Mobile Mental Health Associate (Multnomah County Libraries)

Job Overview

Location/Schedule: This position will be based at the Multnomah County Central Library for the purpose of providing crisis intervention services for members of the public who are experiencing mental health symptoms. There will be an expectation of travel to other libraries within the Multnomah County library system. The Project Respond Team's home base is at the Kerns Building, NE Portland. This is an on-call/per diem position for all shifts. Employees must work a minimum of 6 shifts per quarter.

Position: Mobile Mental Health Associate

Program: Project Respond

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.

Position Description: The Mobile Mental Health Associate at Cascadia Health plays a pivotal role in providing immediate support and intervention to individuals experiencing mental health crises. Working primarily in community settings, including client homes, this position responds to crisis calls, assesses clients' needs, and provides crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques. Key responsibilities include conducting risk assessments, coordinating with emergency services, and facilitating access to appropriate mental health resources and support services.

Essential Responsibilities

This position description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities or an all inclusive job description.

Qualifications

Education: 

• Must meet the requirements and demonstrate the competencies to be credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA).

• Required: Must have a bachelor’s degree in an approved behavioral science field from an accredited college or university or three years of mental health work experience.

Experience: 

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

Specialized Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Advanced knowledge of risk assessment and crisis intervention 

• Understand evidence-based practices, and strength-based case management philosophies and strategies including trauma informed care  

• Operate computer hardware and software at a level needed to effectively perform job functions including the ability to operate Electronic Health Record software 

Other: 

• The Mobile Mental Health Associate must have the ability to work a flexible work schedule as the Project Respond program operates 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.  

• Possess a valid driver’s license, three year driving history; clean driving record, ability to pass Driver Motor Vehicle (DMV) check and complete the Cascadia online Defensive Driving course. This position requires the ability to drive a personal or company vehicle for the completion of work duties. 

Working Conditions

Work is performed in the community setting including client residences, schools, police precincts, shelters, residential facilities, and public spaces. Meal periods and breaks are subject to interruption. Universal Precautions and remaining alert to the environment are critical to address the potential for violent behavior, exposure to disease, biohazards, noise and contaminants.   

Mental Demands: The work assigned is diverse and involves addressing new and unusual circumstances in which outcomes may negatively affect clients, community and/or employee mental health.  The nature of the work dictates that the employee is alert and attentive during their assigned shift. The Mobile Mental health Associate must have the ability to quickly assess and respond to concerns related to interpersonal and environmental safety. The work regularly involves a degree of unpredictability and disruption of planned tasks requiring a flexible time management approach.  

Physical Demands: The Mobile Counselor III must work collaboratively with partner to minimize risk to self and clients and, when necessary, quickly and accurately communicate with police agencies in emergent situations. 

Cascadia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may 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 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)
• Bicycle Reimbursement
• Discounted Fitness Memberships
• Trauma Support Team

Starting Rate Range in USD ($)

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