Pre-Licensed Associate Therapist for Intensive Outpatient Programs

Location: All
Supervisor: Director of Intensive Outpatient Programs
Employee Classification: Exempt (salaried), Full-Time
Hours: Full-Time, 40 hours per week
Compensation: $63,500 annually, with opportunities for additional clinical commission and profit sharing

Onboarding Timeline: Approximately 6 weeks

Apply now! Flexible Start Date

Primary Function:

The pre-licensed associate therapist will offer evidence-based group, individual, and family therapy to adults participating in our Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP). They will apply the best practices of group counseling techniques to assist patients effectively, and they will work in collaboration with others involved in the health of patients.

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.

IOP associate therapists are required to be present for IOP programming and associated staff meetings (3 days a week/4 hours a day), along with an individual caseload of 9 patients (23 clinical contact hours per week).

Essential Functions:

• Provide group, individual, and family/relationship therapy
• Assess patients regularly (everyday in IOP) for safety, ADLs, and mental status
• Treatment planning and regular assessment of patients’ progress, including need for higher or lower level of care, transition plan, and/or discharge planning
• Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration with program psychiatrist and staff, to ensure quality continuation of care
• Engage in ongoing training and education in best practices within IOP programs
• Ensure compliance with state laws and regulations, as well as the ethics code for your profession
• Develop creative program material and curriculum and adjust group therapy content to fit group needs
• Communicate with patients’ family members, support systems, and outside providers as needed
• Collaborate with Director, Manager, and program staff to provide accurate clinical information for ongoing utilization reviews 
• Demonstrate skill in documentation (initial treatment plans/updates, discharges, attendance)
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Performance Requirements: 

Knowledge: 

• Knowledge of group therapy dynamics and IOP curriculum (largely CBT, DBT, ACT)
• 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: 

• Proficiency in de-escalation strategies
• Competency in clinical documentation (initial treatment plans/updates, progress notes, discharges)
• 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 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 and organizational culture principles of Portland Mental Health & Wellness.
• 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, as well as the organizational culture principles, 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 function proficiently in a web-based computer environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A masters degree in psychology, counseling, 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, accrued)
• Paid Health Leave (40 hours per year)
• Paid Floating Holiday Hours (80 hours per year)
• Medical and Vision Insurance – Kaiser (choice of three plans) – Covered at 60%
• Dental Insurance – Principal – Covered at 60%
• Employer Paid Life and AD&D Insurance – Principal 
• Voluntary Additional Life and AD&D Insurance – Principal  
• Voluntary Short Term Disability Insurance – Principal 
• Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance – Principal 
• Voluntary Accident Insurance – Principal 
• 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
• Quarterly Profit Sharing Incentive 
• Enrollment with Student Loan Tutor
• 20% Discount on Vitamins & Supplements Through Fullscript
• 15% discount at VioletSuitesPDX
• OnPoint Group Banking Benefits
• Discounted Monthly Membership with Müv Fitness
• Limited Access to Columbia Sportswear Employee Store
• Guaranteed Income for First Three Pay Periods for Full-Time Outpatient Therapists  
• Loan Repayment Program Opportunity Through the Oregon Health Authority’s Behavioral Health Workforce Initiative
• Access to Clearly Clinical Continuing Education Resources at No Additional Cost
• Weekly 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.