May 19, 2023
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Position Summary:
To deliver timely and appropriate referral services for clients and their family members to agencies for screening, biopsychosocial assessment and admission to substance abuse treatment or co-occurring services as needed. To provide support to clients experiencing substance use, mental health and/or co-occurring substance use mental health disorders with a wide range of activities including advocacy, linkage to resources, sharing experience, community and relationship building, group facilitation, skill building, mentoring and goal setting. The form of support, peer to peer interaction, is based on key principles of shared understanding, respect and mutual empowerment.
Core Competencies of Clinical Associate
The Clinical Associate must be able to demonstrate competency in the following areas:
- Case / Treatment Planning: Ability to participate with the Primary Counselor in completing a Case / Treatment Plan that accurately reflects the client’s strengths, preferences, needs and ability to meet discharge criteria/goals and objectives are time limited and behaviorally stated. Case / Treatment Plan is staffed in a timely manner with all necessary signatures.
- Documentation: Ability to document appropriately using the DAP format, accurately reflecting the progress of the client and the treatment planning goals. Notes are completed after each appointment and billing slips are forwarded to the Family Programs Coordinator.
- Clinical Case Staffing: The case manager maintains program tracking and data forms and is able to bring information to the staffing that is relevant to the progress of the client. The Clinical Associate is able to complete the clinical review process with the necessary information present so others clinical staff can determine progress of the client and outcome of any testing that was completed during the course in treatment.
Scope of Practice / Duties of Clinical Associate includes :
- To provide direct service case management for referred clients and their families addressing goals and objectives as outlined in the treatment plan under the supervision of the Program Manager.
- To document client activity accurately to Medicaid and Joint Commission Standards.
- To meet with assigned clients and/or their families as frequently as outlined on the treatment plan.
- To maintain monthly contact with the referring agency and provide required progress reports.
- To be available for treatment team meetings with other involved departments or agencies as needed by the client.
- To identify, network and establish linkages with collateral services needed by the client.
- To maintain confidentiality as required by Akeela policies.
- To work reengaging clients who have left or are not actively engaged in treatment services.
- To assist with movement of client through continuum of care as indicated by treatment plan and treatment team.
- To assist client with the development of natural support systems to improve independence as much as is possible.
- Assess for abuse and neglect.
- To meet with clients in their home and provide structured family interventions.
- To assist clients to move to independent housing.
- To provide court testimony in line with client activities
- Other duties as assigned.
Responsibilities of Clinical Associate includes:
- The Clinical Associate normally works with minimal day to day supervision and may solicit professional assistance in area of responsibility from outside sources as necessary and directed by the primary care staff.
- The Clinical Associate must exercise tact and judgment and confidentiality in contact with public, clients and families, as well as fellow associates of the Program.
- The Clinical Associate is to ensure that services are delivered in the area of responsibility according to the best professional and ethical standards.
- The work is broad in scope and requires the application of complex and technical practices and procedure.
- To meet with assigned clients and/or their families as frequently as deemed necessary.
- To maintain at least monthly contact with the referring agency and provide required progress reports.
- To be available for treatment team meetings with other involved departments or agencies as needed by the client.
- To maintain confidentiality as required by Akeela policies.
- To exercise tact and judgment and confidentiality in contact with public, clients and families, as well as fellow associates of the Program.
- To ensure that services are delivered in the area of responsibility according to the best professional and ethical standards.
- To meet, interview, and deal effectively with individuals in their own environment.
- To take prompt and appropriate action in case of emergencies.
- To works independently as well as cooperatively in a team environment
- To work confidentially with discretion; respect client confidentiality.
Qualifications and Requirements for Clinical Associate
- Meets at least one of the following requirements for degree/certification:
- Advanced degree (masters-level or doctoral-level) in psychology, social work, counseling, child guidance, nursing or similar field; or
- BA/BS in psychology, social work, counseling, child guidance, nursing or similar field and substance abuse treatment training and/or experience; or
- Certification as a Chemical Dependency Counselor (CDC) I or Behavioral Health Counselor (BHC) I or higher by Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification (ACBHC), or certification by another certifying body, such as a state certifying affiliate of the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) or other similar recognized organization; experience judged as meeting certification requirements may be accepted provided the applicant be certified within six months of hire. For Clinical Associates, will accept Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) or Counselor Technician (CT) or similar certification, or similar training or experience.
- Must be able to demonstrate a standard of excellence for documenting clinical work.
- Must have a clean driving record.
- Case management program experience preferred, but is not necessary.
- Must maintain regular contact with referral sources.