CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY COUNSELOR I

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.

Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

This position functions within the SEARHC Behavioral Health department to provide substance abuse treatment services for the SEARHC Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOT) program. The Chemical Dependency Counselor (CDC) role includes provision of the following services: screening, assessment, treatment planning, referral management, counseling, crisis support, case management and other recovery supportive services. IOT services are provided through individual, group and family services, including telehealth platforms.

A CDC position requires a thorough understanding of substance abuse and dependence as well as a familiarity and aptitude in implementation of evidence-based interventions and treatment strategies for effective disease management. The CDC provider responsibilities include screening, assessment, treatment planning, referral management, counseling, crisis support, case management and other recovery supportive services. This role also requires the aptitude, and/or the ability to develop the skills required, to complete necessary oral and written communication and documentation in the electronic health record. Position responsibilities include a responsibility to provide consultation to assist other staff members throughout the consortium in substance abuse and dependency related care needs.   

This position supports SEARHC’s vision statement: “To improve the health status of Native people in Southeast Alaska and other partners to the highest possible level,” by providing substance abuse treatment services related to substance abuse and/or dependence.

Sign-on and Relocation Bonus: CDC I: $25.99-$35.54/hr. / CDC II: $29.79-$40.99

• Provide client screening, intake, orientation, assessment, treatment planning, counseling, crisis support, client education, referral management, consultation, case management and other recovery support services.
• Maintains appropriate records in a confidential manner and follows documentation standards as outlined by policies and procedures. This includes maintaining timely, complete, and accurate documentation for all client interactions and/or treatment planning
• Actively participate in a professional manner in departmental meetings and multi-disciplinary team meetings, in-service trainings, and other collaborative activities, as directed.
• Participates in career development activities, attends formal and informal substance abuse and addiction training, studies treatment theories and practices.

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience:

• A minimum of one year substance abuse work experience, preferred.
• Certifications:
  • Chemical Dependency Counselor I or Counselor Technician or Behavioral Health Aid II certification by the State of Alaska, or in a state which has reciprocity with Alaska, or eligible within 6 months of hire.
  • Qualified Addiction Professional (QAP) status, per State of Alaska requirements, or complete application requirements for a provisional QAP (PQAP) status.
    • If a PQA, applicant must commit to completion of requirements for a QAP status . 

Other Requirements:

• Must be 21 years of age.
• Valid State of Alaska Driver’s License or can be obtained within 6 months of hire

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

At a level consistent with current chemical dependency certification (per the Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification):

• Able to demonstrate and implement substance abuse treatment knowledge.
• Knowledge and understanding of the substance abuse disease model.
• Understanding and commitment to abide by CFR 42 Part 2 and HIPAA regulations regarding client confidentiality and protected health information laws and practices.

• Ability to perform screenings, assessments, treatment planning, referral management, counseling, case management and other recover support services.
• Experienced in providing counseling services, including individual, group, family, and crisis intervention services.  
• Proficient skills in oral and written communication, including accurate documentation on treatment progress per regulatory and agency requirements.
• Capability to maintain professional boundaries while developing a strong therapeutic relationship.
• Able to understand and follow agencies policies and procedures.