Chemical Dependency Counselor

Job Title:                      Chemical Dependency Counselor

Department:                  SVT Health and Wellness

Supervisor:                   Medical Director

Supervises:                   None

Location:                       Homer

FLSA Status:                Exempt

Classification:                Full-Time

Introduction

Begin a fulfilling journey as a Substance Abuse Counselor, where your passion for making a positive impact meets the opportunity to guide individuals towards a brighter, addiction-free future. In this crucial role, you will be at the forefront of empowering individuals to regain control of their lives, offering empathetic counseling and unwavering support. Join us in making a difference and be a catalyst for transformation in the lives of those seeking a fresh start. Apply now to become a part of SVT’s team promoting whole person health.

Position Overview

The Chemical Dependency Counselor will support SVT Health & Wellness (SVTHW) as a Community Health Center by providing substance abuse prevention, education, individual and group substance abuse counseling and case management services. This position is part of an integrated model of behavioral health in the health center setting.

Duties and Responsibilities

• The CDC assists the SVTHW primary care team in addressing patient needs related to substance use and abuse.
• Completes and documents substance abuse assessment/clinical interview, behavioral health intake screenings, educational interventions, assists with treatment planning, and assists patients with accessing treatment services. Coordinate with the Primary Care Provider to fulfill requirements related to patient entry into treatment program.
• Provides case management and culturally sensitive, patient-centered counseling to adult/adolescent patients with substance-use related disorders.
• Use Screening, Brief Interventions, Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) evidence-based strategy currently in place at SVTHW; motivational interviewing. Provides one on one assistance by appointment and in the form of an integrated visit at the direction of medical providers.
• Facilitates support groups at each location (Homer, Anchor Point, and Seldovia).
• Participate in required collaborative meetings to support patient treatment progress and determining treatment recommendations for new patients.
• Conduct video conference interventions and assessments of patients in satellite locations. Develop the capacity and spearhead the system for distance interventions with SUD patients via telehealth.
• Document all clinical services thoroughly and accurately in compliance with State, Federal, Medicaid requirements and professional and ethical guidelines. Submit all documentation in a timely manner per policy.
• Participate in community presentations and educational opportunities, and participate in Seldovia Village Tribe (SVT) fairs, events, and outreach. Arrange community substance abuse related prevention activities and events.
• Work closely with community referral sources.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) Required.
• A Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Counseling, Social Work, or related field preferred.
• Current State of Alaska Chemical Dependency Counselor Level One (CDC I) is required with CDC Level Two (CDC II) preferred. If certified in another State, must obtain State of Alaska Certification within one year of hire.
• A minimum of 12 months’ work experience in similar capacity is required.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be able to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Must have excellent de-escalation skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of patients or employees of organization.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual should possess knowledge of various web browsers, Mac and PC computers, and Microsoft Office programs.

Travel Requirements

Travel by boat, plane, and car required to Seldovia and Anchor Point.

Employment Requirements

Background check

FBI fingerprinting

Preemployment drug-testing

Employee Health Requirements

Credentialing Requirements

Work Environment

Seldovia Village Tribe is a drug-free, alcohol-free, and tobacco-free work environment. 

An individual in this position may be exposed to communicable diseases or hazards common to a healthcare setting, including but not limited to needle stick wounds, chemicals, and tuberculosis.

Physical Requirements

Stand

Walk

Sit

Climb

Squat or Kneel

Bend

Speak

Grasp

Manually Manipulate

Reach Outward/Above

Lift/Carry: 50 lbs or less

Push/Pull: 50 lbs or less

Review

Seldovia Village Tribe has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Supervisors, directors, and/or CEO may assign additional functions and requirements, when appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and Seldovia Village Tribe reserves the right to change this job description.