Job Summary

The Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor works directly with clients and develops, arranges, and coordinates services. The primary purpose is to assist participants in developing social and psychological plans aimed at cultivating new interest, self-confidence/esteem and interpersonal relationship skills to promote a healthier lifestyle.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Provides comprehensive assessments for substance use disorder treatment.
• Delivers individual and group treatment services to individuals with substance use disorders.
• Facilities linkages to treatment and other related services as needed.
• Develops individualized treatment plans with measurable goals and objectives.
• Coordinates, prepares, and maintains required charting and documentation in a timely manner in compliance with department, state, and federal policies and regulations.
• Assignments are performed with considerable independence and are reviewed by the Substance Use Disorder Program Manager through staff meetings, monthly report, and quarterly reviews for effectiveness reflected in ongoing or completed case work.
• Administrative duties include participation in required treatment team meetings, department meetings, and training as identified by supervisory team members.
• Analyzes and writes narrative/statistical reports while adhering to all client confidentiality requirements.
• Establishes working relationships with related services agencies.
• Coordinates and monitors services in compliance with tribal, federal, and state laws and regulations and applicable policies and procedures.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of state and federal guidelines for clinical programs and “best practice” techniques.
• Knowledge of social problems experienced by Alaska Natives and American Indians.
• Strong understanding and sensitivity to American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Tribal culture and lifestyle, working effectively with AI/AN populations.
• Effective oral and written communication skills with sensitivity to the lifestyles of targeted participants.

• Skills in operating personal computers using a variety of computer software.
• Ability to provide substance abuse treatment services in a clinical and community-based setting.
• Ability to exercise mature judgement in evaluating specific situations recommending solutions.
• Ability to listen, observe, and record a variety of information and situations.
• Ability to effectively resolve conflict and cope with crisis situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with management, coworkers, and outside contacts.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and comply with all applicable federal and tribal privacy laws and KIC policy (HIPAA, HITECH, etc.).
• Ability to learn and apply program/agency operating policies and procedures.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks concurrently and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently as well as with teams.

KIC Competencies

Cultural Competency: To be respectful and responsive to the health beliefs, practices, and cultural and linguistic needs of KIC Tribal Members. Developing cultural competence is an evolving, dynamic process that takes time and occurs along a continuum.

Commitment: To serve Tribal Members and set a high standard for yourself in your performance; strive for results and success; convey a sense of urgency and bring issues to closure; and stay persistent despite obstacles and opposition.

Customer Service: Meet/exceed the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; identify, understand, and monitor the needs of both internal and external customers; always talk and act with customers in mind; and recognize working colleagues as customers.

Effective Communication: Ensure important information is passed to those who need to know; convey necessary information with respect, clearly and effectively orally or in writing

Responsiveness and Accountability: Demonstrate a high level of conscientiousness; hold oneself personally responsible for one's own work; and do the required fair share of work.

Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and/or sit. The employee is occasionally required to walk, sit, climb, or balance. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. The noise level in the work environment is usually average.

Conditions of Hire

• May be required to possess and maintain a valid driver's license or capable of obtaining one, as well as be insurable by KIC’s company insurance.
• KIC is a Drug-Free Workplace. All employees must adhere to KIC drug and alcohol policies and procedures to ensure a safe workplace. Employees must pass a pre-employment and subsequent random and/or for cause drug and alcohol screening to be eligible for and maintain employment.
• KIC has several positions that must comply with the P.L. 101-630 Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Protection Act (ICPA); all employment offers in the "covered" classification are conditional until KIC has received a Federal criminal background check verifying eligibility to work in these programs.

This Job Description describes the essential duties and qualifications. It is not an exhaustive statement of all the job duties, responsibilities, or qualifications; management has the exclusive right to alter or add to this job description at any time without notice. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional related duties as assigned.

SUD Counselor I Minimum Education & Experience Required

• Highschool Diploma or Equivalent
• CDC I Certification or ability to achieve certification within 6 months of hire
• One year experience in a mental health and/or substance use clinical setting.
• Proof of valid driver's license with acceptable driving record

SUD Counselor I Preferred Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in human service or behavioral health related field
• 3 years experience in a mental health and/or substance use clinical setting
• CDC II Certification
• Experience working with individuals with substance use and/or behavioral health challenges
• Experience in community clinic preferred and a strong commitment to multi-disciplinary teamwork.

SUD Counselor II Minimum Education & Experience

• Highschool Diploma or Equivalent
• CDC II Certification
• 3 years’ experience in a mental health and/or substance use clinical setting
• Proof of valid driver's license with acceptable driving record

SUD Counselor II Preferred Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in human service or behavioral health related field
• CDCS Certification
• 5 years of experience working with individuals with substance use and/or behavioral health challenges
• Experience in community clinic preferred and a strong commitment to multi-disciplinary teamwork.