Overview

The Substance Use Counselor is responsible for counseling and client care functions at Volunteers of America Alaska outpatient program. The substance use disorder counselor is a fully functional member of the treatment team, develops and implements quality substance use treatment for agency clients, and implements goal directed clinical interventions.

VOA Alaska is a youth-serving organization providing prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery supports to youth and families struggling with mental illness and addiction. We are honored to walk with families during these times and provide support and hope through recovery. Our core values are connection, responsibility, courage, innovation, hope, and joy. We are looking for individuals who espouse these core values and align with this mission of services to the community.

Essential Functions, Duties & Responsibilities

Responsible for the substance use treatment of assigned clients as detailed below.

• Develops and implements treatment plans, treatment plan reviews and produces client reports in a timely manner and in accordance to Medicaid regulations and agency policy and procedures.
• Implements treatment services and maintains client records in accordance to American Society of Addiction Medicine Patient Placement Criteria 2 (ASAM PPC3), CARF, Medicaid regulations, the Division of Behavioral Health requirements and agency policy.
• Develops therapeutic relationships with assigned caseload consisting of substance abusing clients and conducts individual, group and family counseling as prescribed in the treatment plans.
• Provides crisis intervention services for family and youth assigned to caseload.
• Provides case management services and outreach services to include vocational opportunities, support recovery lifestyles and creating a sober network.
• Responsible for the coordination of services with outside agencies and referral sources as appropriate.
• Coordinates the transfer/discharge to continuing care services or provides continuing care services based upon the unique needs of the client.
• Communicates client status to client’s families and other agencies as indicated and in accordance with confidentiality regulations and agency policy.
• Conduct monthly clinical staffing summary of client’s progress in accordance to individual program policy.
• Conducts weekly urine analysis for clients who are in treatment.

Agency adherence of duties and functions as listed below.

• Adheres to 42 C.F.R. and HIPAA privacy and security regulations at all times.
• Coordinates treatment services with his/her supervisor and the consulting psychologist.
• Maintains client confidentiality and safeguards client information as per Federal Regulations.
• Is an active member of the clinical team contributes and participates in program improvement activities.
• Expectation of 50% utilization base on a caseload of 20-25 at Assist, ARCH may vary.
• Productivity standard of 2o hours of billable service rendered weekly.
• Adhering to signatures on all documentation within 72 hours.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in the counseling field and a minimum of 1-year experience in behavioral health field OR High School Diploma / G.E.D and 3 years’ experience in the behavioral health / substance use field
• Ability to obtain one of the following within 3 years of employment:

• CDCII (Chemical Dependency Certification level II)

• Proven ability to work with diverse community groups; with a focus on Alaska Native people, knowledge of their values and belief systems and ability to provide culturally competent services
• Ability to make sound decisions based on information available.
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Ability to work flexible hours, including days, evenings, and some weekend hours
• Ability to travel if required (must have own transportation)
• Ability to provide current credentials and if not current, willing to work towards certification requirements and obtain QAP within 3 years of hire.

Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Works in office areas. Interacts with staff, consultants, and outside vendors. May be subjected to interruptions throughout the workday.
• While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 25 pounds. The vision requirement includes close vision.

Acknowledgement

Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, this job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you may be required to perform. The omission of specific descriptions of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or can be considered essential to this position.