QT-BIPOC Therapists Rising Fellowship Associate Therapist

Location: Portland, OR
Supervisor: QT-BIPOC Therapists Rising Fellowship Program Manager
Employee Classification: Exempt (Salaried), Full-Time
Hours: Full-Time, 40 hours per week
Compensation: $68,250.00 annually

Currently only hiring registered associates who are already further along (at least one year) in their licensure process.

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Primary Function:

As healers, QT-BIPOC Therapists Rising Fellowship Associate Therapists offer a range of services that support the mental and emotional well-being of individuals, families, and communities. They promote and facilitate the attainment of optimal mental health through prevention, treatment, and maintenance services.

Therapists work collaboratively with patients, their families, and other healthcare providers, recognizing that all voices are important and deserve to be heard. They provide culturally sensitive and responsive care, acknowledging the impact of historical trauma and colonization on the mental health of communities and individuals.

In their work, therapists may offer therapy services, both individual and group, that center the experiences and knowledge of patients. They prioritize the empowerment and agency of patients, recognizing their unique identities and strengths, and support them in developing and using their own coping skills and strategies.

Therapists also offer ongoing maintenance services that support the sustainability of mental and emotional well-being. They recognize the importance of long-term care and work with patients to identify and address any obstacles to maintaining their mental health.

Overall, therapists approach their work with humility, respect, and a commitment to decolonizing and liberating mental health care. They prioritize the well-being and self-determination of patients, their families, and their communities, recognizing their intrinsic value and inherent dignity.

Essential Functions:

• Provide holistic assessment and care that includes consideration of the patient’s social, cultural, and historical contexts, as well as their mental and physical health status
• Ensure that informed consent is obtained and prioritizes the patient’s agency and safety
• Ensure that patients are informed about their rights, including their right to refuse treatment, and provide advocacy and support when needed
• Ensure that patient records are kept confidential and secure, and that any sharing of information is done in accordance with the patient’s wishes and legal requirements
• Collaborate with the patient to co-create a personalized care plan that is respectful of their autonomy and priorities
• Use evidence-informed and culturally-responsive practices that prioritize patient empowerment and well-being
• Work in collaboration with community-based specialists, traditional healers, and other healthcare providers to support holistic and culturally-relevant care
• Engage in once weekly 1-hour  individual clinical supervision with paired clinical supervisor.
• Engage in once biweekly 2-hour group clinical supervision.
• Engage in once biweekly 2-hour experiential training.
• Engage in a once a month 2-hour didactic seminar.
• Engage in a once a month 2-hour team meeting.
• Engage in ongoing education and self-reflection to critically examine and challenge systemic injustices in the mental health system
• Recognize and address the impact of systemic oppression, racism, and colonization on mental health and well-being, and work to dismantle these systems of harm
• Use a trauma-informed approach that prioritizes safety, choice, and empowerment, and avoids retraumatization
• Acknowledge and respect the wisdom and knowledge of patients, their families, and communities, and work to ensure their meaningful participation in their care
• Engage in ongoing self-care and self-reflection to mitigate the risk of vicarious trauma and burnout
• Participate in clinical supervision and training that is culturally-responsive and critical of oppressive systems and practices
• Ensure that clinic policies and procedures are respectful of patient autonomy and safety, and challenge any policies that perpetuate systemic harm
• Advocate for systemic change in the mental health system, including increased access to care, resources, and support for marginalized communities.
• Clinical Encounter Expectations: QT-BIPOC Therapists Rising Fellowship Associate Therapists are considered full-time employees and are required to complete 235 qualifying encounters in a 13 week calendar quarter, which is equivalent to a minimum of ~20 encounters per week. This calculation presumes a practitioner is working 11.5 weeks of the 13 week quarter. Practitioners can always choose to complete more than ~20 encounters per week, but the minimum expectation is at least ~20 completed encounters per week. Additional activities including our BIPOC Affinity Group and a percentage of any paid time off contribute to meeting this requirement. While initially building their caseload, a practitioner is expected to undertake 2 new patient intakes per workday, or up to 8 intakes per workweek.

Performance Requirements: 

Knowledge: 

• Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders. 
• Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment planning, and engagement of psychotherapy and/or psychiatric services.
• Knowledge of principles of case conceptualization and diagnostic justification.
• Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, and cultures and their history and origins. 
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn practice policies and procedures. 
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn medical terminology associated with specific role
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn basic insurance terminology and procedures associated with providing clinical services within an insurance-based practice.
• Knowledge of grammar, spelling, and punctuation, for effective and appropriate communication. 
• Knowledge of web-based computer programs and applications in an Apple/Mac environment

Skills: 

• Demonstrate an understanding of sound ethical practice in conjunction with the established and defined ethics of one’s training and discipline.
• Appropriately and effectively assess and treat behavioral and affective disorders, with an emphasis on relational and process intervention models.
• Assess risk for harm to self or others at intake as well as throughout the course of treatment.
• Maintain current and comprehensive clinical documentation compliant with Oregon Health Authority requirements. 
• Coordination of care with multiple providers, both within the practice and at other facilities.
• Welcome and utilize feedback with interest and curiosity from peers, colleagues, managers and directors, as well as in supervision and consultation settings.

Abilities: 

• Provide clinically sound treatment services based on patient needs and treatment plans.
• Demonstrate an understanding of diagnostic evaluation methods, such as the mental status exams, the LOCUS, CASII, ECSII, Level of Care, CANS, PAI, and additional tools used in diagnosing
• Demonstrate an understanding of the DSM­ 5.0.
• Respond to a range of patient needs using differential diagnoses and treatment approaches.
• Demonstrate an understanding of sound ethical practice in conjunction with the established and defined ethics of one’s training and discipline.
• Effectively organize time and responsibilities.
• Demonstrate an understanding and abide by the regulations set forth by HIPAA.
• Model through behaviors and attitudes the values that reflect and are consistent with the policies of PMHW.
• Engage in ongoing training opportunities provided by Portland Mental Health & Wellness and elsewhere to improve skills in diagnosis, treatment planning, and engagement of psychotherapy and/or psychiatric services that emphasize the mission, vision and values of Portland Mental Health & Wellness.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member, and to communicate clearly, compassionately, and respectfully, with medical and mental health professionals, as well as with administrative support staff.
• Ability to flexibly respond to changing demands within the work environment. 
• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks, time, and responsibilities effectively, as well as to work independently and with minimal supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, employees, and the public. 
• Ability to maintain a full caseload of patients and meet a minimum encounter expectation of 235 per 13 week calendar quarter.
• Ability to function proficiently in a web-based computer environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A masters degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related field required.
• Appropriate board approved supervision agreement or licensing required.
• Demonstrate competence and humility in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, class, ability et al
• Demonstrate commitment to the preservation of a workplace which embraces diversity
• Demonstrate commitment to confidentiality of patient and employee information
• Communicate professionally and effectively with patients and clinicians
• Demonstrate a strong attention to detail and organization
• Demonstrate patience: being patient with people who may have trouble communicating or understanding what is happening is imperative for this position
• Follow policies and procedures to contribute to the administrative efficiency of the practice, taking initiative to suggest and develop those that may be needed
• Ability to work with Mac OS & Google Workspace

Equipment Operated: Standard office equipment, including computers, copiers, printers, telephones, etc. 

Work Environment: When working from a PMHW office, the position is in a well-lit office environment. Varied activities including sitting, standing, walking, reaching, bending, and lifting.

Mental and Physical Requirements: Involves sitting approximately 90 percent of the day, walking or standing the remainder. Ability to tolerate mental and emotional distress as an anticipated aspect of the position. May require working under stressful conditions.

Portland Mental Health & Wellness offers a competitive benefits package for full time employees that includes:

• Paid Time Off (80 hours per year)
• Paid Health Leave (40 hours per year)
• Paid Floating Holiday Hours (80 hours per year)
• All Paid Time Off Contributes to Clinical Encounter Hours
• Medical and Vision Insurance – Kaiser Permanente of the Northwest (choice of three plans) – Covered at 70%
• Dental Insurance – Principal Insurance Company – Covered at 70%
• Employer Paid Life and AD&D Insurance – Principal Insurance Company 
• Voluntary Additional Life and AD&D Insurance – Principal Insurance Company  
• Voluntary Short Term Disability Insurance – Principal Insurance Company 
• Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance – Principal Insurance Company 
• Voluntary Accident Insurance – Principal Insurance Company 
• Flexible Spending Account, Health Care – AmeriFlex
• Flexible Spending Account, Dependent Care – AmeriFlex 
• Commuter Benefits – Choice of One Below:
  • Monthly TriMet Transportation Pass – Covered at 50%
  • Parking Reimbursement – Up to $50 per month
• 401K Retirement Plan – Up to 4% Company Match Once Eligible
• Discounted Enrollment with Student Loan Tutor
• 10% Discount on Vitamins & Supplements Through Fullscript
• 15% Discount at VioletSuitesPDX Boutique Hotel
• OnPoint Community Credit Union Group Banking Benefits
• Limited Access to Columbia Sportswear Employee Store
• Free Access to Clearly Clinical and Aspira Continuing Education Platforms 
• Weekly Clinical Consultation Groups

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This description is intended to provide only the basic guidelines for meeting job requirements. Responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities, and working conditions may change as the practice’s needs evolve. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of every job.

The requirements described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. By signing below, you acknowledge that you are able to perform the Essential Functions of this job, with or without accommodation. If an accommodation is needed, you acknowledge that you have an opportunity to discuss this with Human Resources.

It’s essential to clarify that at Portland Mental Health & Wellness, we hire W-2 employees for most positions, rather than contractors. This decision reflects our commitment to professionalism, accountability, and the highest standards of care.

In Oregon, the distinction between W-2 employees and contractors holds significant legal and ethical implications. By hiring W-2 employees, we ensure that our staff receive fair wages, benefits, and protections mandated by state labor laws. This includes access to healthcare, paid leave, and workers’ compensation, fostering a supportive and secure work environment.

Moreover, hiring W-2 employees allows us to maintain consistent quality control and oversight over our services. We prioritize building a team of dedicated professionals who share our values and commitment to providing exceptional mental health care to our clients. This ensures continuity of care and fosters trust within our community.

At Portland Mental Health & Wellness, we believe that investing in our employees translates to better outcomes for our clients. By hiring W-2 employees, we uphold our commitment to integrity, transparency, and excellence in mental health care delivery. Join us in our mission to promote holistic well-being and support the mental health needs of individuals and families in Portland and beyond.