Counselor - AK

Community Medical Services•Wasilla, AK

21d

About The Position

Community Medical Services is hiring a Substance Abuse Counselor to support patients recovering from opioid and other substance use disorders in an outpatient setting. The role includes individual and group counseling, educational presentations, behavioral health assessments, treatment planning, case management, and coordination with community providers. The counselor helps create a safe and supportive environment for patients beginning their recovery and works with clients and, when preferred, their families and natural supports. The position requires managing a caseload in compliance with applicable regulatory standards and ratios, maintaining comprehensive and compliant client records, and evaluating treatment effectiveness through ongoing assessment. The counselor also coordinates care with other recovery and community-based providers, helps arrange referrals and primary care services, and serves as a point of contact with other systems when clinical knowledge of a case is important. The role calls for keeping current with developments in substance use treatment and maintaining collegial relationships with other professionals and organizations in the field. Community Medical Services is a CARF-accredited addiction treatment program providing outpatient medication-assisted treatment and individual and group counseling. The organization is headquartered in Arizona and operates more than 70 clinics in 14 states. The position is described as having a consistent schedule and an outpatient work setting similar to a doctor’s office or behavioral health clinic. Benefits listed for full-time employees include subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance; a health savings account; short- and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; paid sick, vacation, and holiday time; a 401(k) with match; tuition and CME reimbursement; an employee assistance program; and ongoing professional development.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
QAP certification must be completed by the completion of training.
Active CDC I license or higher required.

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred.
Behavioral health experience preferred.
Interest in working in an outpatient setting.
Enjoys a consistent schedule.
Openness to working with multicultural and low socioeconomic individuals.

Responsibilities

Maintain and manage a caseload in compliance with regulatory standards and ratios.
Conduct individual counseling sessions, facilitate group counseling, and deliver didactic educational presentations.
Complete comprehensive behavioral health assessments and individualized treatment plans that meet regulatory requirements and address client needs.
Evaluate treatment effectiveness through ongoing assessment of clients and their natural supports, modifying service plans as needed.
Coordinate care with recovery and community-based service providers, including sending referrals and completing documentation needed to secure services.
Maintain chart compliance and thorough, comprehensive client records.
Include family and natural supports in client treatment according to the client’s preference.
Maintain and apply knowledge of developments in substance use treatment as required by state licensure.
Maintain collegial relationships with substance use professionals, programs, and associations.
Serve as a point of contact for coordination and communication with other systems when clinical knowledge of the case is crucial.
Assist with screening and coordinating primary care services for clients.