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:

The Clinical Associate must be able to demonstrate competency in the following areas:

§ Approachability.

§ Attention to detail.

§ Dealing with change.

§ Composure.

§ Interpersonal skills.

§ Time management/prioritization.

Responsibilities:

§ 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.

§ Documents all client services using Akeela’s designated ‘Electronic Health Record’ (EHR) and maintains accurate and timely client records in accordance with Akeela policy.

§ 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 participate in 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 engage clients who have lapsed in treatment services.

§ To support client movement through continuum of care as indicated by treatment plan and treatment team.

§ To assess safety and substance-use concerns, and develop treatment plans, as assigned.

§ To meet with clients in their home and provide structured family interventions, as assigned.

§ Strong verbal and written communication skills.

§ Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements:

§ Meets at least one of the following requirements for degree/certification:

o Certification as a Chemical Dependency Counselor (CDC) I or Behavioral Health or certification 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.

o BA/BS in psychology, social work, counseling, child guidance, nursing or similar field and substance abuse treatment training and/or experience

Provides overall direction for client activities on a day-to-day basis. Emphasis is placed on the training and supervision of clients in the effective and cooperative performance of their daily responsibilities and providing milieu counseling. Serves as a bridge between clients and counselors, to ensure behavior in the milieu is aligning with goals/objectives in the clients’ individual treatment plans.

Core Competencies:

The Floor Counselor must be able to demonstrate competency in the following areas:

· Approachability.

· Attention to detail.

· Dealing with change.

· Composure.

· Interpersonal skills.

· Time management/prioritization.

· Managing others.

Responsibilities:

§ Supervising and training client monitors, including conducting performance reviews of those reporting directly to this position and conducting staff meetings.

§ Schedules and supervises client monitors and relief staff.

§ Attends treatment team staffing, privileges determination and provide information on client behavior and progress.

§ To provide on-going monthly training for department heads and senior clients.

§ To provide monthly individual and group supervision to client monitors.

§ Assist the Treatment Program Manager by monitoring the client operation of the various facility functions that are a part of the on-going work therapy.

§ Assist in the orientation of newly admitted clients to the program.

§ Assist in medication management for residential clients.

§ Assist in urinalysis testing.

§ Assist in managing safety and health functions within the facility.

§ Documents all client services using Akeela’s designated ‘Electronic Health Record’ (ERH) and AKAIMS and maintains accurate and timely client records in accordance with Akeela policy.

§ To maintain confidentiality as required by Akeela policies.

§ Oversees the functioning and training for clients in maintenance, kitchen, client council, procurement, creative energy, and orientation.

§ Assist with monitoring client behavior in the milieu.

§ Completes other duties as assigned in a timely and professional manner.

Knowledge and Skills:

§ Ability to identify and assess a client’s specific addictive behavior pattern, and how it applies to a client’s behavior in the milieu.

§ Ability to function and effectively communicate.

§ Ability to multi-task.

§ Strong verbal and written communication skills.

§ Ability to assist and support hostile clients, sexual offenders, and resistant clients towards progress on their treatment plan goals and objectives.

Qualifications and Requirements:

§ Meets at least one of the following requirements for degree/certification:

o BA/BS in psychology, social work, counseling, child guidance, nursing or similar field and substance abuse treatment training and/or experience; or

o 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 Case Managers, will accept Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) or Counselor Technician (CT) or similar certification.

The Lead Teacher is responsible for the provision of supervised, structured, and developmentally appropriate enrichment activities for children of Stepping Stones clients. The Child Development Assistant II will model positive supportive interactions with children.

Core Competencies:

The Lead Teacher must be able to demonstrate competency in the following areas:

• Communication skills.
• Clinical expertise.
• Dealing with change.
• Approachability.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Time management/prioritization.
• Managing others.

Responsibilities:

• Plan, schedule, and supervise age-appropriate activities for children.
• Provide a learning environment using consistent limits, appropriate positive guidance techniques, and respectful attitudes and actions.
• Provide support to parents regarding positive guidance techniques.
• Ensure that children are always supervised in accordance with Policies and Procedures.
• Provide an atmosphere for children to develop positive self-esteem and pride by incorporating each family’s culture into activities and representation in room displays.
• Provide on-going parent information through daily care reports, a parent information bulletin board, and other creative means of communication.

• Monitor and maintain records of physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children, including an individualized development plan for each child.
• Record statistical data and prepare reports to meet agency and funding source requirements as assigned.

• Facilitate inter-agency referrals to meet clients’ needs by working cooperatively with other agencies.
• Work cooperatively with volunteers, interns, and others providing agency and client services.
• Participate in in-service training and other meetings as assigned.
• Documents all client services using Akeela’s designated ‘Electronic Health Record’ (ERH) and maintains accurate and timely client records in accordance with Akeela policy.
• To maintain confidentiality as required by Akeela policies.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Early Childhood Credential and/or CDA preferred.
• Three (3) years professional experience with early childhood development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of child development, birth through adolescence.
• Demonstrated knowledge of issues affecting children of parents who abuse alcohol and other drugs.

The Behavioral Health Clinician provides direct services including individual counseling, group counseling, family counseling, develops individualized treatment plans, and conducts clinical assessments for individuals seeking treatment for mental health and substance use for clients seeking outpatient and residential services, and as assigned, crisis intervention services. Assist the Program Manager/Lead Clinician with clinical functions, routine quality assurance, program development and direction, and compliance with accreditation standards.

Competencies:
The Behavioral Health Clinician must be able to demonstrate competency in the following areas:

• Communication skills.
• Clinical expertise.
• Dealing with change.
• Approachability.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Time management/prioritization.

Responsibilities:

1. Provides behavioral health screenings and assessments for outpatient, residential, and emergency department clients, as assigned.
2. Follows DSM-5-TR criteria in making preliminary diagnosis.
3. Reviews intake information for completeness and follows-up on needed changes or additions.
4. Collaborates with other various community agencies and individuals including social service agencies, adult protective services, child protective services, schools, courts, probation/parole offices, hospitals, doctors, and behavioral health treatment centers.
5. Provides client services in an appropriate, efficient, expeditious, and professional manner.
6. Provides preventive behavioral health and health promotion and disease prevention education activities to individuals, groups and families.
7. Provides excellent communication skills to clients, agency staff, and external personnel to meet departmental and service goals,
8. Proactively seeks resolution to program/service challenges.
9. Documents all client services using Akeela’s designated ‘Electronic Health Record’ (ERH) and maintains accurate and timely client records in accordance with Akeela policy.
10. To maintain confidentiality as required by Akeela policies.
11. Provides support to Akeela clinical staff, as assigned.
12. Conduct chart and/or peer audits, as assigned.
13. Provides peer consultation in case staffing, assuring quality assurance, and as necessary reports to referring agencies on patient progress.
14. Utilizes case staffing to assure that clients receive services in an appropriate, efficient, expeditious, and professional manner.
15. Participates in a variety of available trainings related to professional development.
16. Remains current and completes on time, all assigned Relias trainings.
17. Enhance and promote the agency’s core values and mission.
18. Always exercise utmost discretion, diplomacy, and tact in customer interactions.
19. As assigned, provide mental health consultation to other professionals and agencies.
20. As assigned, provide training to staff and members of the community.
21. As assigned, provides clinical support to interdisciplinary treatment teams of other Akeela programs in compliance with Akeela and other requirements.
22. Successfully complete required training and maintain applicable licensure, certification(s), and/or clinical supervision requirements needed to successfully perform assigned duties.
23. Assist clients in the development of a personalized treatment plan conducting regular reviews, updating as needed, and documenting the client’s progress toward treatment goals. 
24. Follows AK DHSS Division of Behavioral Health information management system (i.e., AKAIMS) core data reporting requirements for clients.
25. Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills:

1. Knowledge of the cultural, social, and economic backgrounds of the populations served and the ability to work with diverse populations.
2. Courteous, honest, and professional always.
3. Excellent communication skills and relate well with patients, providers, agency staff and service contacts.
4. Ability to accomplish the quality and quantity of work expected within set limits of cost and time.
5. Knowledge of DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria.
6. Knowledge of ASAM criteria.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of a variety of different mental health and substance use treatment approaches including trauma informed care; brief solution-focused therapy; clinic verses rehabilitation services per Alaska law; specific approaches for targeted diagnostic groups including individuals experiencing a psychiatric emergency/ crisis; adults with severe mental illness (SMI), and children with severe emotional disturbance (SED).
8. Demonstrate the ability to identify and assess mental health and substance use clients.
9. Ability to assess clients for co-occurring issues including substance misuse problems and provide specific diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
10. Knowledge of current crisis intervention, diagnostic, and therapeutic techniques.
11. Ability to work independently.
12. Excellent computer skills with Microsoft Office, Outlook and quick to learn new systems/programs.
13. Ability to provide electronic, written or oral reports and evaluations concerning program activities, accomplishments, goals, and objectives in a timely manner.
14. Knowledge of existing social and behavioral health resources available for patient care.
15. Ability to assess quality of patient care and make improvements as needed.
16. Ability to conduct behavioral telehealth services.
17. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
18. Knowledge of mental health and substance abuse issues of the populations served.

Qualifications and Requirements:

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; per Alaska regulations for mental health clinician.
• Prefer Alaska license as a LPC, LCSW, or LMFT.  Note: Some positions may require a license.
• Must pass background check.
• Prefer working knowledge of treatment issues with particular emphasis on mental health and co-occurring disorders.
• Prefer three (3) years of experience in mental health, addictions, social services, or related field. 

The Behavioral Health Clinician provides direct services including individual counseling, group counseling, family counseling, develops individualized treatment plans, and conducts clinical assessments for individuals seeking treatment for mental health and substance use for clients seeking outpatient and residential services, and as assigned, crisis intervention services. Assist the Program Manager/Lead Clinician with clinical functions, routine quality assurance, program development and direction, and compliance with accreditation standards.

Competencies:
The Behavioral Health Clinician must be able to demonstrate competency in the following areas:

• Communication skills.
• Clinical expertise.
• Dealing with change.
• Approachability.
• Interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities:

1. Provides behavioral health screenings and assessments for outpatient, residential, and emergency department clients, as assigned.
2. Follows DSM-5-TR criteria in making preliminary diagnosis.
3. Reviews intake information for completeness and follows-up on needed changes or additions.
4. Collaborates with other various community agencies and individuals including social service agencies, adult protective services, child protective services, schools, courts, probation/parole offices, hospitals, doctors, and behavioral health treatment centers.
5. Provides client services in an appropriate, efficient, expeditious, and professional manner.
6. Provides preventive behavioral health and health promotion and disease prevention education activities to individuals, groups and families.
7. Provides excellent communication skills to clients, agency staff, and external personnel to meet departmental and service goals,
8. Proactively seeks resolution to program/service challenges.
9. Documents all client services using Akeela’s designated ‘Electronic Health Record’ (ERH) and maintains accurate and timely client records in accordance with Akeela policy.
10. To maintain confidentiality as required by Akeela policies.
11. Provides support to Akeela clinical staff, as assigned.
12. Conduct chart and/or peer audits, as assigned.
13. Provides peer consultation in case staffing, assuring quality assurance, and as necessary reports to referring agencies on patient progress.
14. Utilizes case staffing to assure that clients receive services in an appropriate, efficient, expeditious, and professional manner.
15. Participates in a variety of available trainings related to professional development.
16. Remains current and completes on time, all assigned Relias trainings.
17. Enhance and promote the agency’s core values and mission.
18. Always exercise utmost discretion, diplomacy, and tact in customer interactions.
19. As assigned, provide mental health consultation to other professionals and agencies.
20. As assigned, provide training to staff and members of the community.
21. As assigned, provides clinical support to interdisciplinary treatment teams of other Akeela programs in compliance with Akeela and other requirements.
22. Successfully complete required training and maintain applicable licensure, certification(s), and/or clinical supervision requirements needed to successfully perform assigned duties.
23. Assist clients in the development of a personalized treatment plan conducting regular reviews, updating as needed, and documenting the client’s progress toward treatment goals. 
24. Follows AK DHSS Division of Behavioral Health information management system (i.e., AKAIMS) core data reporting requirements for clients.
25. Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills:

1. Knowledge of the cultural, social, and economic backgrounds of the populations served and the ability to work with diverse populations.
2. Courteous, honest, and professional always.
3. Excellent communication skills and relate well with patients, providers, agency staff and service contacts.
4. Ability to accomplish the quality and quantity of work expected within set limits of cost and time.
5. Knowledge of DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria.
6. Knowledge of ASAM criteria.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of a variety of different mental health and substance use treatment approaches including trauma informed care; brief solution-focused therapy; clinic verses rehabilitation services per Alaska law; specific approaches for targeted diagnostic groups including individuals experiencing a psychiatric emergency/ crisis; adults with severe mental illness (SMI), and children with severe emotional disturbance (SED).
8. Demonstrate the ability to identify and assess mental health and substance use clients.
9. Ability to assess clients for co-occurring issues including substance misuse problems and provide specific diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
10. Knowledge of current crisis intervention, diagnostic, and therapeutic techniques.
11. Ability to work independently.
12. Excellent computer skills with Microsoft Office, Outlook and quick to learn new systems/programs.
13. Ability to provide electronic, written or oral reports and evaluations concerning program activities, accomplishments, goals, and objectives in a timely manner.
14. Knowledge of existing social and behavioral health resources available for patient care.
15. Ability to assess quality of patient care and make improvements as needed.
16. Ability to conduct behavioral telehealth services.
17. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
18. Knowledge of mental health and substance abuse issues of the populations served.

Qualifications and Requirements:

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; per Alaska regulations for mental health clinician.
• Prefer Alaska license as a LPC, LCSW, or LMFT.  Note: Some positions may require a license.
• Must pass background check.
• Prefer working knowledge of treatment issues with particular emphasis on mental health and co-occurring disorders.
• Prefer three (3) years of experience in mental health, addictions, social services, or related field. 

Assist the Program Manager with clinical and supervision functions, routine quality assurance, program development and direction, and maintenance of accreditation standards. Provide direct clinical services including both individual and group counseling for clients.

Competencies:
The Lead Counselor must be able to demonstrate competency in the following areas:

• Communication skills.
• Clinical expertise.
• Dealing with change.
• Approachability.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Time management/prioritization.
• Managing others.

Responsibilities:

• Provide counseling, group and individual, and develop treatment plans for clients.
• Provide crisis intervention and informal counseling to clients as needed.
• Provide educational/informational seminars to clients on topics important to the recovery process and coordinate vocational/educational goal achievement of clients.
• Provide appropriate case management for clients.
• Maintaining and updating client admission and discharge lists, caseload rosters, staff activity log completion lists, and other program tracking and data forms.
• Maintain clinically appropriate client records.
• Participate as appropriate in clinical consultations regarding client progress and engage effectively in an interdisciplinary team meeting.
• Perform case file review.
• Provide quality assurance reviews of clinical documentation as designated by Program Manager.
• Orient and train new staff members as necessary.
• Provide on-going consultation and training of primary counselors.
• Conduct monthly supervisor with primary counselors.
• Documents all client services using Akeela’s designated ‘Electronic Health Record’ (ERH) and maintains accurate and timely client records in accordance with Akeela policy.
• Be a liaison between the program and community resources and referrals.
• Participates in hiring/terminating process, evaluation, and reprimands.
• Act in the place of the Program Manager in his/her absence.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• 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 Case Managers, will accept Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) or Counselor Technician (CT) or similar certification.
• Prefer two-year minimum experience in the provision of clinical services.
• Prefer one year of supervisory experience.

Core Job Responsibilities:

Agency Commitment and Awareness

Creativity

Responsibility

Teamwork

Communication

Problem Solving

Customer Service

Financial Awareness

Essential Job Duties:                                                   

Learning Environment

Under the direction of the Child Development Supervisor, implement daily lesson plans by supervising and working with individual and groups of children. 

Assists in the preparation and clean up of activities, meals, special projects, etc.

Supervise age appropriate activities for children.

Provide a safe learning environment through the use of consistent limits, appropriate positive guidance techniques, and respectful attitudes and actions.

Provide support to parents regarding positive guidance techniques.

Ensure that children are supervised at all times in accordance with Policies and Procedures.

Provide an atmosphere for children to develop positive self-esteem and pride by incorporating culturally sensitive activities and representations in room displays.

Program Support

Maintain all files and information in accordance with Confidentiality Policies and Procedures.

Work cooperatively with volunteers, interns, and others providing agency and client services.

Participate in in-service training and other meetings as assigned.

Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:

High school diploma or the equivalency required.

Early Childhood Credential and/or CDA preferred.

One (1) year professional experience in an Early Childhood setting.

Demonstrated knowledge of child development, birth through adolescent.

Demonstrated knowledge of the issues affecting children of parents who abuse alcohol and other drugs.

Demonstrated organization skills and ability to meet time deadlines.

Experience maintaining agency and client confidentiality.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to work with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Must be able to climb stairs.  Must be able to lift and carry 25 pounds.

Current TB test required, physical and CPR/First Aid Certification preferred.

Physical Demands And Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by and employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of the job, the employee is frequently required to sit, to reach with hands and arms to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; to occasionally stand and climb stairs, walk; to seldom bend, push, pull, and kneel. The employee must occasionally lift and/or carry up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Provide therapeutic services to Primary Care clients. This includes assessment of clients to establish level of services needed, the provision of clinical skill-based and process groups, as well as individual counseling. Provide crisis management services as needed.

Principle Duties And Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To:

Counseling:

• Establish a helping relationship with the client characterized by warmth, respect, genuineness, concreteness and empathy through a continuing assessment process.
• Facilitate the client’s engagement in the treatment/recovery process.
• Work with the client to establish realistic, achievable treatment goals consistent with achieving and maintaining recovery.
• Encourage and reinforce all client actions that are determined to be beneficial in progressing toward treatment goals.
• Recognize how, when, and why to use the client’s family members or significant others (as appropriate) to enhance or support the treatment plan.
• Promote client knowledge, skills, and attitudes that contribute to a positive change in substance abuse behaviors.
• Promote client knowledge, skills, and attitudes consistent with the maintenance of good health (as defined by both the client culture and the treatment culture) and the prevention of HIV/AIDS, TB, STD’s, and other communicable diseases.
• Facilitate the development of basic and life skills associated with recovery and the understanding of their existing mental illness.
• Adapt counseling strategies to the individual characteristics of the client, including (but not limited to): disability, gender, sexual orientation, developmental level, acculturation, ethnicity, age, and health status.
• Make constructive therapeutic responses when the client behavior is inconsistent with stated recovery goals.
• Apply crisis management skills.
• Mentor the client’s identification, selection, and practice of strategies that help sustain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed for maintaining treatment progress, relapse prevention, maintenance of their mental illness and continuing care.

Group Counseling:

• Describe, select, and appropriately use strategies from accepted and evidence-based, culturally appropriate models for group counseling with addicted or substance abusing client.
• Perform the actions necessary to start a group, including: determining group type, purpose, size, and leadership; recruiting and selecting members; establishing group goals and clarifying behavioral ground rules for participating; identifying outcomes; and determining criteria and methods for termination or graduation from the group.
• Facilitate the entry of new members and the transition of existing members.
• Facilitate group growth within the established ground rules, and precipitate movement toward group and individual goals by using methods consistent with group type.
• Understand the concepts of “process” and “content”, and shift the focus of the group when such an intervention will help the group move toward its goals.
• Describe and summarize client behavior within the group for the purpose of documenting the client’s progress and identifying needs/issues that may require modification of the treatment plan.

Continuing Assessment And Treatment Planning:

• Maintain ongoing contact with the client, and involved significant others, to ensure adherence to the treatment plan.
• Understand and recognize culturally appropriate stages of change and other signs of treatment progress.
• Assess treatment/recovery progress and, in consultation with the client, client’s family and significant others, (as appropriate) make appropriated changes to the treatment plan to ensure progress toward treatment objectives.
• Describe and document treatment process, progress, and outcome.
• Utilize referral skills.
• Conduct continuing care, relapse prevention and discharge planning with the client and involve family members and significant others as appropriate.
• Assure the accurate documentation of clinical activities throughout the course of treatment.
• Apply placement, continued stay, and discharge criteria for each modality on continuum of care.

Essential Skills-Any Equivalent Combination Of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education & Experience:

• 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 I (BHC) 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.
• Prefer three (3) years of experience in addictions, social services, mental health or related field.
• Ability to function under stress.
• Ability to identify and assess the degree of chemical dependency clients’ present.
• Ability to handle the position without continual supervision.
• Ability to function and communicate effectively in an interdisciplinary team approach to chemical dependency.
• Ability to deal with hostile or distraught clients of all age levels and with their family members.
• Ability to read, write and speak English.

Provide therapeutic services to Primary Care clients. This includes assessment of clients to establish level of services needed, the provision of clinical skill-based and process groups, as well as individual counseling. Provide crisis management services as needed.

Principle Duties And Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To:

Counseling:

• Establish a helping relationship with the client characterized by warmth, respect, genuineness, concreteness and empathy through a continuing assessment process.
• Facilitate the client’s engagement in the treatment/recovery process.
• Work with the client to establish realistic, achievable treatment goals consistent with achieving and maintaining recovery.
• Encourage and reinforce all client actions that are determined to be beneficial in progressing toward treatment goals.
• Recognize how, when, and why to use the client’s family members or significant others (as appropriate) to enhance or support the treatment plan.
• Promote client knowledge, skills, and attitudes that contribute to a positive change in substance abuse behaviors.
• Promote client knowledge, skills, and attitudes consistent with the maintenance of good health (as defined by both the client culture and the treatment culture) and the prevention of HIV/AIDS, TB, STD’s, and other communicable diseases.
• Facilitate the development of basic and life skills associated with recovery and the understanding of their existing mental illness.
• Adapt counseling strategies to the individual characteristics of the client, including (but not limited to): disability, gender, sexual orientation, developmental level, acculturation, ethnicity, age, and health status.
• Make constructive therapeutic responses when the client behavior is inconsistent with stated recovery goals.
• Apply crisis management skills.
• Mentor the client’s identification, selection, and practice of strategies that help sustain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed for maintaining treatment progress, relapse prevention, maintenance of their mental illness and continuing care.

Group Counseling:

• Describe, select, and appropriately use strategies from accepted and evidence-based, culturally appropriate models for group counseling with addicted or substance abusing client.
• Perform the actions necessary to start a group, including: determining group type, purpose, size, and leadership; recruiting and selecting members; establishing group goals and clarifying behavioral ground rules for participating; identifying outcomes; and determining criteria and methods for termination or graduation from the group.
• Facilitate the entry of new members and the transition of existing members.
• Facilitate group growth within the established ground rules, and precipitate movement toward group and individual goals by using methods consistent with group type.
• Understand the concepts of “process” and “content”, and shift the focus of the group when such an intervention will help the group move toward its goals.
• Describe and summarize client behavior within the group for the purpose of documenting the client’s progress and identifying needs/issues that may require modification of the treatment plan.

Continuing Assessment And Treatment Planning:

• Maintain ongoing contact with the client, and involved significant others, to ensure adherence to the treatment plan.
• Understand and recognize culturally appropriate stages of change and other signs of treatment progress.
• Assess treatment/recovery progress and, in consultation with the client, client’s family and significant others, (as appropriate) make appropriated changes to the treatment plan to ensure progress toward treatment objectives.
• Describe and document treatment process, progress, and outcome.
• Utilize referral skills.
• Conduct continuing care, relapse prevention and discharge planning with the client and involve family members and significant others as appropriate.
• Assure the accurate documentation of clinical activities throughout the course of treatment.
• Apply placement, continued stay, and discharge criteria for each modality on continuum of care.

Essential Skills-Any Equivalent Combination Of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education & Experience:

• 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 I (BHC) 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.
• Prefer three (3) years of experience in addictions, social services, mental health or related field.
• Ability to function under stress.
• Ability to identify and assess the degree of chemical dependency clients’ present.
• Ability to handle the position without continual supervision.
• Ability to function and communicate effectively in an interdisciplinary team approach to chemical dependency.
• Ability to deal with hostile or distraught clients of all age levels and with their family members.
• Ability to read, write and speak English.

Provide therapeutic services to Primary Care clients. This includes assessment of clients to establish level of services needed, the provision of clinical skill-based and process groups, as well as individual counseling. Provide crisis management services as needed.

Principle Duties And Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To:

Counseling:

• Establish a helping relationship with the client characterized by warmth, respect, genuineness, concreteness and empathy through a continuing assessment process.
• Facilitate the client’s engagement in the treatment/recovery process.
• Work with the client to establish realistic, achievable treatment goals consistent with achieving and maintaining recovery.
• Encourage and reinforce all client actions that are determined to be beneficial in progressing toward treatment goals.
• Recognize how, when, and why to use the client’s family members or significant others (as appropriate) to enhance or support the treatment plan.
• Promote client knowledge, skills, and attitudes that contribute to a positive change in substance abuse behaviors.
• Promote client knowledge, skills, and attitudes consistent with the maintenance of good health (as defined by both the client culture and the treatment culture) and the prevention of HIV/AIDS, TB, STD’s, and other communicable diseases.
• Facilitate the development of basic and life skills associated with recovery and the understanding of their existing mental illness.
• Adapt counseling strategies to the individual characteristics of the client, including (but not limited to): disability, gender, sexual orientation, developmental level, acculturation, ethnicity, age, and health status.
• Make constructive therapeutic responses when the client behavior is inconsistent with stated recovery goals.
• Apply crisis management skills.
• Mentor the client’s identification, selection, and practice of strategies that help sustain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed for maintaining treatment progress, relapse prevention, maintenance of their mental illness and continuing care.

Group Counseling:

• Describe, select, and appropriately use strategies from accepted and evidence-based, culturally appropriate models for group counseling with addicted or substance abusing client.
• Perform the actions necessary to start a group, including: determining group type, purpose, size, and leadership; recruiting and selecting members; establishing group goals and clarifying behavioral ground rules for participating; identifying outcomes; and determining criteria and methods for termination or graduation from the group.
• Facilitate the entry of new members and the transition of existing members.
• Facilitate group growth within the established ground rules, and precipitate movement toward group and individual goals by using methods consistent with group type.
• Understand the concepts of “process” and “content”, and shift the focus of the group when such an intervention will help the group move toward its goals.
• Describe and summarize client behavior within the group for the purpose of documenting the client’s progress and identifying needs/issues that may require modification of the treatment plan.

Continuing Assessment And Treatment Planning:

• Maintain ongoing contact with the client, and involved significant others, to ensure adherence to the treatment plan.
• Understand and recognize culturally appropriate stages of change and other signs of treatment progress.
• Assess treatment/recovery progress and, in consultation with the client, client’s family and significant others, (as appropriate) make appropriated changes to the treatment plan to ensure progress toward treatment objectives.
• Describe and document treatment process, progress, and outcome.
• Utilize referral skills.
• Conduct continuing care, relapse prevention and discharge planning with the client and involve family members and significant others as appropriate.
• Assure the accurate documentation of clinical activities throughout the course of treatment.
• Apply placement, continued stay, and discharge criteria for each modality on continuum of care.

Essential Skills-Any Equivalent Combination Of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education & Experience:

• 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 I (BHC) 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.
• Prefer three (3) years of experience in addictions, social services, mental health or related field.
• Ability to function under stress.
• Ability to identify and assess the degree of chemical dependency clients’ present.
• Ability to handle the position without continual supervision.
• Ability to function and communicate effectively in an interdisciplinary team approach to chemical dependency.
• Ability to deal with hostile or distraught clients of all age levels and with their family members.
• Ability to read, write and speak English.