Counselor III, UWIC

Location/Schedule: This position is located at the Cascadia Urgent Walk-In Clinic at the Plaza Health Center, in SE Portland. This schedule for this position is per diem. Shift times and days will be determined by program need. Must commit to working a minimum of 4 shifts per month.

Position: Counselor III 

Program: Urgent Walk-In Clinic (UWIC) 

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. 

Description: We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Counselor III for our Urgent Walk-In Clinic (UWIC) to serve adults and children in Multnomah County experiencing mental health crises. This role involves providing risk assessment, crisis stabilization planning, and coordinating mental health services in a Trauma-Informed Care environment. As a key part of the UWIC team, the Counselor III will use creativity and unique approaches to help clients develop recovery plans, advocate for their needs, and overcome barriers. This dynamic role is essential for stabilizing individuals in crisis and connecting them to ongoing care. 

Essential Duties 

• Provide crisis response, risk assessment, and safety planning for clients at the clinic. 

• Complete crisis assessments, coordinate care, and facilitate enrollment for new clients. 

• Consult with supervisors, program managers, and medical directors for comprehensive care. 

• Initiate involuntary holds when necessary, following appropriate documentation. 

• Link clients to ongoing mental health treatment and social services. 

• Teach and model positive behaviors while helping clients reestablish a sense of self. 

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the Electronic Health Record (EHR). 

• Collaborate with service providers across Multnomah County to ensure coordinated care. 

• Respect client rights, maintain professional boundaries, and follow ethical guidelines. 

• Provide clinical consultation to other Cascadia programs as need arises. 

• Understand and abide by federal regulations of Alcohol and Drug information, 42CFR Part 2, mandatory abuse reporting laws, and HIPAA regulations for client confidentiality. 

• Demonstrate responsibility for the safety of consumers, staff and property; demonstrate familiarity with fire regulations and evacuation procedures. 

• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Role Specific Responsibilities  

• Identify and assess risk factors for harm to self or others in the context of the client’s current pyscho-social context via interview with client and with careful consideration of 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.  

• If further evaluation at an Emergency Department is compelled facilitate this in a manner that is trauma-informed and client-centered.  

• On-call positions provide relief to regular staff in the UWIC program. They require the ability to work a flexible schedule and must commit to working a minimum of 4 shifts a month.  

Qualifications 

• Education: Master’s Degree in a behavioral science field. Qualified as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP), or eligibility for registration with MHACBO. CADC preferred. 

• Experience: Three years of clinical experience in inpatient or outpatient services preferred. 

• Skills: Proficient in conducting Mental Status Assessments, familiar with the DSM, and knowledgeable in evidence-based practices and Motivational Interviewing. 

Work Environment and Physical Requirements 

• Ability to manage crisis situations in a trauma-informed manner. 

• Physical demands include occasional stooping, lifting, and running. Regular sitting, standing, walking, and keyboarding required. 

Equal Opportunity Employer: Cascadia is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply, and we do not discriminate based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. 

This position is represented by a labor union.