Chemical Dependency Counselor

Applications must be received by posted end date for consideration of position

SUMMARY:

Applicant must possess a bachelor’s degree in behavioral health counseling or other behavioral Science Degree, and be certified in the State of California as an alcoholism/drug counselor, with a current IAAC II and/or CADC II certification. Must have or willing to obtain current CPR Certification from the American Heart Association or Red Cross prior to orientation. Must have a minimum of 2 years’ experience in social service and knowledge of the 12-step program and functions in treatment and recovery. Must be able to work a variable schedule including nights and weekends and travel to meet client and Program needs. Must be able to work with the Indian community and be sensitive to the Indian culture and its needs.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs counseling duties in all areas of alcoholism/chemical dependency at all clinics within RSBCIHI by:
• Assuming responsibility for an assigned caseload of clients.
• Interviewing, evaluating, and making treatment recommendations.
• Conducting individual and group counseling sessions.
• Developing initial treatment plans in conjunction with the client.
• Supervising all substance abuse client discharge plans.
• Preparing individual client discharge plans.
• Prepares all monthly reports (ATGS, CADDS, etc.), and presents them to BHS Director on the 4th working day of each month.
• Maintains a central log/file on ATGS Reports from IHS, for the BHS Department.
• Insuring that all required documentation and consents are completed prior to the start of treatment within RSBCIHI.
• Orienting clients and families to program schedules.
• Completing clinical charting in client records and observing client responses to treatment and recording such in progress notes, using accepted format (SOAP)
• Presenting to clients and family members information of treatment concepts, objectives, and goals.
• Performing crisis substance abuse intervention.
• Conducting 12-step groups including Alateen.
• Meets with the interdisciplinary staff to give and receive recommendations for continued client care by:
• Recommending revision of treatment plans and methods where needed.
• Discussing referrals to community mental health services, inpatient primary care where needs for treatment of alcoholism or other drug addictions.
• Participating in quality assurance activities as assigned.
• Participating in cross training with non-BHS staff.
• Maintains a current listing of extended care facilities
• Participates in on-call status to meet client needs.
• Maintains and models a close working relationship with referral sources and agencies in the community by:
• Assuring professional contacts to assure optimum services to the client and community.
• Visits all referral sites (i.e., RTC, Inpatient day treatment facilities).
• Assisting with site visitations by specific individuals or groups for orientation.
• Maintaining positive regard for and working knowledge of AA/NA/Al-Anon and other 12-step programs.
• Clinically and professionally supports the 12-step program of AA/NA/Al-Anon within the Native American community.
• Reinforces the philosophy of RSBCIHI in both professional and clinical areas.
• Coordinates the RSBCIHI substance abuse prevention program by:
• Coordinating a program, which adequately addresses substance abuse prevention.
• Developing a substance abuse program, which addresses the unique needs of Indian youth substance abusers, and emphasizing prevention of alcohol and drug abuse among young Indian people.
• Developing a substance abuse program that alters the environment of high-risk individuals, particularly youth from an environment that promotes substance abuse to one who rejects it.
• Coordinates the RSBCIHI Substance Abuse Prevention Program by:
• Establishing a program, which emphasizes traditional Indian cultural values, including spiritual values, and an alternative to behavior patterns which promote substance abuse and as a source of strength for the recovering abuses.
• Working closely with other departments to enhance future and current drug free environment.
• Completes other duties as directed.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in in Behavioral Health Counseling or other behavioral science degree, or clinical experience as deemed appropriate by the Behavioral Health Services Director.

Certified in the State of California as an alcoholism/drug counselor, with a current IAAC II and/or CADC II certification.

Experience:

Two years of applicable work experience.

Experience working with families in an intensive outpatient and inpatient setting.

If a recovering substance abuser, a minimum of four years of abstinence from mind-altering chemicals.

Skills

Evidence of strong interpersonal, clinical, and written communication skills. How the 12-step support system functions in treatment and recovery.Must have thorough knowledge of Indian culture.

License

Current CPR Certification that meets the guidelines from the American Heart Association or Red Cross (Can be obtained prior to orientation)

Valid California Driver’s License with a safe driving record, DMV record required. Must be insurable by the program’s insurance carrier.

Ability To

To Travel within the RSBCIHI organization 

Coordinate a comprehensive prevention program including program planning and implementation experience, developed skills on safe recreational activities in a drug-free atmosphere, the ability to coordinate events with outside agencies, the ability to guide and develop Indian youth in traditional crafts like pottery and art work, etc.

Provide personal transportation. Work a flexible schedule. Program activities will be scheduled to accommodate the Indian youth and availability of facilities. Weekend and evening schedules should be considered usual and necessary.

Must be able to work with the Indian Community, and be sensitive to the Indian culture and its needs.

Physical Demands:

The position requires that the incumbent be physically fit and capable of participating and instructing recreational activities which may require strenuous activity. Work involves the routine risks and discomforts of traveling.

Clinic Location:

Cahuilla Indian Health Clinic (53000 Cahuilla Rd. Anza, Ca 92539)
Pechanga Indian Health Clinic (47001 Pala Rd. Temecula, Ca 92592)