Mental Health Associate (David's Harp)

Mental Health Associate (David's Harp)

Job Overview

Location/Schedule: The position is located at David's Harp, a mental health day treatment facility located in NE Portland, OR. The schedule for this position is typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Position: Mental Health Associate  

Program: David's Harp

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. 

Program Description: David’s Harp provides a warm, friendly, and peer-supportive environment where adults with mental illness can achieve an improved quality of life and the highest possible level of independence within their community.  The program provides group socialization and skill building activities in a daytime, clubhouse setting and in the community. Key programs include daily community meetings, community outings, art groups, music therapy, community gardening, games, and wellness groups.

Position Description: The Mental Health Associate provides and coordinates a wide range of supportive and therapeutic services for adults who experience mental illness, substance use challenges, and other health issues

 This position must understand, appreciate, and respect the differences within our Cascadia community.   As such, it is expected that this position promotes integrated care, our vision of trauma-informed and person-first approaches and helps create a work environment of acceptance.

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.  

• Develop trusting therapeutic relationships with clients to maintain engagement and promote the client’s success in self-advocacy. and develop trusting relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist in the implementation of individualized treatment plans developed by the clinical team.
• Provide direct support to clients in activities of daily living. 
• Facilitate group activities and therapeutic interventions to promote skill-building and socialization.
• Monitor and document client behavior and progress towards treatment goals.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss client cases and coordinate care efforts.
• Maintain a safe and therapeutic environment for clients, addressing any concerns or conflicts as they arise.
• Collaborate with community resources and external agencies to ensure comprehensive support for clients.
• Develop and maintain a collaborative, working relationship with both internal and external partners.
• Coach clients in setting goals and identifying realistic steps to achieve them.  
• Work closely with internal departments and programs to ensure integration of care, including coordination of treatment planning and ongoing support services.
• Assist clients in developing and accessing natural community support as well as community services. 
• Promote active and appropriate inclusion of identified individuals in treatment and support planning. 

Regulatory & Compliance

• Comply with and implement regulations, policies, and procedures under which the program operates. 
• Assist in crisis situations as appropriate, following emergency protocols/procedures and coordinating with the treatment team with interventions.   
• Adhere to mandatory abuse reporting laws, HIPAA and 42CFR regulations requirements.
• Respect and honor client rights and responsibilities and demonstrate professional boundaries and ethics. 
• Document and maintain clinical records in a manner that ensures compliance with all agency policies and procedures and local, state, and federal regulations, as well as billing requirements.  
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation as required, associated with assessment, treatment, residents’ progress, and other activities. 
• Complete electronic medical records (EMR) as required using Cascadia software. 
• Understand safety regulations and evacuation procedures; participate in regular safety drills.
• Adhere to mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPAA requirements.
• Complete annual employee training requirements on a timely basis as indicated in the licensing requirements for the facility as well as agency requirements. 
• Participate in all scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and agency meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education:

Required:

• 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:

Required: 

• A minimum of one year’s experience working with individuals with severe and persistent mental health challenges

Specialized Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Effective communication and active listening skills.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Philosophy and values consistent with a patient-centered care model.
• Ability to work proactively and effectively in a team as well as independently.
• Basic Knowledge of Trauma Informed Care (TIC), Motivational Interviewing, and Evidence based practices Basic Understanding of recovery model, Illness management and strength-based philosophies.
• Operate computer hardware and software at a level needed to effectively perform job functions. 

Other:

• Possess a valid driver’s license, one-year driving history, clean driving record, ability to pass Driver Motor Vehicle (DMV) check and complete the Cascadia online Defensive Driving course. 
• Must have the ability to perform CPR and properly use AED equipment. BLS certification training will be provided within the first 60 days of hire for client-facing staff, and CPR certification training will be provided within 120 days for all other staff. Certification must remain current.

Working Conditions

Environmental: This role is centered on direct client engagement; it is designed for in-person work and does not include hybrid or remote work options. Work is performed in the community and in clinic environments. There is regular exposure to the elements and moderate physical and environmental demands associated with this position. The role involves addressing new and unusual circumstances, requiring flexibility in time management.

Mental: The work assigned is diverse and involves addressing new and unusual circumstances in which outcomes may negatively affect costs, employee morale or clients. The work regularly involves a degree of unpredictability and disruption of planned tasks requiring a flexible time management approach. In addition, this position requires exercising sound judgment. Decision-making may occur in a moderate to high stress situation where a client may be experiencing a crisis.   

Physical Demands: This position requires the ability to drive, frequent walking, utilization of public transportation and the ability to assist the team in providing safety to all clients and staff in potentially volatile situations.

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

Benefits

We offer generous benefits for our full-time and part-time employees (20 hours + pro-rated) including:

• 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 Savings (Pre and post-tax plans with up to 8% employer matching contribution!)

• 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 ($)

$24.72 - $25.84