Cascadia Health·Portland, Oregon
Support individuals with severe mental health challenges by implementing individualized care plans and assisting with daily living activities. Ensure resident safety through crisis de-escalation and the administration of medications within a secure residential setting.
This position is based at Arbor Place, a secure residential treatment facility located in NE Portland, OR.
We envision a community where everyone benefits from whole health care, experiences well-being, and has a self-directed, connected life.
Program
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.
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. 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. Implement and monitor treatment plans for residents as part of an interdisciplinary team. Promote a strengths-based, resident-centered approach to help residents achieve their goals and transition to a less restrictive setting. Provide individual and group-based therapeutic interventions as directed by the mental health treatment plan. Supervise and support residents in self-care, hygiene, housekeeping, meal preparation, public transportation, community integration, and social skills. Coordinate with shift partners and staff regarding resident concerns, follow-up needs, and building/program needs. Accompany and assist residents during appointments, outings, and activities using a company-provided vehicle when possible. Administer medications according to providers' orders using a Medication Administration Report (MAR). Ensure daily household chores are completed, including light housekeeping and biohazard cleaning. Assist in crisis situations, de-escalating residents using non-violent crisis intervention techniques, and following emergency protocols. Adhere to compliance with laws, required trainings, safety regulations, mandatory abuse reporting, HIPAA, and fire regulations. Participate in staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and agency meetings. Document and maintain clinical records in compliance with agency policies and local, state, and federal regulations using an Electronic Health Record System (EHR). Complete annual training requirements to conduct ethical work, for professional development, and to stay in compliance. Perform other duties as assigned.
Education: Mental Health Aide I: Required: High school diploma or equivalent.
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.
Certification must be current and in compliance with MHACBO.
Base Pay $24.81/hr. to $25.84/hr.
DOE
Experience: Experience in a residential mental health setting and providing skills training services is preferred but not required.
Specialized
Skills and
Knowledge: 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).
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.
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 ($) $21.90 - $22.56
Requires a high school diploma for Level I or a bachelor's degree in behavioral science/three years of experience for Level II. Candidates must possess strong communication skills and a commitment to trauma-informed care.
Market context
In Oregon, behavioral-health peer support roles often see steady demand in community mental health, recovery, and crisis support settings. These positions are competitive because employers look for lived recovery experience, certification eligibility, and practical requirements like a valid Oregon driver’s license and background clearance. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save time, then confirm your certification path and gather documentation before applying.
