COOK INLET TRIBAL COUNCIL, INC. 

Job Title:           Substance Use Counselor I/II

Department:      Recovery and Reentry

Reports To:       Operations Manager/Sr. Operations Manager/SUC Supervisor

Supervises:       None

FLSA Status:     Non-Exempt

Pay Grade:         N6 (I), N7 (II)

Job Type:           Regular, Full-Time

AKBCU:              Yes                    ICPA: No

General Functions:

The Substance Use Counselor delivers comprehensive substance use treatment services to Alaska Native and American Indian participants as a vital member of CITC's interdisciplinary treatment team. This position provides individual counseling, facilitates substance use-focused group sessions, and maintains thorough clinical documentation while supporting individuals throughout their recovery journey. Working in partnership with our people, the Substance Use Counselor develops opportunities that fulfill our endless potential by conducting assessments in accordance with ASAM criteria, contributing to individualized treatment planning, and coordinating discharge planning and care transitions. The role requires strong clinical skills, cultural competency, and dedication to helping participants achieve long-term recovery and stability.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Substance Use Counselor I

• Conduct comprehensive admissions, intakes, and orientations for new participants, ensuring all required steps are completed for accurate program enrollment.
• Develop and maintain written individualized treatment plans in accordance with Recovery Services policies, procedures, and program expectations.
• Facilitate individual and group counseling sessions focused on substance use, supporting participants in identifying patterns and behaviors aligned with treatment goals.
• Apply ASAM criteria and DSM-5 guidelines to formulate substance use diagnoses and appropriate treatment recommendations.
• Create and maintain comprehensive clinical documentation including assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries within established timeframes.
• Coordinate referrals to community resources including employment services, mental health care, housing, medical providers, and continuing care services.
• Collaborate with treatment teams to provide recovery support services, ensuring participants' needs are addressed through appropriate referrals and advocacy efforts.
• Maintain effective caseload management, ensuring minimum 50% billable time (Outpatient) or 50% direct-care time (Residential) requirements are met.
• Administer approved screening tools and integrate results into comprehensive assessments to support appropriate level-of-care placement decisions.
• Maintain strong collaborative relationships with partnering agencies, referral sources, and family members to ensure comprehensive treatment continuity.
• Support compliance with all health and safety standards according to CITC policies and procedures, particularly during residential night shifts.
• Utilize approved curricula, handouts, and homework assignments to enrich and support participants' treatment experience.
• Participate in staff meetings, case staffing sessions, and ongoing professional development to enhance service delivery quality.
• Maintain confidentiality according to all state and federal regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Perform all related duties as needed and assigned.

Substance Use Counselor II

• Perform all duties and responsibilities of Substance Use Counselor I with an advanced level of proficiency.
• Support Substance Use Counselor staff by addressing questions, offering guidance, and providing recommendations related to position duties and responsibilities.
• Mentor staff in obtaining CDC certifications and deliver training related to substance use counseling best practices.
• Provide advanced clinical support for complex cases and treatment planning decisions.
• Lead specialized treatment groups and evidence-based interventions as appropriate.

Job Specifications:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to document clinical information clearly and accurately.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Trauma-Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, and other evidence-based treatment modalities.
• Proficient with computers including word processing, email, internet, spreadsheets, electronic health records, and case management systems.
• Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills with excellent judgment.
• Proven ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Strong time management skills with ability to handle multiple deadlines and projects efficiently.
• Flexible and adaptable to shifting priorities and participant needs.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the social, health, educational, training, and cultural needs of the Alaska Native and American Indian community.
• Ability and willingness to be cross-trained in all aspects of the program.

Minimum Core Competencies:

CITC Values, Respectful Leadership, Professionalism, Emotional Intelligence, Problem Solving/Critical Thinking, Communication Skills.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Employment is contingent upon completion of satisfactory state and federal fingerprint criminal background check.
• Working knowledge of Motivational Interviewing and Trauma-Informed Care.
• Experience implementing and facilitating clinical best practices in the substance use field, conducting case reviews, and making placements using current ASAM and DSM-5.
• Experience facilitating substance use treatment groups and individual sessions.
• Ability to obtain a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number.
• Ability to obtain a Medicaid Identification number.
• Maintain all credentials in current and up-to-date status.
• CPR certified or ability to be certified within 30 days of hire.

Substance Use Counselor I

• One (1) year of experience in a role delivering or supporting substance use treatment.
• Alaska Chemical Dependency Counselor Certification I (CDC I) through the Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification or ability to obtain within 24 months of hire.
• Obtain full Qualified Addiction Professional (QAP) approval within three (3) years of the Provisional Provider Application approval date with the State of Alaska.

Substance Use Counselor II

• Associate degree or higher in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Counseling, Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling, or related field.
• One (1) year of experience as a substance use counselor, chemical dependency counselor, or similar role.
• Two (2) years of experience working in the substance use field.
• Alaska Chemical Dependency Counselor Certification II (CDC II) or CDC-S through the Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification at time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Counseling, or Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling.
• Alaska Chemical Dependency Counselor Certification I (CDC I) or higher through the Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification at time of hire.
• Relevant work experience in both residential and outpatient substance use treatment settings.

Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• May require prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and consistently working on a computer with repetitive motion.
• The need to occasionally move around the office to access filing cabinets, storage cabinets, and office equipment may be necessary.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally by utilizing proper lifting techniques and working in a safe manner.

Disclaimer
The information provided in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents within this job. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and working conditions required of employees assigned to this job. Management has sole discretion to add or modify duties of the job and to designate other functions as essential at any time. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.