This position will be associated with Rivercrest Recovery High School and will include other assignments as well.

Recovery high schools are secondary schools designed specifically for students in recovery from substance use disorder or co-occurring disorders. Although each school operates differently depending on available community resources and state standards, each recovery high school shares the following conditions:

* They meet state requirements for awarding a secondary school diploma - meaning the school offers credits towards a state-recognized high school diploma, and the student is not just getting tutored or completing work from another school while there.

* They intend for all of their students to be enrolled be in recovery and working a program of recovery from substance use or co-occurring disorders as determined by the student and the School.

* Their primary purpose is to educate students in recovery from substance use or co-occurring disorders.

For more information on Rivercrest, please visit www.rivercrestacademy.org

This position involves working with students recovering from Substance Use Disorder. Preference is given to candidates with lived experience (broadly defined) or candidates willing to engage in professional development (to be provided) about working with students recovering from addiction.

MESD and the MEA union are currently engaged in contract negotiations and the salary listed in this job posting reflects the rate for the 2023-24 school year. Upon ratification of the collective bargaining agreement, salary adjustments will be made for the 2024-25 school year as applicable.

Department: Student Services

Program: Recovery School

Reports to: Building Administrator

Classification/Range: AFSCME/Range 16

Schedule: 215 days per year, 8 hours per day

Ideal start date: Mid August (2024-2025 School Year)

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Substance Abuse Counselor will provide counsel and support to students experiencing substance use disorder, educating families in the recovery process. Provides collaborative, comprehensive services to students, families, school personnel and community organizations to ensure that students have access to educational programming and to support families in accessing appropriate levels of treatment including higher levels of treatment when necessary. This position also provides consultation to school teams, families, and community members in order to support students and families who are experiencing substance use disorder.

NATURE & SCOPE:

This position is subject to board policies, administrative rules and procedures, department regulations and applicable state and federal statutes. This position carries no administrative authority or responsibility.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

* Complete comprehensive, ASAM-based drug and alcohol assessments and develop appropriate services and support plans.

* Facilitate and effectively utilize evidence-based practices in individual and group counseling settings.

* Maintain accurate records and complete all forms, assessments and file management paperwork as directed.

* Maintain family-centered services and support; as appropriate and if requested by individuals and approved by the treatment team.

* Provide individual sessions with each client assigned.

* Observe and comply with all OAR rules

* Comply with HIPAA and FERPA rules

* Cooperate with other staff to provide quality services for individuals

* Cover clinical responsibilities for colleagues as required

* Participate in staff meetings and training opportunities

* Maintain current credentials and seek opportunities to advance skill

* Maintain knowledge of community resources.

* Professionally communicate with referral sources and staff of partner agencies

* Establish and maintain positive, professional relationships with partner agencies and districts

* Assist in training new staff and provide in-service training as requested

* Maintain regular and timely attendance

ESSENTIAL QUALITIES:

* Equity: Lead and support regional equity initiatives

* Vision: Lead with vision, follow-through and student focus.

* Trust: Develop trust among coworkers and students through honesty and fairness.

* Communication: Communicate in an inclusive, effective and collaborative manner.

* Personal Qualities: Be respectful, excel in customer service, caring, humble and courageous.

* Agency-wide perspective: Be involved in and supportive of continuous overall improvement of MESD programs and services.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

* CDAC I Credential

* Experience with Dual Diagnosis

* Experience working with diverse populations including race, gender, disability

* Knowledge of community resources

* Ability to provide individual, group and family services

* Participate in ongoing professional development.

* Adhere to the policies and procedures of the District and alternative setting

* Performs other related duties as assigned.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

* Continued education toward CDAC II

* Lived experience

* Training and/or experience in classroom and school settings

* Bilingual/Bi-Cultural highly desirable

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/CREDENTIALS:

* Bachelor's degree preferred

* Must be a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CDAC)

* Successfully pass ODE background check

WORKING CONDITIONS:

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

Work is performed in a wide variety of locations, including office and school environments. May work with high-stress student or family situations. Involves sitting, walking and attendance at evening and weekend meetings. Requires the use of computers, office equipment, and driving personal vehicles.

BENEFITS:

* The district pays full medical, dental, and vision premiums for eligible employees and dependents

* Three medical insurance plan options:

* Group Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) or

* Opt-Out option

* MESD pays employee's 6% Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) contribution

* Paid holidays, sick leave and personal time off

* Tuition Reimbursement and Professional Development

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

* Mobility: Frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting.

* Lifting: Frequently up to 10 pounds; occasional up to 25 pounds.

* Vision: Constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision.

* Dexterity: Frequent use of keyboard; frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching.

* Hearing/talking: Frequent hearing and talking, in person and on telephone.

* Emotional/Psychological: Frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or co-worker contact; occasional working alone.

Special Note Regarding Applicants in Recovery:

Addiction and alcoholism are medical conditions, protected from discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended, Oregon disability laws, and other laws. MESD does not ask applicants or employees if they experience substance use disorder or are currently in recovery. However, as a provider of recovery support services, we believe alcoholics or addicts in recovery are uniquely qualified to help others still struggling, and we prefer to hire qualified individuals in recovery for direct client contact positions. On the other hand, the early stages of recovery are subject to frequent relapse and uncertainty, which would make hiring an individual in the early stages of recovery inconsistent with our mission, and would likely make the individual unable to effectively perform the essential functions of any position that involves direct client contact. Therefore, if an applicant or employee discloses a history of addiction, and the position involves direct client contact, we do request the individual to confirm that they have been in recovery for a minimum of two years.