Mental Health Aide II, Float (Secure Residential)

Cascadia Health; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 34,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6 weeks PTO

Medical & Dental Coverage

403(b) Retirement Plan

FSA

Job summary

Cascadia Health is seeking a Mental Health Aide II for float work across three secure residential programs in the Portland metro area. The role supports adults with serious mental health needs through daily living assistance, care plan implementation, and trauma-informed care.

Shifts include evenings and overnights, with compensation details and required certifications outlined in the listing. The team collaborates within a multidisciplinary setting to promote recovery and safety.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Implement and monitor treatment plans as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Provide resident-centered therapeutic interventions.
• Supervise daily living activities and self-care.
• Document and maintain clinical records in an Electronic Health Record System (EHR).
• Assist in crisis situations and de-escalate using non-violent techniques.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Trauma Informed Care

Motivational Interviewing

Evidence-Based Practices

Recovery models

Illness management

Strength-based philosophies

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in behavioral science

QMHA credential

Tools

Electronic Health Record (EHR)

Job description

Mental Health Aide II, Float (Secure Residential)

Job Overview

Location: This position floats across three secure residential treatment programs in the Portland metro area. Daily location will be established based on programmatic demand/need.

Schedule: The schedule for this position is Thursday through Monday, 7:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Position: Mental Health Aide II

Program

Secure

Mission

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

Vision: 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.

Position Summary

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

• 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.

Qualifications

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

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.

Compensation

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).

Other

CPR Certification (training provided post‑hire).

Working Conditions

Environmental: Work is generally performed in a residential treatment home and occasionally in the community. Universal precautions should be taken due to exposure to disease, biohazards, noise, and contaminants.

Operating Hours

Mental Health Aides operate on three shifts within a 24/7 window: day shift (7:00 am to 3:30 pm), swing shift (3:00 pm to 11:30 pm), and overnight shift (11:00 pm to 7:30 am). Float positions fill in shifts as needed and default to one program if no coverage is needed. Per diem (On‑call) positions provide coverage as available with a minimum shift requirement of 12 shifts per quarter. Schedules may vary depending on program.

Additional Compensation/Differentials

• Swing shift receives an additional $1.00/hr. in addition to the base pay.
• Overnight shifts receive an additional $3.00/hr. in addition to the base pay.
• Secure location staff receive an additional $1.00/hr. for working in a secure facility.
• Per diem positions include an additional $2.00/hr. in the base pay in lieu of benefits.

Meal Periods and Breaks

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.

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
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Bike to Work Reimbursement, Discounted Fitness Memberships, Trauma Support Team

Starting Rate Range in USD ($) $24.72 - $25.84

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.