
Substance Use Counselor-Ernie Turner/Day Shift (Sign on Bonus)
- Chugiak, AK
- Permanent
- Full-time
Department: Recovery and Reentry
Reports To: Operations Manager/Sr. Operations Manager/SUC Supervisor
Supervises: None
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Pay Grade: N6 (I), N7 (II)
Job Type: Regular, Full-Time
AKBCU: Yes ICPA: NoSign-on Bonus and Location Allowance AvailableGeneral Functions:The Substance Use Counselor delivers substance use treatment services to participants at CITC as a vital member of an interdisciplinary team that includes master's-level clinicians, case managers, and peer support specialists. This position supports individuals throughout their recovery journey by providing individual counseling, leading substance use-focused group sessions, and maintaining thorough case documentation. Working in partnership with our people, the Substance Use Counselor develops opportunities that fulfill our endless potential by promoting recovery, resilience, and wellness. The role requires strong clinical skills, cultural competency, and dedication to helping participants achieve sustainable recovery within a residential treatment setting.Duties and Responsibilities:Substance Use Counselor I
- Conduct admissions, intakes, and orientations for new participants, ensuring all required steps are completed for accurate program enrollment.
- Develop and maintain written individualized treatment plans in accordance with program policies, procedures, and expectations.
- Facilitate individual and group counseling sessions focused on substance use, supporting participants in identifying patterns and behaviors.
- Create and maintain comprehensive clinical documentation including assessments, treatment plans, case staffings, discharge summaries, and progress notes.
- Apply ASAM criteria and DSM-5 guidelines to formulate substance use diagnoses and treatment recommendations.
- Coordinate referrals to community resources such as employment services, mental health care, housing, medical providers, and social service agencies.
- Collaborate with treatment teams to provide recovery support services, ensuring participants' needs are addressed through appropriate linkages and advocacy.
- Maintain accurate participant records in the electronic health record system within established timeframes.
- Administer approved screening tools and integrate results into comprehensive assessments to support appropriate treatment recommendations.
- Support participants and staff in complying with all health and safety standards, particularly during residential night shifts.
- Manage counselor schedule and caseload, maintaining minimum 50% direct-care time in residential programs.
- Maintain strong, collaborative relationships with partnering agencies and referral sources to support continuous care.
- Attend staff meetings and actively collaborate during case staffing and review sessions.
- Maintain confidentiality according to regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Perform all related duties as needed and assigned.
- Perform all duties and responsibilities of Substance Use Counselor I with an advanced level of proficiency.
- Support Substance Use Counselor staff by addressing questions, offering guidance, and providing recommendations related to position duties.
- Assist staff with attainment of CDC certifications and deliver training related to substance use counseling responsibilities.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated proficiency in Trauma-Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, and other evidence-based treatment modalities.
- Proficient with computers including word processing, email, internet, spreadsheets, electronic health records, and case management systems.
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills with excellent judgment and decision-making abilities.
- Proven ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
- Strong time management skills with ability to handle multiple deadlines and projects efficiently.
- Flexible and adaptable to shifting priorities and needs.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the social, health, educational, training, and cultural needs of the Alaska Native and American Indian community.
- Continued employment is contingent upon completion of satisfactory state and federal fingerprint criminal background check.
- Working knowledge of Motivational Interviewing and Trauma-Informed Care.
- Experience implementing and facilitating clinical best practices in the substance use field, conducting case reviews, and making placements using current ASAM and DSM-5.
- Experience facilitating substance use treatment groups and individual sessions.
- Ability to obtain a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number.
- Ability to obtain a Medicaid Identification number.
- Maintain all credentials in current and up-to-date status.
- CPR certified or ability to be certified within 30 days of hire.
- One (1) year of experience in a role delivering or supporting substance use treatment.
- Alaska Chemical Dependency Counselor Certification I (CDC I) through the Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification or ability to obtain within 24 months of hire.
- Obtain full Qualified Addiction Professional (QAP) approval within three (3) years of the Provisional Provider Application approval date with the State of Alaska.
- Associate's degree or higher in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Counseling, Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling, or related field.
- One (1) year of experience as a substance use counselor, chemical dependency counselor, or similar role.
- Two (2) years of experience working in the substance use field.
- Alaska Chemical Dependency Counselor Certification II (CDC II) or CDC-S through the Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification at time of hire.
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Counseling, or Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling.
- Alaska Chemical Dependency Counselor Certification I (CDC I) or higher through the Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification at time of hire.
- Relevant work experience in both residential and outpatient substance use treatment settings.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- May require prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and consistently working on a computer with repetitive motion.
- The need to occasionally move around the office to access filing cabinets, storage cabinets, and office equipment may be necessary.
- Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally by utilizing proper lifting techniques and working in a safe manner.
The information provided in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents within this job. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and working conditions required of employees assigned to this job. Management has sole discretion to add or modify duties of the job and to designate other functions as essential at any time. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.