Counselor II START $23.35+ DOE

For more than 130 years, Volunteers of America Oregon has been dedicated to serving the most vulnerable members of our community. Through innovative programs in behavioral health, addiction treatment, reentry services, and support for children and families, we deliver life changing services that promote safety, healing, and empowerment.

At VOA Oregon, employees are part of a compassionate, mission driven team working collaboratively to create lasting, meaningful change. Every role contributes directly to the individuals and families we serve and to the mission we advance together.

Individuals seeking to join an organization committed to service, inclusion, and employee support are encouraged to apply.

Benefits of Joining VOA Oregon

Benefits availability varies based on employment classification. Employees hired into a Full time, non exempt position are eligible for the benefits outlined below, subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements.

Health & Insurance Coverage - Medical insurance with employer paid coverage (employee medical premiums start at $66.23 per paycheck); dental and vision plans offered at 100% employee cost.

Disability Protection - Employer provided life insurance, along with short and long term disability coverage.

Retirement & Financial Security - 403(b) retirement plan with an automatic 5.5% employer contribution after 18 months, regardless of employee participation.

Paid Time Off & Work Life Balance - A generous paid time off (PTO) plan, with accruals of 15 days in the first year, 23 days in the second year, and 26 days in the third year.

Sick Leave - 80 hours of front loaded sick time (prorated in the first year), resetting annually on January 1.

Holidays and Personal Days - 10 paid holidays each year, plus three personal holidays (prorated in the first year) to allow employees time off for important holidays, events, or milestones.

Student Loan Forgiveness - As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, VOA Oregon is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, which may help reduce or eliminate federal student loan debt after 10 years of qualifying payments.

Additional Employee Benefits - Flexible spending accounts, an employee assistance program, and access to other voluntary benefits and employee discounts.

Job Summary

The Counselor II in START Court program is responsible for providing comprehensive substance use disorder treatment services, including individual counseling, group facilitation, assessments, and treatment planning using evidence-based practices. The role involves direct client care, clinical documentation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ongoing professional development while maintaining compliance with ethical and regulatory standards by performing the following duties.

Education & Experience

A CADC I, II, or III certification, QMHA credential, or a bachelor's degree in a QMHA-qualifying field, such as psychology, social work, or human services, is required for this position.

In addition to the educational requirements, candidates must have experience conducting behavioral health assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, and facilitating individual and group counseling sessions. Experience working in residential, outpatient, or community-based behavioral health settings is preferred. Familiarity with trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and culturally responsive service delivery is strongly preferred.

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered to meet these qualifications.

Certificates, Licenses, and/or Registrations

This position requires a Certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC I). CADC I certification must be obtained within 24 months of registering as a CADC I candidate if not already obtained upon hire. This position must be eligible for registration with MHACBO as a QMHP-R or already registered as a QMHP-C.

Additionally, applicants must meet all eligibility criteria for enrollment as a Medicaid provider in the state of Oregon.

Essential Job Duties

• Provides culturally responsive, trauma-informed substance use disorder services through individual counseling, recovery-focused conversations, and structured group sessions using evidence-based practices such as Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to support behavior change and relapse prevention.
• Performs initial and ongoing substance use assessments, including ASAM criteria, to determine clinical needs and supports individualized treatment planning under the supervision of a qualified clinical professional.
• Collaborates with clients and supervisors to create and regularly update individualized treatment plans that address substance use, risk factors, and social determinants of health.
• Facilitates structured, curriculum-based groups and psychoeducation sessions that support skill-building, emotional regulation, relapse prevention, and pro-social behavior.
• Responds to client behavioral escalations using de-escalation techniques and clinical judgment within scope, escalating to or notifying appropriate individuals as needed.
• Conducts routine check-ins and maintains therapeutic engagement with clients during scheduled sessions or outreach to monitor progress, identify support needs, and reinforce recovery goals.
• Maintains accurate, timely, and clinically appropriate documentation in the electronic health record, including assessments, progress notes, treatment plans, and discharge summaries.
• Participates in case consultations, clinical supervision, and team-based meetings to review care progress, receive feedback, and enhance service coordination.
• Observes clients for signs of relapse, intoxication, withdrawal, or other risk behaviors and follows established protocols to address and document concerns during sessions or client interactions.
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary staff including medical providers, peers, and case managers to align treatment efforts and ensure consistent implementation of care plans, problem-solving, and quality of care.
• Participates in new client admissions, including program orientation, screenings, and scheduling of assessments.
• Incorporates client feedback and outcome monitoring tools, e.g., feedback Informed Treatment (FIT), into clinical practice to inform treatment adjustments and improve client-centered care.
• Contributes to the implementation and improvement of clinical workflows, curriculum, and service delivery practices under the direction of clinical leadership.
• Complies with all applicable professional codes of ethics (e.g., MHACBO), agency policies, and federal and state regulations including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 regarding confidentiality and client rights.
• Engages in regular clinical supervision and program meetings to receive feedback, enhance skills, and contribute to team-based service delivery.
• Manages administrative responsibilities such as checking email, responding to phone calls, managing appointment schedules, and maintaining timely documentation.
• Participates in ongoing training and professional development activities to maintain certification and improve service delivery.
• If a QMHA, assists in mental health screenings and assessments and provide diagnostic impressions using DSM5-TR criteria for treatment planning and referrals.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, and evidence-based counseling methods such as Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to support individualized treatment and behavior change.
• Knowledge of the MHACBO Code of Conduct, counseling ethics, mandated reporting, and legal standards such as CFR 42 Part 2 to ensure ethical, confidential, and compliant clinical practice.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and the impact of trauma on substance use and recovery to promote safe, supportive client interactions.
• Knowledge of cultural humility, social determinants of health, and systemic barriers such as incarceration and hospitalization to deliver inclusive and responsive care.
• Knowledge of clinical tools such as the ASAM Criteria, DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria, and mental status exams to support accurate clinical assessment and level-of-care determinations.
• Knowledge of documentation standards and electronic health records to ensure clear, timely, and clinically relevant communication.
• Knowledge of Feedback-Informed Treatment (FIT) and outcome tracking practices, including ORS/SRS, to enhance engagement and guide treatment decisions.
• Knowledge of care coordination principles and community-based resources (e.g., primary care, housing, legal systems) to support holistic and integrated service planning.
• Knowledge of engagement and retention strategies for individuals with varying levels of readiness for treatment in outpatient settings.
• Skilled in conducting structured clinical assessments, including ASAM and mental health screenings, to inform treatment planning and referrals.
• Skilled in delivering individual and group counseling using evidence-based approaches to address substance use and co-occurring conditions in an outpatient setting.
• Skilled in crisis intervention and stabilization, including suicide and psychosis risk assessment, safety planning, and de-escalation techniques.
• Skilled in documenting clinical activities, treatment goals, and progress notes to ensure continuity and compliance in care.
• Skilled in using behavioral health software and electronic records systems for documentation and communication.
• Skilled in collaborating with interdisciplinary staff, community partners, and external systems to align treatment goals and address client needs.
• Skilled in integrating clinical supervision and client feedback to improve therapeutic effectiveness and professional development.
• Skilled in managing a caseload with varying levels of acuity while maintaining responsiveness, engagement, and treatment quality.
• Skilled in tailoring interventions to client feedback, developmental stage, learning style, and level of insight to support therapeutic progress.
• Ability to establish and maintain therapeutic relationships and professional boundaries that build trust and support recovery.
• Ability to apply independent clinical judgment and escalate concerns appropriately to supervisors or licensed clinicians.
• Ability to adhere to ethical and legal standards in all interactions to protect confidentiality and support client rights.
• Ability to engage in collaborative problem-solving with clients, peers, and teams to address treatment barriers and support progress.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and remain present in a dynamic, fast-paced outpatient treatment environment.
• Ability to reflect on and incorporate client feedback to adapt therapeutic approaches and improve engagement.
• Ability to coordinate care with external systems such as courts, DHS, hospitals, and housing providers to ensure continuity and access to needed services.
• Ability to support peers through informal mentorship and contribute positively to a team-based, learning-oriented clinical environment.

Other Eligibility Requirements

• Must complete a criminal history background check and receive authorization from the State of Oregon's Background Check Unit.
• Must not be excluded from participation in federal healthcare programs, including but not limited to listings on the Office of Inspector General (OIG) List of Excluded Individuals/Entities and the System for Award Management (SAM) exclusion list.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• If driving is required for the position, the individual must have an active driver's license, current insurance, reliable transportation and ability to meet VOA Oregon's and VOA Oregon's insurer's driver standards.

Travel Requirement

16-25% or more of work time requires travel.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities but may provide guidance to interns.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this position.

• Frequently moves throughout the workday in a variety of settings, including outpatient treatment clinics, supportive housing sites, and communitybased environments such as shelters, service centers, encampments, and other public locations.
• Regularly alternates between prolonged periods of sitting and standing in both structured office settings and unpredictable field environments, including exposure to varying weather conditions.
• Must be able to occasionally lift, carry, push, and/or pull objects weighing up to 25-50 pounds.
• Communicates frequently throughout the day via phone, inperson interactions, and written documentation with clients, staff, and community partners.
• Performs repetitive physical activities such as walking, climbing stairs, using hands and fingers to handle or control objects, reaching with hands and arms, balancing, stooping, crouching, and kneeling.
• Must be able to respond to occasional crisis situations and support personal and client safety in environments where behavior may be unpredictable, disruptive, or escalated.
• Requires flexibility to work in nontraditional field environments, including locations where clients may be unhoused and/or accompanied by pets.
• Requires the ability to see, hear, and speak clearly to communicate effectively and monitor client safety effectively.
• Typical noise levels are moderate.

Individuals in this role must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of themselves or others. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for this position. A reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities or activities associated with the position.

POSITION CLOSE DATE: 05/20/2026