Counselor

CODA INC•Portland, OR

15d•$24 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

The Counselor provides introductory counseling, behavior management, and case management to patients in alcohol and drug treatment programs, focusing primarily on recovery tools and skill building. The position carries a patient caseload, supports treatment planning, provides individual and group counseling and skills training, monitors progress, and helps patients remain engaged in treatment. Depending on the site, the Counselor may contribute to assessment and diagnosis under supervisory review and approval, administer and observe urinalysis, and oversee medication administration procedures. The Counselor provides supportive case management according to treatment plans, including care coordination, help with housing and employment or vocational tasks, advocacy, and resource acquisition. The role also requires accurate and timely documentation, adherence to regulatory and professional standards, support for patient and community safety, and maintaining a clean and safe environment. Travel may be required for training, meetings, or transporting patients. Consistent attendance and punctuality are required. The Counselor may provide short-term coverage for other positions as needed.

Requirements

A two-year degree or significant coursework toward a two-year degree program in an addictions-related field.
At least 6 months of related clinical experience in alcohol and drug treatment or a related allied health field as a member of a clinical work team responsible for patient care.
Ability to facilitate treatment development and client engagement, and to support basic life skills associated with recovery.
Ability to assess patient needs and link patients with resources in a coordinated, effective, and efficient manner.
Understanding of addiction professionals’ ethical and behavioral obligations in the helping relationship.
Ability to help clients identify the effects of substance use on current life problems and the effects of continued harmful use or abuse.
Knowledge of accepted principles of client record management.
Ability to maintain professional communication and boundaries while managing complex situations and interacting with people diagnosed with substance use or co-occurring conditions.
Effective oral and written communication skills with patients, coworkers, community resources, supervisors, and others, while maintaining confidentiality and professional rapport.
Ability to operate a computer, use basic Microsoft Office programs, and navigate and maintain patient records in an electronic medical records system.
Attain CADC-R status within 30 days of hire if not already holding CADC-R or higher.
Continually work toward CADC-1 certification and obtain it within 2 years of hire.
May be required to obtain Basic Life Support certification or be able to acquire it within 90 days of hire.
Complete Crisis Prevention training within 90 days of hire.
May need a valid Oregon or Washington driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and an acceptable level of personal automobile insurance if driving is required.
Obtain a negative result on all pre-employment, reasonable-basis, and post-accident drug screens.
Have a criminal record acceptable under DHS requirements, Oregon Administrative Rules, and Oregon Revised Statutes.
Be able to safely operate a vehicle or CODA vehicle if required to drive.
Be able to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
If certified in BLS, be able to perform Basic Life Support continuously for 15 minutes.
Be able to follow infection-control practices and safely work in a patient-focused environment.
Be able to use a personal computer, including reading a monitor, keyboarding, and using a mouse.
Be able to negotiate staircases, reach, bend, and handle objects.

Responsibilities

Carry a caseload of patients and engage in treatment planning.
Plan and implement patient interventions.
Provide individual and group counseling and skills training as outlined in service plans and productivity expectations.
Depending on the site, contribute to patient assessment and diagnosis as part of a multidisciplinary team, subject to supervisory review and approval.
Use strength-based and motivational approaches in counseling patients.
Monitor and track patient progress and conduct outreach to maintain engagement in treatment.
Assist in planning and carrying out procedures to address the safety of patients, staff, and the community.
Provide supportive case management services as needed and required by the treatment plan, including care coordination, housing and employment or vocational assistance, advocacy, and resource acquisition.
Coordinate services such as insurance re-authorization or attend community meetings as directed.
Document service delivery at the time of service, accurately reflecting service provision, assessment, and the plan of care.
Adhere to regulatory requirements and professional, ethical, and behavioral standards of conduct.
Depending on the site, administer and observe patient urinalysis and document results.
Depending on the site, oversee and maintain medication administration procedures.
Maintain a clean and safe physical environment.
Travel to trainings and meetings or transport patients to appointments when required.
Maintain consistent attendance and punctuality.
Communicate accurately and positively about recovery and evidence-based treatments; use data and science to inform decisions; act with financial responsibility; and demonstrate compassion and respect.
Provide short-term coverage for other positions as needed.