safety of clients and staff.
• Maintain professional boundaries, ethics, and respect for client rights.
• Participate in staff meetings, supervision sessions, and training opportunities to develop professional skills and ensure ongoing compliance with training requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including driving to meet with clients in the community and providing practical support such as transportation.
   

Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s degree in 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 Rulings (OARs); or credentialed through state licensing boards: Board of Licensed Socials workers, Board of Licensed Professional Counselors. Certification must be kept current and in compliance with OARs through MHACBO or respective licensing board.

Experience:

• Three years of clinical experience providing inpatient or outpatient services is preferred.
• Experience working with individuals who experience homelessness and with individuals experiencing substance use issues is preferred.

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