ACT Counselor III – Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare FACT

Essential Function

The Counselor III, Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) provides and coordinates a wide range of supportive and therapeutic behavioral health services for a caseload of adults with severe mental illnesses and addiction issues with criminal justice involvement while supporting a Trauma-Informed Care environment. With the high prevalence of trauma among individuals receiving mental health services, it is required the incumbent understand the effects of trauma on health, coping, and other aspects of the lives of those we serve. This position collaborates with internal and external resources to assure the best possible treatment for clients. The Counselor III, FACT position involves participation and implementation of program goals and objectives to promote a strengths-based, client-centered approach in assisting clients achieve individual goals and reduce their recidivism.

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.

• Provide community-based case management for FACT clients, including coordinating and monitoring services.
• Act as the liaison between client and community, building relationships with families and community agencies.
• Advocate on clients behalf for resources and access to services such as housing, benefits, employment, legal and other resources.
• Provide direct service, including social and emotional support, coupled with instrumental support to team clients.
• Assist in the teaching of daily living skills; this includes teaching and assistance in medically necessary services such as grocery shopping, maintaining clean housing, utilizing public transportation, maintaining self-care, exploring employment opportunities, etc.
• Transport and/or accompanies clients to appointments which connect them to community resources, services and pro-social activities.
• With documented consent, engage the clients family and/or significant others to provide education regarding mental illness and system resources.
• Complete and implement mental health assessment as well as Level of Care assessments.
• Must have the knowledge of accepted treatment practice along with the ability to implement treatment plan and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment plans and recommend alternate strategies as necessary, with review minimum every 30 days or as clinically indicated.
• Assess client behavior and design appropriate service plans including the ability to diagnosis mental health disorders and addictions. During the assessment, obtain information regarding the clients: a) behavioral health needs, b) criminogenic risk factors, psychosocial needs, and responsivity factors (i.e. level of cognitive functioning to engage in behavioral interventions), and c) direct interventions and a plan for linkage or reengagement in community resources.
• Develop or assist in the development of service plans tailored to each individuals needs. Implement service plans utilizing established treatment models.
• Provide crisis assessment and intervention.
• Coach clients in setting their own goals and identifying realistic steps in order to achieve the goals.
• 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. Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation as required, associated with billing, assessment, treatment, clients progress and other activities.
• Provide strength-based counseling focused on minimizing illness and maximizing client strengths.
• Using evidenced-based cognitive behavioral interventions for criminal behavior, support clients to reduce criminal recidivism and engage in pro-social behaviors in the community.
• Assist in crisis situations as appropriate, following emergency protocols/procedures and coordinating with the treatment team with interventions which support a trauma informed environment for residents and staff.
• Demonstrate responsibility for safety of consumers and/or residents, staff and property; is familiar with fire regulations and evacuation procedures.
• Adhere to mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPAA requirements.
• Coordinate with other service providers and Multnomah County Department of Community Justice.
• Provide input on all relevant documentation and procedural requirements.
• Adhere to generally accepted treatment standards, departmental rules, company policies and terms and conditions of contracts or grants.
• Respect and honor client rights and responsibilities and demonstrates professional boundaries and ethics.
• Understand and abides by federal regulation of Alcohol and Drug information, 42CFR Part 2.

• 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.
• Provide on-call crisis response and back up interventions and services.
• May serve as lead person on a given shift, providing leadership for decisions that are needed throughout a shift.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education:

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).

The CADC credential is preferred in addition to a Masters Degree given the high occurrence of substance use/abuse.

Experience:

Equivalent combination of education/experience preferably in a non-profit organization preferred.

Specialized Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Conduct a Mental Status assessment and formulate a diagnosis according to the most current DSM
• Knowledge of Motivational Interviewing, the components of maintaining a trauma informed care environment
• Knowledge of the principles of Illness Management and Recovery
• Understand evidence based practices, and strength based case management philosophies and strategies including trauma informed care and criminogenic risks and needs
• Operate computer hardware and software at a level needed to effectively perform job functions

Other:

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.

Ability to perform CPR and First Aid.  Become CPR/ First Aid certified and keep it current.

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 503.238.0769 or peopleandculture@cascadiabhc.org