Dispatch Coordinator (Temporary- Project Respond)

Cascadia Health; United States; On-site; USD 75,790,000 - 79,229,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6 weeks PTO (Full-time)

Medical and Dental Coverage

401(k) Retirement Plan

Wellness Benefits

FSA

Disability and Life Insurance

Job summary

Cascadia Health seeks a Dispatch Coordinator for the Project Respond mobile crisis program in NE Portland. The role involves coordinating mobile crisis dispatch, gathering critical information from partners, and ensuring timely responses to behavioral health crises. The position is temporary (about 90 days) and in-person, located at the Kerns Building.

CPR/BLS training is provided. Qualifications include a bachelor’s in behavioral science or 3 years direct service experience, plus QMHA

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science field or 3 years of full-time direct service experience.
• Eligible for QMHA credential per Oregon MHACBO requirements; maintain current certification.
• CPR/AED certification required; BLS training provided within 60–120 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate dispatch for mobile crisis teams and gather essential information from partners.
• Review and summarize client history from multiple EMR systems and convey risk factors to responders.
• Monitor real-time locations of mobile crisis teams and ensure appropriate coverage.
• Coordinate crisis responses with emergency services and medical personnel.
• Facilitate access to crisis stabilization, psychiatric care, and community-based services.
• Maintain accurate documentation per agency policies and EMR requirements.

Skills

Effective communication

Active listening

Professionalism

Teamwork

Customer service

Computer literacy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in behavioral science

QMHA credential eligibility

BLS/CPR certification within stated timeline

Job description

Job Overview

Location: This position is located at the Kerns Building in NE Portland. This is a temporary position with an assignment of about 90 days. Schedule: The schedule will by Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Position: Dispatch Coordinator. Program: Project Respond.

Essential Duties

• Respond to and gather critical information from the Behavioral Health Call Center, law enforcement, Cascadia Health sites, referral source(s) and other community partners requesting services from the mobile crisis team.
• Review and summarize historic information from multiple electronic health record (EHR) systems of clients' mental health status and risk factors, including suicidality, homicidally, and substance use and quickly deliver this to the responding team(s).
• Monitor the real-time location and status of mobile crisis teams, ensuring appropriate coverage and dispatch based on availability, including break status.
• Dispatch mobile crisis teams to IWS experiencing mental health crises.
• Collaborate with emergency services, including law enforcement and medical personnel, to coordinate crisis responses and ensure appropriate care for IWS.
• Facilitate access to mental health resources and support services, including referrals to crisis stabilization units, psychiatric hospitals, and community-based treatment programs.
• Provide follow-up support and advocacy for IWS, ensuring continuity of care and connection to ongoing mental health services.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
• Apply Feedback Informed Treatment (FIT) practices as part of service delivery team and in alignment with Cascadia and program's current level of FIT implementation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Regulatory & Compliance

• Comply with and implement regulations, policies, and procedures under which the department and program operate.
• Assist in crisis situations as appropriate, following emergency protocols and procedures.
• Understand fire regulations and evacuation procedures; participate in regular safety drills in compliance with department policies and procedures.
• Document and maintain records in a manner that ensures compliance with all agency policies and procedures and local, state, and federal regulations.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation as required and complete electronic medical records (EMR) as required using Cascadia software.
• Adhere to mandatory abuse reporting laws, HIPAA and 42CFR regulations requirements.
• Complete annual employee training requirements on a timely basis.
• Participate in all scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and agency meetings.

Qualifications

Education: Required: 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: Required: A minimum of one year’s experience working with individuals with severe and persistent mental health challenges.

Specialized Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Effective communication and active listening skills. Demonstrated effective interpersonal and customer service skills. Ability to demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and initiative in daily work activities. Knowledge of professional standards, ethical conduct, and accountability expectations in a healthcare environment. Understanding of principles related to person-centered care, safety, and well-being. Ability to work proactively and effectively in a team as well as independently. Operate computer hardware and software at a level needed to effectively perform job functions.

Other: Must have the ability to perform CPR and properly use AED equipment. BLS certification training will be provided within the first 60 days of hire for client-facing staff, and CPR certification training will be provided within 120 days for all other staff. Certification must remain current.

Core Competencies

• Teamwork: Contribute to a culture that promotes cooperation, respectful communication, and mutual trust. Collaborate across interdisciplinary teams by working together and sharing ideas, skills, and knowledge to achieve common goals. Foster environment that fuels creativity by combining differing perspectives and experiences to generate innovative solutions.
• Ethics, Values, & Integrity: Maintain a respectful work environment where decisions are transparent and objective. Hold yourself and Cascadia Health accountable for their actions while contributing to a positive organizational culture.
• Emotional Awareness: Understand and manage one’s own emotions while respecting diverse emotional expressions and communication styles of others. This includes recognizing the varied ways emotions can influence thoughts and behaviors and adapting interactions to enhance interpersonal effectiveness and self-awareness.
• Culture: Positively contributes to a work environment that values all individuals. Evaluate social situations to determine what is expected or required to recognize the feelings and intentions of others.
• Safety: Actively contribute to the safety and welfare of the Cascadia community through prevention, education, and awareness. Participate in and promote a work environment that identifies and prevents workplace safety issues.

Working Conditions

This role is centered on direct care for IWS and community engagement, it is designed for in-person work and does not include hybrid or remote work options. Work is performed in the community, in clinic environments, and participants’ home. There is regular exposure to the elements and moderate physical and environmental demands associated with this position. The work involves addressing new and unusual circumstances, requiring flexibility in time management and exercising sound judgement. 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 or at [e-mail] Employees are responsible for obtaining and maintaining all licenses, certifications, registrations, and other credentials required for their position. Required credentials must remain active and in good standing as a condition of employment. Candidates are encouraged to familiarize themselves with any applicable credentialing requirements, including associated fees and renewal or maintenance obligations, prior to applying.

Benefits

• 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 Plan - Eligible after 60 days with immediate 100% vesting and a 1-to-1 company match up to 3% per pay period, plus the opportunity for an additional discretionary contribution (up to 5%) at the end of the fiscal year.
• 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
• Starting Rate Range in USD ($) $26.45 - $27.65

Cascadia Health is Oregon’s largest community-based behavioral health and substance use treatment services organization. As both a Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC) and Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Cascadia provides integrated mental health, substance use treatment, primary care, housing support, crisis intervention, peers wellness, skills training, and more to individuals and families. Our clients can find the care they need through one team and often in one location, regardless of their ability to pay.