Counselor I $20.74+ DOE

Volunteers of America Oregon; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 29,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Volunteers of America Oregon seeks a Counselor I for outpatient services in Portland, OR. You will provide substance use disorder support, engage clients, co-facilitate structured groups, and assist with treatment planning under clinical supervision.

You will complete documentation, participate in supervision, and uphold HIPAA and confidentiality standards. A high school diploma or GED is required, with CADC I certification and MHACBO registration within 30 days of hire.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; CADC I certification must be obtained within 24 months if not at hire.
• Experience in behavioral health, recovery or human services preferred.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and SUD services beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-informed SUD support and co-facilitate structured group sessions under supervision.
• Assist with SUD assessments including ASAM criteria under supervision.
• Develop and update individualized treatment plans with client input.
• Co-facilitate structured group sessions focusing on skills, relapse prevention and emotional regulation.
• Respond to client concerns using de-escalation techniques and notify staff as needed.
• Conduct client check-ins and maintain therapeutic rapport; refer concerns to clinical staff.

Skills

MI (Motivational Interviewing)

CBT

Trauma-informed care

Cultural humility

Group facilitation

Communication skills

Documentation

HIPAA knowledge

Education

High school diploma or GED

CADC I certification

MHACBO registration within 30 days

Tools

Electronic health records (EHR) systems

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Outpatient Services - Portland, OR 97216, Salary Range: $20.74 - $27.66, The Counselor I is responsible for providing substance use disorder support services, including client engagement, group facilitation, and treatment planning assistance under clinical supervision. The role focuses on supporting clients through their recovery journey while maintaining compliance with professional standards and participating in ongoing training and development by performing the following duties.

Education & Experience

• A high school diploma or GED is required for this role. In addition to the education requirement, this position requires experience working or volunteering in a behavioral health, recovery, or human services setting preferred. Demonstrated interest in developing skills in conducting assessments, facilitating groups, and supporting individualized treatment planning under clinical supervision. Familiarity with trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and substance use disorder services is beneficial. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be used to satisfy these requirements.

Certificates, Licenses, and/or Registrations

• This position requires a Certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC I) and must be registered with MHACBO within 30 days of hire. CADC I certification must be obtained within 24 months of registering as a CADC I candidate if not already obtained upon hire.

Essential Job Duties

• Provides culturally responsive, trauma-informed substance use disorder support through recovery-focused conversations and co-facilitation of structured group sessions using established curriculum and evidence-based practices under supervision.
• Assists with substance use assessments, including ASAM criteria, under the direct supervision of a qualified clinical professional to support the development of individualized treatment plans.
• Supports the development and updating of individualized treatment plans by gathering client input and collaborating with supervisors and treatment team members.
• Co-facilitates structured, curriculum-based group sessions focused on skill-building, emotional regulation, relapse prevention, and pro-social behavior under clinical supervision.
• Assists in responding to client concerns or escalations by employing basic de-escalation techniques within scope and promptly notifying appropriate individuals as needed.
• Conducts client check-ins during scheduled appointments or outreach to maintain therapeutic rapport, observes recovery progress, and refers concerns to clinical staff as appropriate.
• Completes clinical documentation such as progress notes, group notes, and client check-ins in a timely and accurate manner, with all documentation reviewed and signed by a qualified supervisor.
• Participates in clinical supervision, team meetings, and training sessions to develop counseling skills, receive feedback, and support coordinated care.
• Observes clients for signs of relapse, intoxication, withdrawal, or other risk behaviors and follows established protocols to elevate to clinical staff and ensure safety.
• Works collaboratively with interdisciplinary outpatient staff, including medical providers, clinical staff, peers, and case managers, to support implementation of treatment plans and reinforce recovery goals.
• Participates in client admissions by providing program orientation, assisting with intake logistics, and ensuring documentation is routed to appropriate clinical staff.
• Incorporates client feedback, as directed by supervisors, to improve engagement and builds therapeutic rapport in support of individualized care.
• Contributes to team efforts to improve programming and workflows by providing observations and feedback to clinical supervisors.
• 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.
• Participates in required clinical supervision and performance development meetings to receive ongoing feedback and build counseling competency.
• Communicates and coordinates effectively with team members to support quality of care, consistency in service delivery, and client progress.
• Manages basic administrative responsibilities such as checking email, completing documentation, and assisting with client scheduling under supervision.
• Engages in ongoing training and professional development activities required to maintain active CADC registration/obtain CADC I and support career progression.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of substance use disorders and basic counseling principles, including Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to support recovery conversations and co-facilitation of groups under supervision.
• Knowledge of the MHACBO Code of Conduct, basic counseling ethics, mandated reporting, and confidentiality requirements such as HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and an introductory understanding of how trauma may influence substance use and client behavior.
• Knowledge of cultural humility and awareness of social determinants of health to support inclusive and respectful client interactions.
• Knowledge of ASAM Criteria and other assessment tools at an introductory level, with ability to assist in assessments under supervision.
• Knowledge of documentation practices and the ability to complete required forms, notes, and reports with oversight.
• Knowledge of Feedback-Informed Treatment (FIT) principles and willingness to use tools such as ORS/SRS under clinical guidance.
• Knowledge of available community recovery supports and referral processes, with guidance from supervisors.
• Knowledge of strategies to engage and retain clients in early recovery, with supervision and support from experienced staff.
• Skilled in building rapport and engaging clients in early-stage recovery conversations under supervision.
• Skilled in co-facilitating structured groups using established curriculum and assisting with group preparation and documentation.
• Skilled in maintaining accurate records and completing documentation with review and sign-off by a qualified supervisor.
• Skilled in recognizing and escalating behavioral or clinical concerns to ensure client safety and clinical oversight.
• Skilled in using basic behavioral health software and electronic records systems with training and support.
• Skilled in communicating effectively with peers and supervisors to support coordinated treatment and professional development.
• Ability to form therapeutic relationships and maintain professional boundaries in accordance with ethical guidelines.
• Ability to accept feedback, reflect on performance, and engage in self-directed learning and development.
• Ability to follow clinical direction, recognize concerns outside of scope, and promptly elevate to appropriate staff.
• Ability to adhere to professional and legal standards in all interactions to ensure client safety and confidentiality.
• Ability to remain engaged in a dynamic outpatient treatment setting and balance multiple responsibilities with guidance from supervisors.
• Ability to participate actively in team-based care and contribute positively to a collaborative treatment 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% of work time requires travel.

Supervisory Responsibilities

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

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Moves regularly throughout the day in an outpatient treatment clinic with standard office equipment and shared client-facing spaces. Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working with clients experiencing substance use and co‑occurring mental health challenges. Must be able to occasionally lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 25 pounds. Communicate regularly throughout the day via frequent interactions with clients. Performs repetitive tasks such as using hands and fingers to handle objects, tools, or controls, reaching with hands and arms, balancing, stooping, and kneeling. Must be able to respond to occasional crisis situations and maintain safety in an environment where clients may present unpredictable, disruptive, or escalated behavior. Requires the ability to talk, see, and hear clearly to communicate and monitor client safety effectively. The typical noise level is moderate.

Individuals in this role must be able to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to the safety or health of employees or others. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent(s) of this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required for this position.