Substance Abuse Counselor

Position Summary: 

Care Hawaii Inc. is a behavioral health care organization seeking a compassionate and dependable SUD Cares CSAC Counselor to support the statewide SUD CARES call center.

CARE Hawaii Inc. contracts with the Adult Drug and Alcohol Division to provide SUD Cares Call Center services. Employment is dependent upon program and operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with all Federal and State laws. CARE Hawaii is looking for individuals who are responsible for organizing, coordinating, and monitoring all non-clinical operations of the program under the direction of the Substance Abuse Clinical Supervisor. This may include the coordination of the information system, maintaining program files, call logs, and reporting of data. CARE Hawaii will be offering eight (8) hours a day,  seven days a week, support to access services for community members in need of substance use disorder treatment referrals.

Position Qualifications: 

·        Minimum Education: High School Diploma or equivalent; Associates (AA) in Behavioral Health or related field preferred.

·        Minimum Field Experience: At least one (1) year full-time experience as a CSAC working in substance use or co-occurring disorder treatment program.

·        Required Certification/Registration: 

o  CSAC (Must be certified or in the process of receiving certification)

o  TB

o  Background Check

Job Competencies

·        Required Skills: Mature, reliable, and responsible. Must have clear, concise, and empathetic communication skills. Must be culturally sensitive and aware. Must know the basics of ethics, HIPPA standards, and problem solving. Must display sound judgment, a good work ethic, and personal integrity.

·        Technical Skills: Basic use of a computer and/or tablet, Microsoft Word Suite, fax machine, telephone, and text and chat features on the telephone or computer.

·        Working Environment: Able to work indoors in a well vented or air-conditioned area, Noise level in the environment is usually moderate.

·        Special Demands: Ability to respond effectively to the varied needs and demands of multidisciplinary team members. Have access to helpful, adequate, competent, and continuous supports and services.

·        Consumers Served: CARE Hawaii SUD Cares call center will provide services to any adult or adolescent individuals or families who meet the criteria.

·        Physical Demands:

1.   Sit for long periods of time, use proper ergonomics, the ability to focus on a computer and/or tablet for long periods of time.

2.  Ability to assist with the high volume of calls; ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing is essential.

3.  Ability to follow instructions and motivation to refer to various rehabilitative groups. Frequent reading of printed materials is essential.

4.  Listening skills necessary to effectively respond to consumers.

5. Ability to identify and support the daily interactions and to deal with each situation in a stress-free manner.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

·        Connect with community members who are requesting substance use disorder services via HAWAII Cares 988.

·        Work in a culturally sensitive manner with individuals, families, and groups to provide outreach, emotional support, virtual individual and SUD counseling, public education, and referrals when needed.

·        Receive all incoming calls, document information provided, complete intake and screening forms, and provide referral services for all callers.

·        Receive, review, approve and/or deny incoming bundles. Contact agency to review and correct bundles. Provide follow-up on rejected bundles and approval for services.

·        Possess knowledge of local and statewide resources and assistance available to individuals and families

·        Establish trust with callers and identify resources that would benefit their situation.

·        Provide counseling to callers, promote resilience and successful coping techniques, and explore the caller’s mental and emotional state-of-mind through active, comforting, positive, and problem-solving language.

·        Represent the program in the community and network with other agencies and partners to ensure needs of individuals are met.

·        Use the PROVIDER designated digital applications to provide SUD Cares services.

·        Use the ADAD designated digital applications to collect and enter SUD Cares service data in an accurate and timely manner.

·        Direct callers to the appropriate supervisory support when faced with complex or procedurally unusual situations.

• ·        Maintains real-time information and data regarding caller interactions, provider availability, and referral resources.