CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY COUNSELOR II

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.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position functions within the SEARHC Behavioral Health department to provide substance use treatment services for the SEARHC Intensive Substance Abuse and Addiction (ISAAT) 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. ISAAT services are provided through individual, group, and family services, including telehealth platforms.

POSITION COMPLEXITIES

A CDC position requires a thorough understanding of substance abuse and dependency, 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.   

CDC I Salary Range: $27.12 – 35.54/hr.

CDC II Salary Range: $31.11 – $40.99/hr.

 ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITES

• 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 professional development activities, attends formal and informal substance abuse and addiction training, studies treatment theories and practices.

Other Comments:

• This position provides services for a substance abuse treatment program and program staff are expected to model safe and responsible behavior related to use of legal substances and to not engage in use of illegal substances.
• Must be willing to work a variety of shifts, including morning, afternoons, evenings, holidays, and weekends.

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience:

• A minimum of one year substance abuse work experience, preferred. 

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.

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.