Behavioral Science Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

This position is located at Prescott Terrace, a supportive housing facility in NE Portland, OR. This is a per diem position for day, swing and overnight shifts. Employees must work a minimum of 12 shifts per quarter.

Cascadia Health delivers Whole Health Care™. We provide mental health services, addiction recovery support, primary care, wellness programs, permanent housing solutions, and affordable housing to people of all ages. Our mission is to promote hope and support the well-being of the communities we serve.

Cascadia operates housing sites in which individuals live independently and utilize mental health services through Cascadia. The goal is to promote self-sufficiency and housing stability by providing voluntary, flexible, and supportive services that respond to an individual's needs and interest in engaging in service. We have sites in Multnomah County (Portland) and Clackamas County (Wilsonville).

As a Mental Health Aide at Cascadia Health, you will play a vital role in supporting individuals with mental health challenges within our residential settings. Your responsibilities include assisting with daily living activities, implementing individualized care plans, and fostering a safe, supportive environment for our residents. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to promote recovery and enhance the overall well-being of those in your care. This position requires compassion, patience, and a commitment to providing high-quality, trauma-informed care.

Responsibilities:

• Provide individual and group based therapeutic interventions for residents as directed by the mental health treatment plan and meet productivity standards.
• Provide supervision and support to residents in areas of self-care, hygiene, housekeeping, meal preparation, use of public transportation, supporting residents with community integration and social skills and other areas of support.
• Coordinate with shift partner(s) and staff ending shift regarding resident concerns, needed follow-up, building/program needs, etc.
• Accompany residents to, and assist residents during various types of appointments, outings and activities out in the community, generally using a company provided vehicle, i.e. smaller or larger passenger van, when possible
• Provide medication administration; administer medications following the providers orders using a Medication Administration Report (MAR).
• Review daily cleaning schedule and collaborate with staff to ensure daily household chores are completed. This includes, but is not limited to, light housekeeping and cleaning of biohazards. Additionally, may assist in meal set-up, preparation, serving, and clean up related to mealtimes or cooking group activities.
• Assist in crisis situations and with de-escalating residents that are in crisis or experiencing significant struggles. Follow emergency protocols and procedures including use of non-violent crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques (Pro-ACT)
• Adhere to compliance, required laws and trainings, safety of property and staff, regulations, I.e. Mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPPA, fire regulations
• Participate in all scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and agency meetings.
• Document and maintain clinical records in a manner that assures compliance with all agency policy and procedures and local, state and federal regulations through use of Electronic Health Record System (EHR)
• Complete annual employee training requirements to understand how to conduct ethical work, for professional development, and stay in compliance
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Mental Health Aide I: High school diploma or GED/Equivalent.
• Mental Health Aide II: Bachelor's degree in a behavioral science field from an accredited college or university or three years of full-time professional experience providing direct service to individuals in a social service setting. Demonstrate the competencies to become credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA), as outlined in the Oregon Administrative Rulings (OARs). Certification must be kept current and in compliance with OARs through MHACBO.
• Experience in a residential mental health setting and providing skills training services is preferred but not required.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic knowledge of Trauma Informed Care (TIC), Motivational Interviewing, and Evidence-Based Practices.
• Basic understanding of recovery models, illness management, and strength-based philosophies.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word & Excel).
• CPR Certification (training provided post-hire).

Working Conditions:

• Environmental: Work is generally performed in a supportive/supported housing facility and occasionally in the community. Universal precautions should be taken due to exposure to disease, biohazards, noise, and contaminants.
• Operating Hours: Mental Health Aides operate on three shifts within a 24/7 window: day shift (7:00 am to 3:30 pm), swing shift (3:00 pm to 11:30 pm), and overnight shift (11:00 pm to 7:30 am). Float positions fill in shifts as needed and default to one program if no coverage is needed. Per diem (On-call) positions provide coverage up to 12 shifts per quarter, as available. Schedules may vary depending on program.
• Additional Compensation/Differentials: Depending on program, shift, and other factors, additional compensation may be available. Secure locations receive an additional $1.00/hr. for working in a secure facility. Swing shift receives an additional $1.00/hr. in addition to the base pay. Overnight shifts receive an additional $3.00/hr. in addition to the base pay. Per diem positions include an additional $2.00/hr. in the base pay in lieu of benefits. Bilingual pay is available depending on language and ability to pass competency exam.
• Mental: Meal periods and breaks may be interrupted. Constant awareness and alertness are critical to detect and address escalated, potentially volatile situations.
• Physical Demands: Requires constant alertness, perception, and awareness of surroundings. Regularly stationary work at a computer, moving around program spaces, assisting residents with daily living tasks, cleaning, and using a computer for documentation. Requires occasional lifting of 20 to 50 lbs. (e.g., supplies). Requires occasional fast movement in potentially escalated situations to evade harm.

Cascadia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, contact us at 503-963-7654.

This position is represented by a labor union.

Benefits

• Generous Paid Time Off Package - Full-time employees earn 6 weeks of PTO in their first year!
• Medical and Dental Coverage (begins 1st of the month following hire date)
• VSP Vision Discount Plan
• 403(b) Retirement Plan - Eligible after 60 days with immediate 100% vesting and a 1-to-1 company match up to 3% per pay period, plus the opportunity for an additional discretionary contribution (up to 5%) at the end of the fiscal year.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) (Medical, dependent care, and transportation options)
• Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Paid Bereavement and Jury Duty Leave
• Length of Service Award
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Supplemental Insurance
• Student loan forgiveness options

Wellness Benefits:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Bike to Work Reimbursement
• Discounted Fitness Memberships
• Trauma Support Team

Starting Rate Range in USD ($)

$21.90 - $22.56