COUNSELOR I

SUMMARY

JOB DUTIES

• Acts as directing clinician and case manager for consumers in a residential treatment facility or in an outpatient capacity who are experiencing emotional, behavioral and substance related problems.
• Plans treatment strategies in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team and the Clinical Supervisor; collects outcome measures and use to monitor consumer treatment progress, as directed.
• Conducts individual and psychoeducational group counseling sessions using the program’s identified evidenced based practice models including but not limited to Motivational Interviewing, Readiness to Change, Relapse Prevention and Trauma Informed Care.
• Provides education to consumers on medication assisted treatment, as needed.
• Prepares written continuing care plans in cooperation with parent/guardian, referral agencies and other community members and agencies for consumers in accordance with confidentiality laws.
• Prepares discharge summaries and disburses to authorized individuals and agencies in compliance with confidentiality laws.

• Prepares written transfer summaries using the American Society of Addiction Medicine Placement Criteria and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) handbook.

• Provides crisis intervention within the planned treatment strategy and agency policy.
• Provides case management services and referrals for services not offered on site for consumers. Transports consumers in program vehicles, if necessary.
• Maintains consumer records related to treatment, continuing care, progress towards goals and objectives, discharge/transfer summary and treatment outcomes that are accurate, concise, useful and in a timely manner.
• Treats consumers with respect and accepts cultural and social diversity.
• Protects consumer confidentiality according to federal and state laws, and FNA guidelines.
• Provides direct consumer supervision and guidance in a clinical setting as well as at other activities.
• Maintains a positive therapeutic environment for consumers who are experiencing emotional, behavioral and addictive disorders.
• Attends all staff meetings, staff training and in-service training.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY

• Familiarity with human resources policies and procedures.
• Ability to report to work in a timely manner.
• Knowledge of customer service concepts and practices.
• Understanding and sensitivity to diverse cultures and lifestyles.
• Skill in operating personal computer utilizing a variety of computer software.
• Skill in managing multiple priorities and tasks concurrently and meet deadlines.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with other employees.

• Ability to work independently as well as with teams.

• Understands the usefulness of medical and pharmacological resources in the treatment of addiction and substance abuse disorders. 
• Knowledge and understanding of a variety of models/theories of addiction and other substance-related problems and is able to contribute to the review and planning or intervention strategies with the treatment team.
• Above average communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to accurately follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong understanding and sensitivity to diverse cultures and lifestyles with demonstrated experience working effectively with Alaska Native populations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education & Experience)

• High school diploma, GED, RHS or SUD Certificate, or an AAS Degree.
• 1 year (2000 hours) of experience.
• 100 hours of supervised practicum.
• 270 coursework hours completed.
• Certified as State of Alaska Counselor Level I.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (Education & Experience)

Continued employment status will be contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal background investigation and the pre-employment drug testing process.   Where required, continued employment status (post job offer) will be contingent upon employee providing certification of annual tuberculosis (TB) screening and medical certification that employee does not, because of infectious or communicable