Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Counselor (PCN 20-4343)

State of Alaska•Anchorage, AK

40d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Corrections, Division of Health and Rehabilitation Services, is recruiting for a Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Counselor located at the Anchorage Correctional Complex (ACC) in Anchorage, Alaska. Watch Alaska DOC HARS video here: https://vimeo.com/789872805/e68dd6b1e3 What you will be doing: Providing substance use disorder screenings on inmates that will include a thorough chart review, administering a brief questionnaire, reporting findings to program staff and consulting with the treatment team regarding the need for an assessment and referral for treatment. Performing ASAM assessments on designated inmates with substance use disorders and mental health problems, which includes obtaining collateral information (pre-sentence reports, disciplinary actions, criminal history, mental health records, substance abuse treatment records, etc.) and use of the SBIRT model to better determine inmate needs. Develop and facilitate group programming aimed at strengthening an individual´s mental health and substance use recovery needs, which may include: Step Work, Healing Circles, Motivational Interviewing, Relapse Prevention, Pharmacology, Co-Occurring Disorder Symptom Management, and relevant cross-cultural activities. Our mission, values, and culture: The HARS Mission Statement: To provide timely access to essential care through an evidence-based multidisciplinary approach. We are committed to a culture of professionalism, quality and safety. We seek applicants who are interested in furthering the HARS Mission and who will strive to uphold the Division's Core Values of Respect, Integrity, Compassion, Teamwork, Safety and Growth. The benefits of joining our team: Working for the Department of Corrections offers the unique opportunity to make a profound impact on a vulnerable population, supporting rehabilitation and contributing to public safety. The role provides a deeply meaningful way to serve one's community by promoting mental wellness and reducing recidivism. Being part of our collaborative multidisciplinary team allows for shared knowledge and diverse perspectives, which support professional growth and improve patient outcomes. The working environment you can expect: This position is located at the Anchorage Correctional Center, a secure facility for male inmates. This position works closely with correctional officers, mental health clinicians and medical staff. Who we are looking for: We are interested in candidates who possess some or all of the following position specific competencies: Therapy and Counseling: Knowledge of diagnosis and treatment of physical and mental ailments, and career guidance. Psychology: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of human behavior and performance in various contexts, mental processes, or the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders. Interpersonal Skills: Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree from an accredited university in a behavioral health related field, such as sociology, psychology, addiction, counseling, psychiatric nursing, human services, or social work.
Chemical Dependency Counselor I certification from the Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification.

Nice To Haves

Therapy and Counseling: Knowledge of diagnosis and treatment of physical and mental ailments, and career guidance.
Psychology: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of human behavior and performance in various contexts, mental processes, or the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Interpersonal Skills: Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.

Responsibilities

Providing substance use disorder screenings on inmates that will include a thorough chart review, administering a brief questionnaire, reporting findings to program staff and consulting with the treatment team regarding the need for an assessment and referral for treatment.
Performing ASAM assessments on designated inmates with substance use disorders and mental health problems, which includes obtaining collateral information (pre-sentence reports, disciplinary actions, criminal history, mental health records, substance abuse treatment records, etc.) and use of the SBIRT model to better determine inmate needs.
Develop and facilitate group programming aimed at strengthening an individual´s mental health and substance use recovery needs, which may include: Step Work, Healing Circles, Motivational Interviewing, Relapse Prevention, Pharmacology, Co-Occurring Disorder Symptom Management, and relevant cross-cultural activities.

Benefits

Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental
Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit)
Group-based insurance premiums for
Term life (employee, spouse or qualified same sex partner, and dependents)
Long-term and short-term disability
Accidental Death and Dismemberment
Long-term care (self and eligible family members)
Supplemental Survivor Benefits
Employee-funded flexible spending accounts for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses
Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Teachers' Retirement System (TRS)
Matching employer contribution into a defined contribution program (new employees)
Employer contribution into a defined benefit or defined contribution program (current employees)
Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan in lieu of contributions to Social Security
Option to enroll in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program
Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
Twelve (12) paid holidays a year