Co-Occuring Disorders Specialist - PACT

Catholic Charities Serving Central Washington•Wenatchee, WA

3d•Remote

About The Position

The Co Occurring Disorders Specialist supports clients receiving PACT (Program of Assertive Community Treatment) services who are experiencing both mental health and substance use issues. This role provides supportive counseling, case management, and psychoeducation around substance use using a stage based treatment model that is non confrontational and built on client determined goals. Treatment is provided primarily in the community at a location that best meets the needs of the clients served.

Requirements

Master’s degree in social work, counseling, or a related behavioral science field leading to eligibility for clinical licensure
Prior experience providing behavioral health treatment to individuals with active substance use disorders required
Familiarity with harm reduction principles, motivational interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques, and Integrated Dual Disorders Treatment (IDDT)
Strong treatment planning skills
Possess and utilize effective verbal and written communication skills
Ability to be self-motivated, and work both independently and as a team member
Ability to represent the agency in a professional manner within the community
Skills and competence to establish supportive trusting relationships with individuals with severe and persistent mental illnesses
Respect for client rights and personal preferences in treatment
Valid Washington State driver’s license and minimum required liability insurance for WA State
Must be deemed insurable as determined by Catholic Charities liability insurance provider
License or credential that denotes MHP (Mental Health Professional) designation in the State of Washington, including Mental Health Counselor or Associate (LMHC or LMHCA), Independent Clinical Social Worker or Associate (LICSW or LICSWA), Marriage & Family Therapist or Associate (LMFT or LMFTA), or Licensed Agency Affiliated Counselor (LAAC)
Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) license in WA State or Co-Occurring Disorder Specialist Enhancement to a qualifying clinical license preferred
Being cleared by a criminal background check and fingerprinting when required.

Nice To Haves

Additional education, coursework, or training in substance use disorders preferred

Responsibilities

Provide case management, engagement and motivational enhancement strategies, problem solving, and relapse prevention for an assigned group of clients.
Serves as the team’s subject matter expert on co occurring disorders
Conducts comprehensive substance use and readiness to change assessments within the context of serious mental illness
Provide psychoeducation that considers the relationship between substance use and mental health.
Apply stages of change and functional analysis to inform treatment planning, ensuring immediate changes are made in the treatment plans as clients’ needs change
Educate and support clients’ families, and advocate for clients’ rights and preferences
Provide on call coverage for PACT clients, including responding to after hours phone calls, triaging mental health crises, consulting with the Team Leader or crisis staff as needed, and coordinating in person crisis response or emergency services when clinically indicated, with timely documentation of all actions taken.
Assist clients with activities of daily living through ongoing assessment, problem solving, side by side services, skill training, and environmental adaptations.
Provide individual supportive therapy, social skill development, and assertiveness training to increase client social and interpersonal activities in community settings.
Continually monitor clients’ co occurring disorders symptoms and clients’ response to treatment.
Provide consultation and informal supervision to PACT team members regarding substance use, harm reduction, and engagement strategies
Provide direct clinical services including individual supportive counseling to clients on an individual, group, and family basis to teach behavioral symptom management techniques to identify and manage symptoms and to promote personal growth by assisting clients to adapt to and cope with stresses.
Collaborate with detox, inpatient, outpatient SUD providers, probation/parole, and medical providers.
Assist clients with engagement in higher levels of care when clinically indicated (detox, inpatient, medication assisted treatment)
Support the team in responding to substance related crises, including relapse, overdose risk, and substance driven psychiatric destabilization
Organize and lead individual and group recreational activities to structure clients’ time, increase social experiences, and provide opportunities to practice social skills and receive feedback and support.
Support continuity of care during hospitalizations, incarcerations, or treatment transitions
Perform other duties as assigned

Benefits

13 paid holidays
12 days of vacation
12 days of sick leave per year
Health insurance including medical & prescription coverage, with optional dental and vision insurance plans.
Majority of premiums paid by Catholic Charities
Retirement 403(b) Plan: employee contributions commence upon employment; Catholic Charities contributes 2% of monthly income and matches up to 4% of employee contributions following 6 months of employment
Basic Life Insurance paid 100% by Catholic Charities
Flexible Spending Account eligibility following 6 months of employment
Education Assistance Program reimbursing up to $5,250 per year for approved continuing education after 6 months of employment
Additional voluntary insurances including supplemental life, accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), critical illness, long term disability, accident, and ID theft
Employee Assistance Program includes 3 counseling sessions per year, legal consultations, financial coaching, and other wellbeing tools
Annual longevity awards begin at 5 years of employment