Basic Functions:

Provide individual Mental Health and SUD counseling support to patients in Methadone, Outpatient, and Federal programs. A Mental Health Clinician must work effectively with a multi-disciplinary team to coordinate patient services and maintain the highest quality of care. Case management for men, women, youth and families seeking recovery from substance abuse. Community outreach for the advancement of agencies services. The Mental Health Clinician works collaboratively with the Associate Director(s) and is responsible completion of LPHA activities to include, but not limited to, the completion and finalization of Outpatient ASAM assessments, diagnosis, and medical necessity note.

Responsibilities:

The following responsibilities represent the essential functions of the position. An employee in this classification is responsible for carrying out the following functions:

• Completes documentation requirements and maintains quality, up-to-date clinical records, including patient daily treatment encounters and billing, and effectively enters information into Methasoft and AVATAR EHR.
• Collects various bodily fluids to include: urine and sweat.
• Maintains a caseload of up to thirty-two patients.
• Maintains confidentiality of clinical records and privileged information, and stays up-to-date with HIPAA requirements and compliance.
• Provides individualized counseling services to all contracted programs.
• Works closely with patients to engage them in the decision-making process and help them understand the benefits of assessment and accessing the appropriate level of care as indicated.
• Conducts bio-psychosocial and ASAM assessments upon admission(s) to determine the appropriate level of care.
• Works with other staff and patients in a respectful professional manner.
• Conducts case management when requested.
• Maintains working knowledge of other drug and alcohol treatment agencies and programs and a list of resources that can be shared with clients.
• Monitors client’s access to and involvement with treatment and other providers to help address barriers to treatment and the recovery process.
• Provides back-up assistance to counselors with group therapy and psycho-education groups as necessary.
• Conducts other duties as assigned by Associate Director(s).

Expectations:

• Alerts Associate Director(s) to potential crises or urgent situations and/or incidents
• Remains in compliance with internal and external policies, procedures, regulations, and standards, including all of VHA policies and procedures and Quality Assurance Plan, CARF requirements, State Licensing standards, County Monitoring requirements, and all Medi-Cal regulations.
• Attends supervision with counseling staff.
• Provides oversight and monitors record keeping, debrief counselors on treatment processes, monitor treatment plan development, and implements/monitors program educational activities with other treatment oversight as assigned.
• Attends all required trainings and administrative meetings.
• Completes CEU’s annually for renewal of professional licensure.
• Upholds the Organization and Program Code of Ethics.
• Required to obtain professional liability insurance.
• Performs all other duties as assigned by Executive Director

Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree in the field of Substance Abuse, Health and Human Services, Social Work and/or Business Administration strongly encouraged.
• Current CPR certification.
• Knowledge of Local, State and Federal employment guidelines to include: CFR 42 part 2, Title 22, and Title 9.
• Holds registration with an approved organization qualified to certify individuals as alcohol and drug counselors pursuant to California Code of Regulations (CCR) Chapter 8, Title 9, Section 13035(a), AND completion of 155 documented hours of formal Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) classroom education, AND completion of 160 hours of supervised AOD training. AND One (1) year experience in an alcohol or drug program providing recovery planning, group and/or individual services.
• Holds and/or is actively working towards a certification as an alcohol or substance abuse counselor from an approved organization qualified to certify individuals as alcohol and drug counselors pursuant to California Code of Regulations (CCR) Chapter 8, Title 9, Section 13035(a). AND One (1) year experience in an alcohol or drug program providing recovery planning, group and /or individual services.
• Volunteer experience may be qualifying if confirmed in writing from a recognized organization. Dependent upon assignment, applicants may be required to pass an extensive background investigation and be fingerprinted. Disqualification for felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
• A valid California Class "C" Driver's License is required at the time of appointment.
• Strong interpersonal and engagement skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to support VHA’s mission and philosophy, and demonstrate sensitivity to cultural diversity and workplace harmony
• Dependent upon assignment, applicants may be required to pass an extensive background investigation and be fingerprinted. Disqualification for felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met byan employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and/or stand for long periods of time; use hands to manipulate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $28.10 - $31.60 per hour

Expected hours: 10 – 12 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Medical specialties:

• Addiction Medicine

Schedule:

• 4 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work setting:

• Hybrid work
• Telehealth

Ability to Commute:

• Salinas, CA 93901 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Salinas, CA 93901: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Salinas, CA 93901