Chemical Dependency Counselor

Basic Functions/Summary:

Provides direct services to clients to include qualified counseling, practice as a Chemical Dependency, Addiction, or Substance Abuse counselor. Provides consultation, leadership and support to fellow members of the SUDP team and those pursuing their SUDP.

• Conducts comprehensive assessments and determines proper course of treatment in accordance with their defined scope of practice.
• Understands the nature of treatment of chemical dependency, particularly in the cultural context of Native Americans (including the evidence-based concept of addressing issues related to historical trauma) in order to provide effective and culturally appropriate intervention and prevention services.
• Conducts chemical dependency assessments and provides individual or group counseling and other treatment modalities as appropriate.
• Responds to crisis situations and provides immediate clinical services or makes appropriate referrals (to clinicians within the facility or to outside designated crisis responders) with possible after hours services as needed or required.
• Works collaboratively with CCT Behavioral Health Program, the Indian Health Services, referring agencies and institutions, cognizant authorities, other healthcare providers, and other social service agencies.
• Provides leadership and consultation to help ensure high quality services and confirms trainees complete all required paperwork correctly and in a timely fashion.
• Travels and performs duties in the field as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned to include but not limited to crisis and other work that supports the overall objectives of the position.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Training:

• Requires an associate's degree in Substance Use Disorder or other closely related field or non- degree level. training resulting in licensure or certification as a substance use disorder professional or chemical dependency professional or equivalent.
• Requires two (2+) years of experience providing addiction/substance use disorder counseling and case management services and four (4+) years of experience in the behavioral healthcare field.
• Must provide proof of degree and licensure by submitting college transcripts, diplomas, and copies of active licenses. If not yet licensed, must be eligible for and able to obtain a license within 90 days of employment.
• Requires a valid driver's license and to be eligible for Tribal Insurance and maintain clearance throughout employment. Licensed by the State of Washington under Chapter 18.205 RCW as a SUDP or SUDPT or a Chemical Dependency Professional (CDP) or by any similar state or U.S. jurisdiction with a scope of practice that includes the independent provision of chemical dependency treatment services.
• If not yet licensed, must be eligible for and able to obtain a license within 90 days of employment.
• Must possess or obtain First Aid and CPR Training within 90 days of employment.
• Must complete the HIV/AIDS and blood borne pathogen training within 90 days of employment.
• Must provide verification of TB test or X- ray, with negative results, prior to employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Requires professional experience or personal background that demonstrates a firm understanding of Native American traditions and customs, and cultural awareness as they relate to effective treatment delivery.
• Requires knowledgeable of chemical dependency treatment modalities, services, and best practices.
• Requires a willingness to use additional counseling tools resulting from continued professional development.
• Requires an understanding of electronic health record systems and their appropriate use in a chemical dependency treatment setting.
• Requires creative problem solving skills and the ability to develop innovative solutions to complex problems.
• Requires experience meeting programmatic clinical deadlines.
• Requires a high degree of organizational skill.
• Requires knowledge of and commitment to adhere to the professional code of ethics for the profession of chemical dependency treatment provider, especially as it pertains to confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Requires excellent writing skills, case management skills, and commitment strong clinical documentation.
• Requires excellent oral and written communication skills
• Requires the ability to practice counselor interview techniques and skills, including motivational interviewing.
• Requires the ability to safeguard confidential information and an understanding of the ramifications for breaching confidence.
• Requires the ability to communicate effectively in writing in the preparation of reports, case summaries, and correspondence in an intelligible, clear and concise manner.
• Requires the ability to effectively make diagnoses and clinical judgments and apply intervention techniques when dealing with the elderly and family dynamics issues.
• Must demonstrate the ability to complete all required documentation in a professional manner.
• Requires the ability to establish workload priorities and to manage caseloads in an efficient, organized and timely manner.
• Requires the ability to assess the clients' immediate needs and ensure clients' receipt of needed services through personal service or by making referral.
• Requires the ability to work collaboratively and effectively with staff, client, agencies and other tribal programs.
• Requires ability to work under tense, demanding situations and responding appropriately and professionally in crisis situations.
• Requires the ability to organize and prioritize work and manage time effectively.
• Requires the ability to operate a computer and work with various computer software.
• Requires ability to work independently and as a member of a healthcare team to provide optimal services related chemical dependency treatment and the treatment of chemical dependency issues in dual diagnosis patients.
• Requires the ability to maintain case records using required forms, complete reports using the prescribed agency format (which meet the requirements of state, Tribal and federal guidelines) by documenting all screenings, assessments, group facilitations and counseling according to specified procedures.
• Requires the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with clients, their families, and staff.
• Provides appropriate crisis intervention when possible to contribute productively as team member.
• Requires the ability to maintain professional working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and other professionals, providing timely and sufficient documentation of all referrals, follow-ups, crisis interventions, and other clinical interventions as prescribed by the program.
• Requires the ability to complete all required documentation in a professional and timely manner, as may be evidenced by work history, within time frames defined by established policies and procedures often under tense, demanding situations, responding appropriately, and professionally.
• Requires the ability to demonstrate creative problem solving skills, with the ability to develop innovative solutions to complex problems, and experience with meeting programmatic and clinical deadlines.
• Requires the ability to work flexible hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays as the work dictates to participate in outreach/prevention, community education activities within Chemical Dependency, make presentations and provide training to staff and clientele.
• Requires the ability to be highly organized with attention to detail, work effectively in collaboration with SPTC staff and other Tribal Health Programs for more effective service delivery.
• The incumbent performs work of a sedentary to moderately active nature.
• Requires sufficient ambulatory ability to walk to project locations, to stand for extended periods of time, and to bend and stoop for limited periods of time.
• Requires sufficient arm-hand-eye coordination to operate a computer keyboard and pointing devises at a proficient level.
• Requires sufficient visual acuity to read technical documents and instructions.
• Requires the ability to lift, push, and pull objects of medium weight (less than 50 lbs.) on an occasional basis.
• Requires the ability to grasp, reach, push, and pull and move light weight work materials and supplies.
• Requires sufficient arm, hand, finger dexterity to use a personal computer keyboard, multimedia, and other office equipment.
• Requires sufficient hearing and speaking skills to project voice and communicate with staff, students, parents and other practitioners in small group settings and in one-on-one conversations.
• Requires visual acuity to read printed materials and computer screens.
• Requires the ability to drive in adverse weather conditions.
• Requires the ability to work at various worksites when needed

Note: Pursuant to Tribal Policy, if this position is safety sensitive it is subject to pre-employment drug testing. In addition, this position is subject to reasonable suspicion and post-accident drug testing.

TRIBAL MEMBER AND INDIAN PREFERENCE WILL APPLY; PREFERENCE WILL ALSO BE GIVEN TO HONORABLY DISCHARGED VETERANS WHO ARE MINIMALLY QUALIFIED.

If required of this position, you must possess and maintain a valid Washington State driver’s license and be eligible for the Tribes’ Vehicle Insurance. In addition, this position may be subject to pre-employment background clearances. If applicable, these clearances must be maintained throughout employment.