Lead Substance Use Counselor

Vision

To end homelessness.

MISSION STATEMENT:

All youth experiencing homelessness and youth at risk of being homeless are empowered to be contributing, self-supporting members of their community.

JOB DESCRIPTION TITLE: Lead Substance Use Counselor REPORTS TO: Behavioral Health Program Manager SUPERVISES: Assigned Staff EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Regular, full-time CLASSIFICATION: Hourly LOCATION: 300 North Willow Street Wasilla AK 99654 FLSA STATUS: Exempt

GENERAL FUNCTIONS:

This Substance Use Counselor is responsible for providing Behavioral Health services to individuals who receive an integrated assessment using the ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine) and DSM-5 diagnosis criteria and meet the criteria for services. In partnership with the Clinician this position is responsible for the overall care of the client and is responsible for developing client centered treatment plans, providing groups and maintaining the client record in addition to utilizing internal and allied resources to provide needed services for the client’s success.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Provides supervision to assigned staff in accordance with agency policies.

· Overseas and conducts admission, intake, and orientation for clients entering services.

· Assists clients in identify goals, objectives, and interventions for treatment plan creation.

· Provide case management services, as needed, focusing on agency best practices as well as follow up appointments that address on going referrals

· Advocate and coordinate referrals for client needs identified on the treatment plan. (housing, employment, MH needs, medical, legal).

· Create and manage clinical documentation for clients such as intakes, referral, diagnoses, treatment plans, case-staffing, discharge summaries, and progress notes.

· Utilize ASAM and DSM-5 literature when making substance use diagnoses and recommendations.

· Administers Alaska Screening Tool and Bio-Psycho-Social substance use assessment instruments to determine treatment recommendations relative to the appropriate level of

treatment services based on criteria developed by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)

· Understand the uses of Trauma-Informed and Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques.

· Coordinate with referral sources, family members, community agencies, and other treatment providers to provide the best treatment and case management options for the client.

· Maintain relationships with all partnering agencies and referral sources.

· Provide individual substance use counseling and education to individuals through approved counseling practices.

· Communicate effectively and be part of a team of staff professionals working together to support and encourage clients to set and accomplish goals, establish healthy boundaries and become productive.

· Represent for MY House in a positive and proactive manner at all times.

· Other duties and tasks as negotiated.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

· Associates degree in Human Services or related field. Relevant experience may substitute for educational requirement on a year for year basis.

· Alaska Chemical Dependency Counselor Certification I (CDC I)

· Minimum two (2) years of relevant work experience working in a substance-use related field.

· Strong understanding of community resources and referral agencies

· Working knowledge of Motivational Interviewing and Trauma-Informed Care.

· If in recovery must be in remission for two (2) year and working a program of recovery

· CPR/First Aid/AED certified or able to obtain within 90 days of hire

· Continued employment is contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory state and federal background check, approved National Provider Identifier Standard (NPI) status, and state Approval as a Qualified Addictions Professional (QAP) or a Provisional (QAP)

· Must have a valid Alaska Driver's License and insurable under My House vehicle insurance

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

· Bachelor’s Degree in Social work, Psychology, Human Services, Counseling, or Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling. Relevant experience may qualify for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis.

· Alaska Chemical Dependency Counselor Certification II (CDC II)

· Minimum three (3) years of relevant work experience working in a substance-use related field.

· Demonstrated ability to utilize an electric health record.

· Current CPR/First Aid/AED certified

· Current NPI and QAP

· Continued employment is contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory state and federal background check

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

· Demonstrate the ability to respond to crisis situations and emergencies

· Ability to deescalate agitated clients

· Ability to maintain healthy boundaries with clients

· Demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, and initiative

· Working knowledge of health care portability act (42CFR and HIPPA)

· Demonstrate positive work ethic

· Ability to communicate proficiently verbally and in writing

Salary : $33 - $35