Chemical Dependency Counselor

Job Summary

The Chemical Dependency Counselor (CDC) will be part of our team as we develop and enhance our integrated service delivery model between healthcare disciplines. The CDC provides direct services to adolescent and young adult clients (un'ina) identified with substance use disorders and responsible for the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of SUD adolescent un'inas in a supervised setting. The CDC is expected to establish and maintain a supportive and therapeutic environment within the individual and group settings. The CDC will participate in outreach programs within the community, including Tribal Circle, Yaghanen Youth Program and Youth Council. The CDC will be part of a Chemical Dependency team that includes providers with adequate certification to provide supervision toward gaining a higher level of certification for the CDC. This position is responsible to maintain un'ina files in accordance with applicable policies and regulations.

Essential Functions

• Provides substance use assessments of un'inas to determine appropriate treatment level.
• Develops, or participates in the development, of goals, objectives, and interventions for un'inas treatment plans.
• Conducts period reviews of levels of care for un'inas and determines need for transition/discharge readiness.
• Provides individual and group counseling to assigned clients/family members.
• Facilitate groups regarding substance use, addiction, and recovery.
• Substitutes for other Chemical Dependency Counselors as needed.
• Participates in Dena'ina Wellness Center (DWC) staff/clinical meetings.
• Actively participate in weekly clinical and individual supervision meeting with the Chemical Dependency Supervisor and other Chemical Dependency Counselor(s), including peer consultation and peer record review.
• Maintain awareness of community resources available to clients and families.
• Coordinates and actively participates meetings that support the integrated health care model to provide comprehensive care for un'inas.
• Maintain client records in accordance with Tribal and Medicaid standards
• Follow all grant requirements, including AKAIMS and reporting grant requirements to the Chemical Dependency Supervisor and Behavioral Health Director.
• Timely submission of client billing information.

•  Kenaitze Indian Tribe licensed and certified personnel will be held accountable for providing services in accordance with relevant external or internal requirements and education, such as, legislation governing practice; licensure, registration, and certification requirements; professional degrees; professional training to maintain established competency levels; on-the-job training requirements of the program; and professional standards of practice.

• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

Lifting Requirements

Sedentary work – Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.  Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.  Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met. 

Physical Requirements 

Stand or Sit (Stationary position)

Use hands/fingers to handle or feel (Operate, Activate, Use, Prepare, Inspect, Place, Detect, Position)

Talk/hear (Communicate, Detect, Converse with, Discern, Convey, Express oneself, Exchange information)

See (Detect, Determine, Perceive, Identify, Recognize, Judge, Observe, Inspect, Estimate, Assess)

Taste/Smell (Detect, Distinguish, Determine)

Repetitive Motion

Hazards and Atmospheric Conditions 

None

OSHA Categories 

Category II – Normal routine involves no exposure to blood, body fluid or tissue, but exposure or potential for exposure may occur 

Equipment and Tools 

Equipment used for job: Computer, copier, fax, scanner, and other office equipment 

Travel 

Local

In-State

Comments: Travel may be required for transporting clients and to/from training

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or general education degree (GED).

Experience

• Two or more (2+) years of experience providing chemical dependency services.
• Experience in direct services with an adolescent/young adult population preferred.
• Experience with computerized management information systems (AKAIMS preferred).
• Knowledge and experience working with Alaska Native/American Indian people preferred.

License/Certification

• Certification as Chemical Dependency Counselor I in the State of Alaska
• First Aid/CPR
• State of Alaska Driver's License with an insurable driving record, required.

Position Supported Advancement

• Chemical Dependency Counselor level 2

Special Skills

• Knowledge of HIPAA and 42 CFR, Part 2 regulations.
• Demonstrated proficiency at clinical writing skills, with willingness to submit a writing sample
• Excellent interpersonal communications, public speaking, and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of child protection and ICWA laws. 
• Must be willing to become familiar with Tribal Court Codes

Signature

This Job Description reflects Kenaitze Indian Tribe's best effort to describe the essential functions and qualifications of the job described.  It is not an exhaustive statement of all the duties, responsibilities or qualifications of the job.  This document is not intended to exclude an opportunity for modifications consistent with providing reasonable accommodation.  This is not intended to be a contract.  Your signature indicates you have read this Job Description and understand the essential functions and qualifications of the job.