Mobile Counselor III (Project Respond, Multnomah County Library)

This position will be based at the Multnomah County Central Library for the purpose of providing crisis intervention services for members of the public who are experiencing mental health symptoms. There will be an expectation of travel to other libraries within the Multnomah County library system.. The Project Respond Team's home base is in NE Portland, Lloyd Center Area. The schedule is Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Monday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Project Respond is an integral part of Multnomah County's Acute Care System. We are most typically accessed through the Multnomah County Call Center or Law Enforcement Agencies to provide a mobile response to individuals and families experiencing a mental health crisis within Multnomah County. The Crisis Counselor will provide services in the community with a focus on de-escalation and developing a safety plan that is client centered, addresses risk and protective factors, and provides the least restrictive level of care. Short term follow-up to alleviate the crisis episode is provided.

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.

• Provide immediate mobile response to individuals experiencing mental health crises in Multnomah County.

• Providing mental health assessment, intervention and support

• Engaging with individuals to identify ways to prevent future crisis episodes

• Making referrals to service providers

• Coordinating with mental health case managers to ensure ongoing assistance

• Managing return and follow-up phone calls regarding client episodes

• Coordinating with Library Facility Security Officers and Person-In-Charge

• Providing incident support for County staff

• 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 clients current psycho-social context 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.

• Ability to 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; is familiar 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.

Role Specific Responsibilities

• Ability to assess youths protective and risk factors as well as family capabilities and resources in order to guide intervention.

• Assist youth and family in seeking community resources and utilizing natural supports to meet identified needs.

• Collaborate with other child and youth serving systems in order to ensure effective cooperation toward youth and familys goals.

• Provide guidance and support to other clinicians in providing services to youth and families.

Qualifications

• Masters 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).

• At least one-year experience working with children, adolescents and families providing a broad range of clinical intervention and completing mental health assessments.

• 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

• Have experience in conducting and documenting risk assessments detailing chronic and acute risk factors, protective factors, as well as clinical formulation outlining options for safety planning.

• Have experience in completing bio-psycho-social behavioral health assessments using DSM V diagnostic criteria.

• Be able to work collaboratively within a large team.

• Be able to understand the role of and work collaboratively with law enforcement agencies

• 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

• 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. This position requires the ability to drive a personal or company vehicle for the completion of work duties.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in the community setting, based at the Multnomah County Library. 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. The Crisis Counselor III must have the ability to work a flexible work schedule as the Project Respond program operates 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Work hours are scheduled two months in advance, are variable and include evenings, weekends, and holidays.

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