Mental Health Counselor I

White Bird Clinic; Eugene (OR); On-site; USD 39,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid Medical Insurance

Employer-paid Dental Insurance

Employer-paid Vision Insurance

Health Reimbursement Account

Gym reimbursement

401(k) match

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Job summary

White Bird Clinic seeks a Mental Health Counselor to provide evidence-based mental health services to individuals, couples, and families in Eugene. The role involves ongoing therapeutic engagement, documentation, and DSM-5 diagnoses to guide comprehensive treatment plans.

The counselor will work with unhoused and vulnerable populations, coordinating care from assessment through discharge, while adhering to CMS regulations and organizational standards.

Qualifications

• Must hold QMHP licensure or be eligible for LCSW.
• Minimum 1 year of counseling experience.
• Experience with unhoused and vulnerable populations, trauma, and SPMI.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a consistent weekly caseload of clients with ongoing therapeutic engagement.
• Maintain complete case records and timely paperwork per regulatory standards (CMS).
• Use DSM-5 to diagnose mental health conditions and develop treatment plans.
• Guide clients from intake through counseling, case management, discharge or referral.
• Ensure confidentiality and accuracy of client records per CMS regulations.

Skills

QMHP licensure

Counseling experience

Trauma-informed care

Co-occurring disorders

DSM-5 proficiency

Independent work

Education

QMHP licensure or LCSW eligible

CADC I or higher (preferred)

Job description

Position Primary Purpose:

The Mental Health Counselor provides essential mental health services to individuals, couples, and families facing mental health concerns, substance use disorders, and co-occurring conditions. Responsibilities include conducting thorough evaluations and assessments, offering tailored therapeutic interventions, and participating in policy development meetings. This role is key in supporting the White Bird mission and the strategic objectives of the Behavioral Health Department, contributing to a team dedicated to improving community mental well-being.

Essential Functions:

• Manage a consistent weekly caseload of clients, providing continuous therapeutic engagement and support.
• Maintain comprehensive case records and complete all required paperwork within established timelines to meet regulatory and organizational standards.
• Utilize the Diagnostic Manual (DSM-5) to accurately diagnose mental health conditions, ensuring appropriate treatment and support plans are in place.
• Guide clients through their entire treatment journey, from initial assessment through various forms of counseling to case management, and eventual discharge or referral.
• Maintain meticulous client records in compliance with Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations to ensure precision and confidentiality.
• All other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Key Competencies:

• Proficient in clinical competencies with a focus on evidence-based therapies and treatments.
• Experienced in providing integrated care for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
• Deep understanding of human behavior and performance, including individual differences, learning processes, and psychological research methods.
• Knowledgeable in customer and personal service principles, including needs assessment, adherence to quality standards, and customer satisfaction evaluation.
• Well-versed in the principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, as well as career counseling and guidance.
• Ability to independently manage schedule and work effectively with minimal supervision.

Minimum Requirements and Education:

• Must have a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) licensure or be eligible to obtain LCSW only.
• Minimum one (1) year of experience in counseling individuals.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with unhoused and vulnerable populations, addressing a broad spectrum of clinical challenges, particularly trauma and Serious and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Extensive experience in treating individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders (dual diagnosis).
• Current licensure as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC I) or higher.
• Demonstrated proficiency in therapeutic interventions with couples and families, emphasizing relational dynamics and systemic approaches.

Compensation

This is a full time, hourly, non-exempt position with pay D.O.E. (Depending on Experience).

Benefits:

• Employee Medical Insurance with an option to include that is 100% paid by employer.
• Employee Dental Insurance paid 100% by employer.
• Employee Vision Insurance paid 100% by employer.
• $1250 annual Health Reimbursement Account prorated from start month.
• $30 per month Gym reimbursement for qualifying activities or free membership to the Eugene YMCA.
• 401(k) option with up to a 3%match.
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays

This position requires successful passage of a State mandated background check.