A Substance Abuse Counselor counsels people struggling with addictions to alcohol, drugs or other substances. Assists clients in dealing with personal and professional problems related to substance abuse. Collaborates with other health care and mental health care professionals to coordinate services for clients, and works with families of substance abusers. May work in a clinic, health care facility or community based program, or work with clients referred through the criminal justice system.
ALAMO NAVAJO SCHOOL BOARD, INC. POSITION DESCRIPTION TITLE
Alcohol and Drug Counselor
EMPLOYMENT TERM
12-Month Full-Time
DIVISION
Health Services
DEPARTMENT
Behavioral Health Services (BHS)
EXEMPT/NON-EXEMPT
Exempt
FUNDING SOURCE
IHS Contract
QUALIFICATIONS
Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's Degree in Psychology, Counseling, or similar field. Minimum one year of experience providing substance abuse treatment, with emphasis on direct service provision for clients with substance abuse/dependence. Licensure by the State of New Mexico as a substance abuse & addictions counselor (LADAC), within one year from the hire date. Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing. Ability to relate to professional, paraprofessional, and community people in a bicultural setting. Experience in working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, including Native American clients. Although not required, additional consideration will be given to candidates who are fluent in the Navajo language. If this person is recovering from substance dependence, he/she must have three years of continuous sobriety prior to hiring.
INDIAN PREFERENCE
Preferential consideration for employees will be given to persons of documented Navajo, American Indian, or Alaska Native tribal membership, who meet the qualifications above, in accordance with the requirements of P.L. 93-638 and the Navajo Nation Tribal Code.
SUPERVISED BY
BHS Coordinator
SUPERVISES
None
PAY RANGE
Grade H with AA, Grade M with a Bachelor's, Grade N with a Master's Degree; Grade O with a Master's Degree and LADAC and/or Independent license within the profession.
To develop and facilitate substance abuse treatment and prevention services including individual and group counseling, intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment, referrals to inpatient treatment, and follow-up/continuing care, for the Substance Abuse Program within Alamo Behavioral Health Services (BHS).
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Facilitates individual intake screening, assessment, treatment planning and outpatient treatment for adult clients who are in need of substance abuse treatment services. Organizes and collaborates with supervisor the day-to-day substance abuse treatment services. Acts as the referral contact person for intake and follow-up of clients referred to BHS for substance abuse treatment services, and maintains communication with referral sources to assure continuous flow of referrals to the program. Prepares reports for referring agencies (e.g., courts, tribal social services) in compliance with confidentiality and privacy requirements. Provides individual, family, and group counseling focused on helping client and/or family members identify and resolve problems related to substance abuse & addiction or dependence. Works collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team with clients, other BHS staff, and other providers to identify resources that will enhance the client's recovery from substance/ addiction abuse/dependence. Examples include social services, vocational/educational services, parenting classes, mental health services, etc. Refers clients to residential treatment as appropriate and assists with processes of intake and discharge. Oversees, coordinates, and provides follow-up/continuing care for clients who have completed OP or residential treatment. Continuing care includes a treatment plan, individual, group, or family counseling as indicated, and case management to ensure that additional supportive or rehabilitative services are in place as needed for each individual client. Maintains record keeping and documentation of client services that conforms to BHS record-keeping requirements. Ensures that required data and reports covering adult treatment activities are provided to meet funding source requirements. Assists with community substance abuse education, addictions education/ prevention programs at the direction of the BHS Coordinator or independently based on experience and approval of BH Coordinator. Accepts professional responsibility for maintaining professional skills and knowledge through ongoing programs of self-study and reading, as well as through formal training and education. Maintains state substance abuse/ addiction counselor licensure, and follows established professional standards for ethical conduct. Supports and carries out responsibilities in accordance with ANSB, Inc. and Alamo Navajo Health Center policies and procedures. Performs other duties as assigned.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
This is a child sensitive position subject by law to fingerprinting and a criminal/character background investigation. Pursuant to resolution #R81029, the Employee is authorized by the Board to provide services to non-Indians living within or near the Alamo Navajo community on a fee-for-service or third party payment basis, provided that provision of such service does not interfere with the primary responsibility of the Alamo Navajo Health Center to meet its service obligations to Alamo Navajo community members and other eligible Indian beneficiaries. The Employee is deemed to be an employee of the Federal government while performing work under the Board's Indian Self-Determination Agreement for purposes of Federal Tort Claims Act coverage. This status is not changed by the source of the funds used to pay the Employee's salary and benefits unless the Employee receives additional compensation for performing covered services from anyone other than the Board. The Employee's status for Federal Tort Claims Act purposes is also not affected by the provision of services to non-IHS beneficiaries. The Board's designated tort claim liaison with the Federal government is the Executive Director. Any tort claim (including any proceeding before an administrative agency or court) filed against the Employee or the Board that relates to performance under this employment contract and the Board's Indian Self-Determination Agreement, should be reported immediately by the Employee to the Executive Director so that notification can be made to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to 25 Code of Federal Regulations 900.188. Alamo Navajo Health Center documents and content are privileged and confidential information, including patient information protected by federal and state privacy laws. As an employee, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or duplication of this information is strictly prohibited.
EVALUATION
Will be evaluated by BHS Coordinator, in accordance with the Alamo Navajo School Board, Inc. policies and procedures.
