ACT Chemical Dependency Counselor I – LifeWorks NW

Nov 15, 2022

The Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program is a multidisciplinary team approach with assertive outreach in the community for clients experiencing the most severe symptoms of mental illness. ACT programs are evidence-based and fidelity reviewed to help support those clients at highest risk of psychiatric crisis and hospitalization and involvement in the criminal justice system.

The Chemical Dependency Counselor I provides in person screening and referral for substance use disorder treatment services and case management. Services will be provided in both onsite and in the community. Responsible for completing ASAM assessments, and for coordinating referrals to residential or intensive outpatient chemical dependency treatment services. Also assists clients in different stages of change in relation to substance abuse, focusing on building motivation. Will work as a member of multidisciplinary team.

Location: This position is based out of LifeWorks NW’s Beaverton site.

Pay/Benefits: $24.60 starting hourly pay plus, Full benefits.

As a behavioral health organization, LifeWorks NW employees are required to have had their COVID 19 vaccination (or have an approved medical/religious exemption) per State of Oregon rules. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required upon hire. 

 

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for in person screening, substance use and risk assessments including initial intake interview, formulating a substance use diagnosis, and identifying appropriate referrals for treatment services.
  • Provide crisis intervention and support, as appropriate.
  • Develop a plan to connect the individual to substance use disorder services and an interim plan for the person to access support between the time of screening and the date the person can be admitted to treatment. Plan will be based on individuals’ interests, abilities, strengths, and clinical needs.
  • Maintain awareness of community referral resources. Help build positive relationships with other community providers and provide appropriate referral services.
  • Provide culturally appropriate resources and support linkage, advocacy, and community collaboration as well as evaluation for individuals.
  • Provide training to staff, caregivers, and family regarding issues of substance use as it relates to clients.
  • Provide accurate screenings for mental health, health, gambling, suicide ideation, trauma, and domestic violence issues, and make referrals to appropriate service providers as necessary.
  • Provide referral services to individuals and their families, e.g., residential services community resources, recovery support services, etc.
  • Counsel individuals or families, using evidence-based treatment practices, to help them understand problems, define goals, and develop realistic action plans.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with substance use treatment providers to ensure smooth transition into care for individuals.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with referral sources.
  • Serve as back-up for other staff when needed.
  • Observe and evaluate individual’s behavior, social development, physical health, and motivation and readiness for treatment.
  • Identify and diagnose substance use disorders using information obtained from interviews, records, and reference materials.
  • Notify individual, of diagnosis and initial treatment recommendations in a timely manner, complete written narrative of the screening assessment, obtain necessary authorizations for disclosure.
  • Involve significant other(s), care givers, and care providers in the care plan as indicated and planned with the individual.
  • May be responsible for service coordination. Coordinate/collaborate with physicians, staff, families, caregivers, referents, etc.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of screening and referral to services.
  • Document and maintain client records in electronic healthcare system within 24 hours of meeting with client to ensure compliance with agency and contract guidelines and confidentiality.
  • Identify situations involving domestic abuse or other family problems affecting clients’ development and determine whether clients should be counseled or referred to other specialists. Follow through with mandatory reporting duties.
  • Travel between sites or in the community, may transport clients in the LifeWorks NW vehicles.
  • Participate in regular individual and team meetings with supervisor. Attend informational and clinical meetings which may include all staff and team meetings, consultation with other staff, and required trainings.
  • Meet performance standards for direct service, documentation (including progress notes, assessments) proficiency in clinical model and evidence-based practices, quality of care (including engagement and linkage to services) and teamwork as defined in the Performance Review.
  • Check e-mail/voicemail throughout the day when working and respond appropriately.
  • Participate in a culture of feedback at the agency by eliciting feedback to promote professional growth and assess work effectiveness.
  • Use Feedback-Informed Treatment service delivery approach to obtain and review feedback from clients regarding the fit and effectiveness of the services provided to them.
  • Utilize the integrated dual diagnosis treatment and Enhance Illness Management and recovery offered by OCEACT

Requirements:

  • Requires a current CADC 1 or equivalent national certification; or a submitted application for CADC 1 with a formal plan to obtain certification within six months of hire.
  • If recovering from a substance use related disorder, must be able to demonstrate continuous sobriety under nonresidential, independent living conditions for the immediate past two years.
  • Will participate in on-call 24/7 crisis phone rotation, members are on-call for 7 day shifts in case of client emergencies, hospitalizations, and to serve as an after-hours emergency contact. The on-call clinician receives an additional stipend when performing this duty,
  • Have knowledge of individual with severe and persistent mental illness
  • Have knowledge, skills, and abilities demonstrating competence in treatment of substance-related disorders including client evaluation and individual, group, family, and other counseling techniques; program policies and procedures for client case management and record keeping; and accountability for recording information in the client files assigned to them consistent with those policies and procedures.
  • Should be familiar with theory or concepts of prevention, trauma informed care, cultural awareness, and dual diagnosis.
  • Must have a working understanding of cultural values and norms, acculturation, and generational issues within a culture; extensive knowledge and understanding of resources and appropriate support linkage available within the community; effective inner-cultural communication skills in order to advocate for culturally diverse clients.
  • Knowledge of human development across the span of life.
  • Sensitivity and understanding of specific barriers which may lead to lack of access and engagement.
  • Good computer skills including a functional knowledge of Microsoft Outlook and Word. Ability to master proprietary software including electronic health record system.
  • Requires ability to work evenings and/or weekends, depending on the work assignment
  • Requires valid driver’s license and verification of safe driving record from DMV.
  • Ability to perform essential functions of job without creating a direct threat to the safety of self or others.
  • The ability to work in the community and in person with clients and community partners.

Working Conditions:

  • Work in a shared space (cubicles)
  • Share tasks with the team and collaborate with co-workers to prioritize and complete tasks.
  • See people in person in the clinic and in the community. Locations may include: a person’s home or residence, hospital, jail, schools and so forth. This also includes meeting with people outside in the elements.

LifeWorks NW is a private, non-profit organization providing prevention, mental health, substance use treatment, and related social services to youths, adults, and older adults in over fifteen locations throughout Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. LifeWorks NW promotes a healthy community by providing quality and culturally responsive mental health and addiction services across the lifespan.

Our core values—Recovery and Relationships, Resilience, and Results—inform the work we do. The four pillars of the strategic vision include Compassionate, Impactful Care, Holistic Health, Passionate Team, and Thriving Organization. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are critical to successfully achieving the mission. We know that “life works” when people get the help they need and are dedicated to changing lives.

Equal Opportunity Employer

www.lifeworksnw.org

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