POSITION SUMMARY: The Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor, as an integral part of the SUD Program, provides outpatient counseling and case management services to patients with substance use disorders. The SUD Counselor actively participates in community-based outreach efforts focused on promoting recovery and wellness, such as, education, prevention, intervention, treatment and advocacy to adults and families in the area of substance use (alcohol and other drug, tobacco/vaping, risks of overdose), domestic violence, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and related issues. These services are provided at a variety of settings such as schools, local detention centers, community offices, treatment facilities, homes and NVIH clinic locations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list, but rather to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) will be required to perform a variety of duties listed, including but not limited to:

• Conducts intake assessments; completes required health questionnaire; administers standardized screening tools (ASI, AUDIT, CRAFFT, CAGE, etc.).
• Collaborates with patients to identify individual strengths, needs, and barriers to develop attainable treatment plan goals.
• Provides counseling and case management services to eligible individuals, families and/or groups with substance use disorders and related issues.
• Utilizes evidence-based practices; such as, motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, relapse prevention, trauma-informed treatment, and psychoeducation on substance abuse/dependency and associated health risks.
• Facilitates culturally aligned skill-building and support groups that encourage prevention, abstinence and harm reduction.
• Maintains patient records to ensure that required demographic/identifying and admission/intake data is compiled and that documentation is completed in a clear, consistent, descriptive, reliable, accurate and timely manner.
• Coordinates with integrated care team (medical, dental, community health and outreach, behavioral health, and specialty care providers) and refers patients to appropriate discipline to address healthcare needs.
• Works in partnership with community agencies (local detention centers, probation, parole, child welfare, Tribal TANF, treatment facilities, educational institutions, etc.) to support patients in their recovery process.
• Provides patients with recovery treatment options in community (detox, residential, intensive outpatient, sober living environment, etc.) and supports with admission processes.
• Compiles, interprets, and submits data and reports on deadline to ensure quality, compliance, and productivity of SUD program.
• Other duties as assigned.

All NVIH employees are expected to:

• Provide the highest possible level of service to patients;
• Promote teamwork and cooperative effort among employees;
• Maintain safe practices; and
• Abide by current NVIH’s policies and procedures.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

The following knowledge, skills, and abilities are required for an employee to successfully perform their duties.

• Registered or Certified as an Alcohol or Other Drug Counselor by an agency recognized by the Department of Health Care Services.
• Minimum (2) years of progressive experience in providing SUD counseling and case management
• Experience with intakes, assessments, treatment planning, relapse prevention, case management, case consultation, and group facilitation
• Willing and able to obtain training related to alcohol, substance, and tobacco use; domestic violence/intimate partner violence, social determinants of health and other related issues specific to Native Americans and the community.
• Must be computer literate.
• Willing and able to take calls from patients when needed during working hours, in addition to occasional work on weekends as authorized.
• Ability to work in an organized manner and possess the capacity to assist and support others
• Must be a positive role model by practicing excellent work and personal ethics
• Must have a clean driving record, possess a California driver’s license, and meet requirements necessary to be insured on NVIH commercial driving insurance policies
• Has demonstrated the ability to work with diverse populations (experience working with Native Americans is highly desirable)
• Reliable Transportation and ability to adhere to regular attendance.
• Ability to complete annual health screening as required by program compliance, including but not limited to TB screening.

Native Preference. Northern Valley Indian Health provides Native Preference in hiring practices for qualified Native applicants, in accordance with its policy. NVIH is also an Equal Opportunity and At Will Employer.
Job Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical/Vision/Dental Benefits
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• 14 Paid Holidays
• Generous PTO Accrual
• Retirement Plan with Employer Match after one year of service