Chemical Dependency Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

Note to Applicants:  this job is located in Juneau, Alaska. It is not a remote position and the employer does not promise relocation assistance. Preference will be given to Alaska residents and all GHS employees must obtain an Alaska driver's license or ID card within 30 days of hire.

Job Summary:

The Chemical Dependency Counselor is responsible for providing evidence-based substance use treatment for the outpatient and residential inpatient treatment programs at Mount Juneau Counseling & Recovery. The Chemical Dependency Counselor is supervised by the Clinical Manager

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• This position does not have supervisory responsibilities. 

 

Illustrative Tasks:

1. Substance Use Counseling and Interventions:
   1. Provides individual, group, and family substance use disorder counseling to clients of Mount Juneau Counseling & Recovery. 
   2. Performs substance use assessments utilizing DSM-5TR diagnostic criteria and ASAM client placement criteria within scope of practice. 
   3. Develops and implements comprehensive, individualized treatment plans and treatment plan updates. 
2. Clinical Documentation:
   1. Maintains clinical documentation that meets criteria as outlined by company policies and procedures, payer sources, and professional/ethical regulations. Ability to meet Medicaid documentation and reporting guidelines.
   2. Ability to meet Medicaid documentation and reporting guidelines 
3. Professional Development:
   1. Pursues continuous professional development to assure that effective treatment services are implemented.
   2. Completes all assigned training on time.
   3. Attends regular clinical supervision sessions to develop the necessary competencies for Chemical Dependency Counselor certification and maintenance.
4. Performs other duties as assigned by the Behavioral Health Director or Clinical Manager

 

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Excellent clinical skill set; professional boundaries, therapeutic use of self, positive regard and empathy for clients.
• Understanding of the addiction recovery process and knowledge of best practice models.
• Ability to provide efficient, effective, and client-oriented substance use treatment services.
• Professional written and oral communication skills and timely completion of documentation.
• Ability to utilize diagnostic criteria with regard to substance use issues and level of care recommendations.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements, including 42 CFR Part 2, HIPAA, and applicable federal and state regulations regarding the treatment of substance use disorder.

 

Education and Experience:

• State of Alaska Chemical Dependency Counselor Level II and two years of experience in the field of substance use treatment; OR: 
• Combination of education and experience and ability to complete the coursework and training to obtain State of Alaska Certified Dependency Counselor Level II (CDC II) within 3 months of start date

Physical Requirements: 

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to pass the ADOC and DHSS background checks.
• Must have a current, valid Alaska driver’s license or ID and be insurable by current GHS auto insurance carrier. 
• Must pass a urinalysis test.

 

At-Will Employment Policy Statement:

Your employment with Gastineau Human Services Corporation is at will. This means your employment is for an indefinite period of time and it is subject to termination by you or Gastineau Human Services Corporation with or without cause, with or without notice, and at any time. Nothing in this policy or any other policy of Gastineau Human Services Corporation should be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the at-will employment status of Gastineau Human Services Corporation employees. 

The at-will employment status of an employee of Gastineau Human Services Corporation may be modified only in a written employment agreement with that employee which is signed by the Executive Director, or the Chairman of the Board of Directors, of Gastineau Human Services Corporation.