Job Description
Position Description Substance Abuse Counselor (SAC)
POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Behavioral Health Director, coordinates outreach, screening, assessment, client transportation, referrals for mental health counseling, referrals for substance abuse counseling, and referrals for domestic violence, vocational counseling, and data collection. The Substance Abuse Counselor provides treatment collaboratively with behavioral health clinicians LCSW/LMFT
for patients who are enrolled in chemical dependency programs. The Substance Abuse Counselor serves as a mediator between patients, relatives, medical staff, outside agencies, and employers, tracking patient progress and the dispensing of treatment/counseling services as required. The Substance Abuse Counselor will also assist clients in re-entering the workforce, acting as liaison between the client, the clinic, outside agencies, and employers. In addition, the Substance Abuse Counselor should demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of the Indian community, including familiarity with the goals and objectives of TRIHCI and the alignment of his/her efforts with its success. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Maintains and integrates current knowledge of healthcare/social services programs or operations procedures in the performance of his/her duties. Coordinates referrals and services between Tribal TANF and other community organizations; Screens individuals for mental health, substance abuse, and domestic violence issues. Develops treatment plans for Substance Abuse Counselor program's clients. Transports individuals to county welfare or Tribal TANF programs to apply for services. Determines other related service needs at client request. Transports and/or accompanies clients to mental health and/or substance abuse treatment or evaluations; Provides individual or group substance abuse counseling/treatment. Ascertains the need for follow-up on incoming calls, correspondence, contracts, and grants. Maintains all active and inactive program files per program funding guidelines. Assists the CalWORKs coordinator with CalWORKs grant contracts, assuring grant compliance and procedural adherence. Additional Responsibilities may include:
Participate in all required staff meetings including any necessary trainings. Perform general office duties or other responsibilities as needed and assigned. KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, AND ABILITIES
Maintains knowledge of medical terminology; medical processes, and medical/mental health procedures sufficient to perform routine patient care. Must exercise good communication skills, be able to effectively communicate with diverse populations, and be willing to convey responsibilities to patients. Demonstrates the ability to work independently in carrying out assignments while remaining reliable and dependable. Demonstrates professional competency in office and healthcare abilities, including the maintenance of Client confidentiality. Possess basic computer and database software operation knowledge and demonstrate a working knowledge of routine office hardware and equipment (e.g. printers, copiers, fax machines, etc.). Must demonstrate the ability to maintain accurate records and preparing clear and accurate reports for informational, auditing, and operational use, including capacities for attention to detail and for reviewing and verifying accuracy of data. Possess the ability to organize and follow one's own work schedule (e.g. setting priorities, being available during work hours, and meeting critical deadlines). Possess the ability to perform well in group problem-solving situations and use reason even when dealing with highly emotional topics. Possess the ability to become knowledgeable of health needs and services provided to the Indian community both on and near the reservation. Demonstrate the competency and integrity to maintain the confidentiality of organizational, employee, and client records. Possess the ability to deliver effective training and presentations on technical subjects to large and/or small groups of various educational and cultural backgrounds. Possess knowledge of federal, state and local laws and regulations governing public health, principles of mental health. laws and regulations relating to the practice of medicine and counseling. Maintains knowledge of causes, means of transgression, and methods of control of communicable disease, principles and practices of diagnosis and treatment of common medical problems, child growth, and development. Must be conscientious and maintain a neat and organized work area. Maintains the ability to construct a complete care plan, perform assessments, identify problems, establish and maintain effective working relationships and provide appropriate interventions. QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed here are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
High school graduate or equivalency is required for this position. Two (2) years of verifiable experience as a Clinical Dependency Counselor (CDC) or Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CDAC) is also required. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Current certification as a CDC or CDAC in the State of California is required. Valid California driver's license and be insurable through TRIHI's insurance agency. Active BCLS certification are also required for this position. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND CONTINGENCIES
Employees must demonstrate a minimum of one (1) year of sobriety to be eligible for this position. Four (4) years of verifiable experience as a Chemical Dependency Counselor (CDC) or Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CDAC) is also preferred. TRIHCI maintains a drug- and alcohol-free workplace, and all offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a criminal background check, a post-offer drug test and physical, and verification of each candidate's right to work in the United States. PHYSICAL WORK ENVIRONMENT
The description provided here is representative of those conditions in which the SAC will be required to perform the essential functions of this position. As stated earlier, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this position, the SAC is situated in a standard office environment within the health center, where there is little or no exposure to variations in the weather or other similar elements. The SAC will move throughout the health center to meet with supervisors and co-workers but maintains direct patient/client contact. Consequently, the SAC must: Possess the mobility to work in a standard office setting (i.e. walk, stand, or sit for extended periods of time); Possess the ability to use standard office equipment to write, type, copy, fax, or perform other duties; Possess the strength to lift and carry supplies weighing up to 15 lbs. repeatedly and up to 45 lbs. intermittently; Possess the visual acuity to read printed materials and a computer screen; and Demonstrate hearing and speech capabilities that allow him/her to communicate in person and over the telephone as required, Possess the ability to push, bend and/or lift to help patients to/from vehicle, wheelchairs, stretchers, etc. And moving equipment and medical supplies. The clinical setting at TRIHCI is categorized by OSHA as a Blood-borne Pathogen Category I facility. Consequently, there exists the potential for exposure to blood, body fluid/tissue, and infectious wastes. There also exists the potential for exposure to chemicals, biologicals, toxicants, and irradiant found on-site. DISCLAIMER
This position description lists the major duties and requirements for the Substant Abuse Counselor position as established by subject matter experts and the Human Resources Manager at the time of this document's creation. This position may require additional performance of duties and responsibilities beyond those outlined in this document, and thus may require additional sets of knowledge, skills, and abilities not fully articulated herein.
