Chemical Dependency Counselor

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Chemical Dependency Counselor is responsible for providing individual and group counseling for clients of the Kumeyaay Wellness Center (KWC) and the Southern Indian Health Council, Inc. (SIHC) restricted service area. Therapeutic services should focus on engaging the client in Alcohol and Drug recovery services. The counselor will collaborate with other staff and participate in organizing culturally relevant education/prevention activities and encourage sober lifestyles. The counselor shall act as a bridge between the Indian community and the KWC to promote services available on-site and facilitate all necessary referrals. This position works under the direct supervision of the Program Manager.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Offer culturally appropriate outpatient substance abuse treatment or alcohol and other drug treatment prevention and recovery services. Understand and have a working knowledge of multiple modes of therapeutic treatment working with individuals and groups, in the areas of substance abuse and recovery, domestic violence dynamics and interventions, such as GONA, Wellbriety, and Substance Abuse Treatment for persons with co-occurring disorders as published by SAMHSA.

2. Remain trauma informed and provide services to clients that recognize the impact of trauma. Focus on client safety, respect and acceptance. Build on client’s strengths and resiliency. The Chemical Dependency Counselor is to be culturally competent.

3. Offer services and referrals related to achieving wellness including alcohol and other drug education, assessment, treatment planning, relapse prevention, discharge/transitional planning, crisis assessment and intervention, and family support. As well as make referrals for a type or level of service outside the bounds of the practice of KWC, SIHC, and its available providers when appropriate.

4. Coordinating services with the SIHC multi-disciplinary MAT treatment team

5. Assist in the development and provide outreach services and education to the Indian community regarding substance abuse and prevention for Native Americans and for qualified family members residing on reservations served by SIHC.

6. May assist and support clients in their interactions with the court, legal proceedings, SARMS, probation and parole departments, CPS, drug and alcohol programs/counselors, and other professional organizations and entities.

7. Systematize, prioritize, and handle a caseload taking into account schedule, acuity of the patients, and program requirements.

8. Professionally and respectfully represent Southern Indian Health Council and Kumeyaay Wellness Center in the community, clinical, and legal arenas.

9. Adhere strictly to the laws and ethics related to confidentiality and documentation at all times.

10. Allow for and provide access to alternative Drug and Alcohol treatment and recovery activities, (i.e. traditional practices/Spiritual beliefs, sweat lodges, etc.)

11. Provide specific outcomes in the form of statistical reports that promote increased awareness of drug and alcohol issues, outreach, life skills, and recovery efforts, to the Program Director and Board of Directors as required.

12. Track collaboration and partnership development by program to the Program Director, and Board of Directors as required.

13. Ability to work a flexible schedule may be required based on need.

14. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience: A minimum of 2 years of experience in the chemical dependency counseling field, with at least 1 year of out-patient chemical dependency counseling experience in a substance abuse treatment setting. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) specific education preferred. Position requires a High School diploma or GED certificate, AA degree strongly preferred. Applicant must have excellent interpersonal skills and very good oral and written communication skills. Must be familiar and comfortable using computer programs including Microsoft Office components or equivalent. Past success working with multi-cultural communities, preferably Native American, should be demonstrated. Applicant shall be able to relate and work with both youth and adults. Must possess the desire and ability to work with tribal officials, county agencies, tribal community members, funding agencies, and Southern Indian Health Council departments.

Applicant must be able to adapt to changing situations and circumstances and handle pressure with dignity, in all circumstances maintaining confidentiality. Possess an ability to act professionally at all times in the workplace and community. Must be able to work flexible hours as required to meet department needs and work collaboratively in a team approach.

License and Certification: A valid California driver’s license required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.

Applicant must be insurable under SIHC vehicle insurance policy at the time of hire and throughout employment.

Certifications and/or licenses appropriate to the positions required education and profession must also be valid and maintained.

Applicant is to be certified and in good standing with The California Association for Alcohol and Drug Educators (CAADE), The California Association of DUI Treatment Programs (CADTP), or The California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP).

Character: Applicants must have a reputation for honesty and trust worthiness. Must be responsible and able to exercise good judgment; accept administrative supervision; follow detailed instruction; exercise a high level of attention to detail, and interact effectively and communicate with clients, staff, and the public in a professional and courteous manner. Must respect confidentiality to all limits of the governing laws and ethics.

Skills: Strong team building, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective peer relationships with coworkers within the Department, clinic-wide, and the public. Must be able to express ideas clearly, concisely, address audiences effectively, and exercise balanced judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions. Willing to be part of a team and cooperate in accomplishing department goals and objectives. Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, take initiative, be proactive, and function in a rapidly changing environment. Ability to work with people of all social and ethnic backgrounds and to resolve conflicts, negotiates situations, and facilitate consensus.

Physical and Personal Requirements: Normal clinic/office environment. Sit or stand for long periods of time. Reach, bend, climb, stoop, lift up to 25 lbs. repetitive hand movement; use and view PC. Reliable transportation and car insurance as required by the state. Travel as needed.

Compliance: Each employee plays a key role in creating a compliance culture at SIHC. Employees are expected to learn and comply with all SIHC policies and procedures. One must have the ability to understand the implications and complexities of all compliance policies. Participation in all compliance training is mandatory, and generally have a heightened awareness of policies and regulations that are specific to one’s department and position. All SIHC employees are expected to report violations or suspected violations of compliance policies or regulations.

Other: Applicants should have thorough knowledge of the laws, rules, and regulations governing substance abuse treatment, patient records, and reporting procedures. Applicant must be versed in crisis intervention techniques and the cultural practices of Native Americans.

Applicant must successfully pass a pre-employment tuberculin skin test or x-ray, and blood/urine drug screening test. Health must be adequate to perform all duties of the position. Applicants must complete an online SIHC application questionnaire and submit it to Human Resources prior to the close dates indicated.