About Job
POSITION SUMMARY: The role of a non-certified alcohol and drug counselor is to work under supervision within an interdisciplinary/ multidisciplinary team approach for continuity of care. Conducts biopsychosocial assessments which include the ASAM dimensions for the level of care to determine summary and clinical formulation. Creates diagnostic impressions, develops individualized treatment plans, provides individual, family, and group therapy for youth and/or adults, crisis intervention, and case management. The non-certified alcohol and drug counselor will also provide client education to individuals and groups in the community with a focus on high-risk populations such as youth, pregnant women, court involved, diverse ethnicities, and LGBTQIA2S+. The non-certified alcohol and drug counselor will be familiar with other services and resources in the community and work closely to provide referrals, consultation, and additional support to the client when required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
High school graduate or equivalent and ongoing education to achieve the goal of CADC I or CADC II certification or equivalent to CADC I/II standards as this relates to the skill level and experience (CADC I: 1,000 hours supervised experience in substance use disorder counseling, 150 contact hours of education and training in alcoholism and drug abuse related topics. CADC II: 4,000 hours supervised experience in substance use disorder counseling, 300 contact hours of education and training in alcoholism and drug abuse related topics). Apply for CADC I certification within 18 to 24 months of hire date.
Licensure/Certification:
Current class C Oregon Driver's License required. Must meet the following qualifications: Must be registered, or register within 30 days of hire, with MHACBO. Must be able to pass pre-employment background check as required by ORS 443.004. Have or obtain CPR/BLS certification.
Experience:
Experience with co-occurring disorders preferred. Familiarity with the 12 Core Counselor Competencies. Educational experience that qualifies candidates to establish employment. Familiar with the Codes of Ethics related to this field
Job knowledge:
Understand and apply the skills of knowledge and principles of treatment for substance use disorders, recovery models, and strategies. Application of knowledge to practice with appreciation for diversity. Adhere to the MHACBO Ethics Agreement and Code of Conduct. Maintain continuing education requirements. Exhibit the ability to learn and apply new skills, inform supervisor of current workload and concerns. Use resources effectively and maintain professional boundaries. Demonstrate an ability to adapt to situations appropriately. Possess problem solving and solution focused skills to assist in coordination, monitoring, advocation, and linking clients to resources to assist in gaining independence in the community. Exhibit knowledge of regulations and laws governing mental health, behavioral, and addiction services. Practice and apply knowledge of trauma-informed care in performing work with clients. Electronic Health Record systems experience required. Microsoft Office Suite experience required.
Skills:
Demonstrate skills in interacting with the public and can coordinate services across various agencies and community groups. Must have the ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing. Must be computer literate. Must have the ability to analyze therapeutic processes and determine means of maintaining and/or increasing independence for clients. Ability to connect participants to various models of recovery support, community resources and help to develop a support network.
Expected Hours of Work:
Hours of typical operation are M-F, 8:00am-5:00pm. Must be able to work a flexible schedule.
Personal Protective
Must be able and willing to wear appropriate Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE):
Equipment (PPE) required to perform the job safely.
Supervisory Responsibility:
This position does not directly supervise staff.
Travel:
Travel (using a company vehicle) occasionally required for this position.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
- Collaborate with the SUD Clinical Supervisor and counselor(s) to determine continuum of care for program participants.
- Provide screening and assessment in the treatment of substance use disorders to include client evaluation and diagnostic impression and individual, group, and family therapy techniques.
- Actively participate in joint case planning and coordination with interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary teams.
- Act as the program's liaison with families and offers recommendations for program development and improvement.
- Provide ongoing client assessment to identify changing needs pertaining to the individual and family treatment and development strategy.
- Perform joint case planning and coordination in substance abuse treatment and prevention issues with other community agencies such as schools, group homes, community corrections and detention facilities, community hospitals, and other Department of Human Services programs.
- Coordinate client placement into and out of residential treatment and/or transitional housing as necessary.
- Utilize agency clinical software system to prepare current client records of treatment and reports as necessary and required. Responsible for maintenance and timeliness of all records, progress notes, and other required documentation.
- Participate in all team and agency meetings as scheduled.
- Adhere to the policies and procedures of Outback Strong, Inc.
- Other duties as assigned: the essential functions outline the primary duties performed by this position, however, other related work assignments may be added, removed, or changed by management.
CORE COMPENTENCIES
- Service Focus: Values and delivers high quality, professional, responsive, and innovative services.
- Legal Obligation: Adhere to Federal and State laws and agency regulations regarding the treatment of individuals who have substance use and mental health disorders.
- Diversity and Inclusion:Equality is a core value at Outback Strong. We strive to create workplaces that reflect the community we serve and where the inherent worth and dignity of all people are recognized. We promote involvement in the community and empowerment for our clients. We value the talents of our community members as well as show respect for their beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of living.
- Communication/Interpersonal skills: Communication in any form must be sufficient to exchange and convey information, to receive work direction and to create a positive flow of job responsibilities or assignments. Employee must demonstrate effective verbal and written communication, including body language and interpersonal skills that promote the best interest of the client through positive interactions with co-workers, supervisors, patients/clients, families, physicians, etc.
- Learning: Must be able to learn and navigate various medical software programs and technologies successfully. Use efficient learning techniques to acquire and apply new knowledge and skills, use of training, feedback, or other opportunities for learning and development. Maintain proficiency by attending trainings and meetings, reading materials, and meeting with others in areas of responsibility.
- Listening: Receive, attend to, interpret, and respond to verbal messages and other cues such as body language in ways that are appropriate to others and the situation.
- Reasoning: Be able to identify rules, principles, or relationships that explain facts, data, or other information. Analyze information and make correct inferences or draw accurate conclusions.
- Decision Making/Judgement: Make sound, well-informed and objective decisions, while understanding the impact and implications of such decisions. Commit to actions that accomplish the goals of the organization.
- Documentation: Able to use the electronic health record (EHR) of the organization to document client progress, assist with safety planning, care plans, and assessments. Properly document services rendered.
- Time Management: Can use one's own time effectively and productively.
- Stress Management: Able to practice effective coping skills for dealing with psychological stressors and maintain composure during challenging situations.
- Teamwork: Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity while fostering an attitude of commitment and team spirit. Works well with others to achieve goals that are in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of Outback Strong, Inc.
- Ethics: Adhere to the Code of Ethics that governs your field of practice. We follow the ACA (American Counseling Association) Code of Ethics for Mental Health clinicians and the NAADAC (National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors) code of ethics for Substance Use Disorder clinicians. As well as MHACBO (Mental Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon) guidelines.
- Performance Improvement: Responsible for adhering to facility and departmental policies, procedures, quality practices, and current practice of government rules and regulations. Ensures services performed are of the best quality and carried out in an expeditious, positive, and accurate manner.
- HIPAA Compliance: The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPPA) is a federal law which, in part, protects the privacy of individually identifiable patient information, provides for the electronic and physical security of health and patient medical information. Patient information of any kind must be kept confidential. Confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA, Federal Confidentiality Regulations (42 CFR Part 2), and State Confidentiality Regulations as specified in ORS 179.505 and 192.518 through 192.530 must be followed.
Employment Requirements :
To apply, please fill out an application, attach a cover letter, and resume. Include gaps in employment and reasons for separation.
Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Successful completion of 500-hour probationary period.
Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
Criminal background check/finger printing and pre-employment drug screen required upon conditional job offer.
Disclaimer :
If claiming veteran's preference, you must submit a DD214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. If currently on active-duty you must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active-duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. Veteran's preference must be verified prior to appointment. Without this documentation, you will not receive veteran's preference and your application will be evaluated based on the material(s) submitted.
If claiming 10-point veteran's preference you must provide the DD214 or certification requirements (see above bullet), plus the proof of entitlement of this. Failure to submit these documents could result in the determination that there is insufficient documentation to support your claim for 10-point preference.
Outback Strong, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and, as such, considers individuals for employment according to their abilities and performance. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, age, religion, color, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other classification protected by law. All employment requirements mandated by local, state, and federal regulations will be observed.
Professional Field

