COOK INLET TRIBAL COUNCIL, INC. JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Substance Use Counselor I/II-Residential Department: Recovery and Reentry Reports To: Operations Manager/Sr Operations Manager Supervises: None FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Pay Grade: N6 (I), N7 (II) Job Type: Full-Time, Regular AKBCU: Yes ICPA: No Shift: Night

Sign-on Bonus and Location Allowance Available

General Functions: The Substance Use Counselor (SUC) delivers substance use treatment services to participants at CITC as a vital member of an interdisciplinary team that includes master’s-level clinicians, case managers, and peer support specialists. The SUC supports individuals throughout their recovery journey by providing individual counseling, leading substance use-focused group sessions, and maintaining thorough case documentation. Additional responsibilities may include conducting assessments and updates in accordance with ASAM criteria, contributing to individualized treatment planning, assisting with discharge planning and care transitions, and offering case management support as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities: Substance Use Counselor I Conduct admissions, intakes, and orientations for new participants, ensuring all required steps are completed for accurate and efficient program enrollment in alignment with program requirements. Assist participants in identifying, developing, and actively working toward their individualized treatment plan goals and objectives. Develop and maintain a written individualized treatment plan in accordance with RS policies, procedures, and program expectations for outpatient services. Collaborate with treatment teams to provide recovery support services within the scope of the role, ensuring participants' needs are addressed through appropriate referrals, linkages, and advocacy efforts. Coordinate referrals to community resources—such as employment services, mental health care, housing, medical providers, social service agencies, and continuing care—to support participants’ ongoing recovery and long-term stability. Facilitate individual and group counseling sessions focused on substance use, supporting participants in identifying patterns and behaviors in alignment with their unique needs and treatment goals. Create and maintain comprehensive clinical documentation—including assessments, diagnoses, treatment plans, case staffings, discharge summaries, and progress notes—in alignment with program requirements and clinical/regulatory standards. Maintain accurate and up-to-date participant records in the electronic health record (EHR) system by completing session notes, assessments, reports, and other required documentation within established timeframes. Apply ASAM criteria and DSM-5 guidelines to formulate substance use diagnoses and treatment recommendations. Administer approved screening tools and integrate results into comprehensive assessments to support appropriate treatment recommendations, using ASAM criteria to guide level-of-care placement, as assigned. Coordinate with referral sources, family members, community agencies, and treatment providers to ensure comprehensive treatment and case management options for participants. Maintain strong, collaborative relationships with partnering agencies and referral sources to support seamless, continuous care. Utilize approved curricula, handouts, and homework assignments to enrich and support participants’ treatment experience. Engage in ongoing training and professional development to enhance skills and continuously improve the quality-of-service delivery. Attend staff meetings and actively collaborate with colleagues during case staffing and review sessions to support coordinated care. Maintain respectful and professional relationships with participants and their supportive treatment partners. Effectively manage SUC schedule and caseload, ensuring that a minimum of 50% of billable time (Outpatient programs) and a minimum 50% direct-care time (Residential programs) is maintained. Support participants and staff in complying with all health and safety standards according to CITC policies and procedures, particularly during residential night shifts. Maintain confidentiality according to regulations, policies, and procedures. Perform all duties as needed and assigned.

Substance Use Counselor II Perform all duties and responsibilities of the Substance Use Counselor I position with a high level of advanced proficiency. Support Substance Use Counselor staff by addressing their questions, offering guidance and recommendations, assisting with the attainment of CDC certifications, and delivering training related to their duties and responsibilities. Maintain confidentiality according to regulations, policies, and procedures. Perform all duties as needed and assigned.

Job Responsibilities Related to Participant Privacy Employees are expected to actively participate in CITC privacy training and to protect the privacy of participant information in accordance with CITC's privacy policies, procedures, and practices, as required by federal and state law.  Failure to comply with CITC's policies and procedures on participant privacy may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. Employees may access protected health information and other participant information only to the extent necessary to complete job duties.  Employees may only share such information on a need-to-know basis with others who have job responsibilities related to treatment, payment, or other CITC operations. Employees are encouraged and expected to report, without the threat of retaliation, any concerns regarding CITC's policies and procedures on participant privacy and any observed practices in violation of the policy to the designated Privacy Officer.

Job Specifications: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated proficiency in Trauma-Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing (MI), and other evidence-based treatment modalities, applying these approaches effectively in clinical practice. Proficient with computers: word processing, email communication, internet resourcing, spreadsheets, electronic health records, and case management systems. Flexible and adaptable to shifting priorities and needs. Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Excellent judgement, decision making, and critical thinking skills. Proven ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a team environment. Strong time management skills with the ability to handle multiple deadlines and projects efficiently. Demonstrated ability and willingness to be cross trained in any aspect of the program. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the social, health, educational, training, and cultural needs of the Alaska Native and American Indian community.

Minimum Core Competencies: CITC Values, Respectful Leadership, Professionalism, Emotional Intelligence, Problem Solving/Critical Thinking, Communication Skills

Minimum Qualifications: Substance Use Counselor, I One (1) year of experience in a role delivering or supporting substance use treatment. Alaska Chemical Dependency Counselor Certification I (CDC I) through the Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification or ability to obtain within 24 months of hire. Obtain full Qualified Addiction Professional (QAP) approval within (3) three years of the Provisional Provider Application approval date with the State of Alaska.

Substance Use Counselor, II Associate degree or higher in social work, Psychology, Human Services, Counseling, Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling, or related field. One (1) year of experience as a substance use counselor, chemical dependency counselor, or similar role. Two (2) years of experience working in the substance use field. Alaska Chemical Dependency Counselor Certification II (CDC II) or CDC-S through the Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification at time of hire.

Minimum Qualifications for All Levels Working knowledge of Motivational Interviewing and Trauma-Informed Care. Experience implementing and facilitating clinical best practices in the substance use field, conducting case reviews, and making placements using the current ASAM and DSM-5. Experience facilitating substance use treatment groups and individual sessions. Ability to obtain a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number. Ability to obtain a Medicaid Identification number. Maintain all credentials in current and up-to-date status. CPR certified or ability to be certified within 30 days of hire. Continued employment is contingent upon completion and of a satisfactory state and federal background check,

Preferred Qualifications for All Levels Bachelor’s Degree or higher in social work, Psychology, Human Services, Counseling, or Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling. Alaska Chemical Dependency Counselor Certification I (CDC I) or higher through the Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification at time of hire. Relevant work experience in both residential and outpatient substance use treatment settings.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. May require prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and consistently working on a computer with repetitive motion. The need to occasionally move around the office to access filing cabinets, storage cabinets, and office equipment may be necessary. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally by utilizing proper lifting techniques and working in a safe manner.

Disclaimer The information provided in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents within this job.  It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and working conditions required of employees assigned to this job.  Management has sole discretion to add or modify duties of the job and to designate other functions as essential at any time.  This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.

06.02.2025