Addictions Counselor

Job Type: Regular Full Time

Location: Any Regional Community

Salary: $38/hr

Summary:

The Addictions Counselor position is located in the Community & Family Services Division under the supervision of the Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor.  This position will become an integral member of the Behavioral Health Department and works collaboratively with other Behavioral Health Services staff to provide comprehensive, holistic behavioral health services to those clients seeking to recover from addictions.   

It is of utmost importance that the Addictions Counselor provides regular groups and one-on-one counseling for recovery from addictions, ensures clarity in all communications for which he/she is responsible- both written and verbal, and meets the highest standards of confidentiality, accuracy, and professionalism.

Major Responsibilities:

An Addictions Counselor works in diverse areas, initiating and providing assessment and treatment of emotional, behavioral, psychological, and physical (such as in the cases of active intoxication or withdrawals) habits and addictions.  This position carries responsibility for assisting in the recovery and healing process for clients of the Behavioral Health Department.  Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provide assessments for the clients of the Behavioral Health Department including outpatient substance abuse, residential treatment, and court referrals as-needed.
• Provide and facilitate group counseling for substance abusing, addicted, and/or co-occurring condition clients.
• Coordinate and provide Continuing Care or Aftercare and continuing contacts for program participants through frequent telephone or face-to-face contacts.
• Provide individual counseling, as indicated through comprehensive assessments.
• Help periodic Addictions Recovery Camps through the provision of counseling, running groups, assessing, providing treatment plans, logistics, etc. as-needed and/or directed.
• Network, collaborate, and correspond with agencies working with clients.
• Provide coverage for other Addictions Counselors and Clinicians through outpatient counseling services while these counselors are unavailable.
• Maintain a spectrum of clinical services to assist clients in transition from residential to outpatient and aftercare as needed
• Document client progress through the electronic health record, the State of Alaska AKAIMS documentation program, or other system as directed by the Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor.
• Under the supervision of the Behavioral Health Clinical Director, set up client files and ensure that documentation is complete as well as HIPAA and Medicaid compliant.
• Participate in the BHD treatment team staffing and ensure team work in the provision of services as requested.
• Maintain data as required by the Director and submit reports as needed.
• Attend required meetings and trainings.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in regard to client, staff, and program matters.
• Assist in program planning and development of the outpatient addictions program.
• Provide psycho-educational information for individuals, school and community groups as requested.
• Perform other duties as assigned and as seen as needed.

Education Requirements:

• Willingness to learn the traditions and culture of the people of the Chugachmiut Region and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Alaska Native communities.
• Must be a certified Chemical Dependency Counselor Level I (or higher) or have a Master’s Level in psychology, social work, or similar.
• Be willing to become certified as a Behavioral Health Aide, if requested by the supervisor.
• Willingness to participate as a member of the Behavioral Health Services team in program planning and evaluation. Able to work both cooperatively and independently toward the overall goals of the Behavioral Health Department and those of Chugachmiut.
• Skilled in working with the public.

Hours of Work:

Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with one hour for lunch, occasional evenings and weekends (when camps are in session) as-needed.  Chugachmiut maintains a drug and alcohol and/non-smoking work environment.