Mental Health Aide II (Secure)

Job Overview

Location/Schedule: This position floats across three secure residential treatment programs in the Portland metro area. The schedule for this position is Sunday through Wednesday, swing shifts, 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Location is based on program need and is scheduled one month at a time with notice provided for changes to work location. Employees are expected to meet FTE requirements each week across the secure residential programs.

Position: Mental Health Aide II

Program: Secure

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: Cascadia operates three secure residential homes in the Portland Metro area. These are homes for adults who experience severe and persistent mental health challenges. Employees work as a team to provide comprehensive services that focus on psychiatric treatment, personal care, skills training, and case management. Our residents are referred from the counties or the state and must either be under commitment or have a guardian. The focus of treatment is on immediate safety and preparing individuals to live in a less restrictive environment. Our work is important, impactful, and rewarding to those we are lucky enough to serve. Sites include Faulkner Place, Arbor Place, and Barbara Roberts House.

Position Summary: 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 possibleProvide 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 regulationsParticipate 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 annul employee training requirements to understand how to conduct ethical work, for professional development, and stay in compliancePerform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

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. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. 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

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 30 days after hire date)VSP Vision Discount Plan403(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 InsurancePaid Bereavement and Jury Duty LeaveLength of Service AwardVoluntary Life InsuranceSupplemental InsuranceStudent loan forgiveness options

Wellness Benefits:

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)Bicycle ReimbursementDiscounted Fitness MembershipsTrauma Support Team

Starting Rate Range in USD ($)

24

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25.09