Integrated Substance Use Counselor (LADC or UMICAD)

Job Description

Job Description

The Native American Community Clinic (NACC) is seeking a compassionate and relationship-centered substance use counselor to join our integrated care team.

This role is different from a traditional high-volume substance use counseling position. Rather than carrying a large ongoing therapy caseload, this position focuses on engagement, brief intervention, care coordination, recovery support, and helping patients navigate the next steps in their healing journey.

You will work closely with medical providers, nurses, behavioral health clinicians, traditional healing providers, and patient advocates within NACC’s integrated model of care. The pace and rhythm of this work allows for meaningful patient connection, flexibility, and collaboration across disciplines.

This role is ideal for someone who values harm reduction, relationship-building, culturally grounded care, and meeting people where they are. It is also a strong fit for counselors who are looking for a more sustainable and holistic alternative to traditional outpatient substance use treatment settings.

At NACC, we believe culture is medicine. We recognize that healing happens through connection, dignity, community, and culturally grounded care alongside evidence-based treatment.

What Makes This Role Different

• Integrated work alongside medical, behavioral health, and traditional healing teams

• Opportunity to build relationships without carrying an overwhelming therapy caseload

• Focus on engagement, support, and connection to care rather than repetitive documentation-heavy programming

• Harm reduction and patient-centered philosophy

• Ability to help shape and grow innovative models of care

• Work within a mission-driven Indigenous health organization deeply connected to community

• Supportive interdisciplinary team environment

Core Responsibilities

Screening, Engagement, and Brief Intervention

• Conduct substance use screenings, SBIRT assessments, and recovery-focused conversations within NACC’s dosing and office-based MOUD programs

• Help patients identify goals, barriers, strengths, and readiness for change

• Provide brief interventions and motivational support using trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches

Integrated Care Coordination

• Collaborate with medical providers, behavioral health clinicians, nurses, traditional healing providers, and patient advocates to support whole-person care

• Assist patients in accessing treatment, recovery resources, community supports, housing resources, and ongoing services

• Support warm handoffs and continuity of care across programs and systems

Recovery Support and Advocacy

• Build trusting relationships with patients navigating substance use, recovery and complex life circumstances

• Help patients navigate healthcare systems and reduce barriers to care

Documentation and Compliance

• Maintain timely and accurate documentation in the electronic health record

• Complete required assessments, treatment documentation, and care coordination notes in accordance with clinic and regulatory standards

Cultural Responsiveness

• Incorporate culturally grounded and trauma-informed approaches into patient interactions

• Support NACC’s mission of integrating cultural healing and whole-person wellness into healthcare delivery

Qualifications

• Required :

  • LADC or UMICAD licensure

  • Experience working with individuals impacted by substance use disorders

  • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills

  • Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team

  • Commitment to harm reduction, cultural humility and patient-centered care

• Preferred :

  • Experience in integrated healthcare, harm reduction, MOUD, or community-based settings

  • Experience working with Native American communities

  • Bachelor’s degree in behavioral health, counseling, social work, or related field