Substance Use Disorder Professional I

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department•Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, WA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

This is an entry-level technical position that offers comprehensive treatment planning and counseling within an outpatient clinic setting. This highly interactive role requires extensive communication with clients and other community-based programs. Employees provide substance use disorder counseling and case management services to individuals in the Opioid Treatment Program and maintain individual files in compliance with County, State and Federal regulations. This position is the first level of the Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) Series. This role operates independently with minimal supervision, requiring sound judgement to make recommendations and meet objectives. Results are reviewed by supervisor for quality and compliance.

Requirements

Intermediate knowledge of standard Microsoft Office programs.
Knowledge of American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) assessment, intervention, and consultation principles and practices affecting substance use, addiction, and treatment.
Understanding of harm reduction practices and trauma informed and patient-centered care.
Pharmacology knowledge for commonly used drugs and treatment modalities for drug addiction.
Knowledge of community-based agencies and departmental programs involving health care and social services for client referral.
Knowledge of federal and state regulations pertaining to substance use treatment programs.
Informed on public health issues as they relate to specific social science disciplines.
Knowledge of interviewing and assessment methods for a diverse patient population.
Active listening skills.
Data entry and analysis skills.
Skilled in maintaining sensitive and confidential data and using discretion when sharing information.
Skilled in communication: Listens to others and communicates in an effective manner.
Asks questions in ways that enhance the clarity, quality, and reliability of information.
Understands and learns from what others say, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
Grasps the meaning of written information and applies it to work situations.
Conveys ideas and facts using language the audience will best understand, taking into consideration the audience and nature of the information.
Writes in a clear, concise, and organized manner for the intended audience.
Knowing and managing oneself: Understands that all equity, trauma-informed, and restorative practices start with oneself.
Exercises a high degree of self-reflection, personal accountability, resilience, flexibility, and adaptability.
Is willing to learn, apply, and model agency values and ethical standards.
Restorative practices and conflict resolution: Articulates through words and actions authentic commitment to create an environment in which all people are treated with dignity and respect and afforded equal opportunities and impartial treatment.
Centers work in equity and trauma informed and restorative practices to achieve and maintain collaboration and teamwork and to effectively work with historically underrepresented and/or underserved populations to advance community health.
Utilizes restorative practices to address harm and promote healing to strengthen relationships between individuals and social connections within communities.
Collaboration and engagement: Provides balanced and objective information to help teammates, partners, and the public understand problems, alternatives, opportunities, and solutions.
Works directly with partners within the Department, in the community, and members of the public affected by the work to obtain feedback and understand diverse points of view, concerns, and aspirations.
Identifies preferred solutions together, incorporating advice and recommendations to the maximum extent possible.
Evidence informed practices and decision-making: Applies evidence informed practices and methodologies to achieve the greatest impact in delivery of services to internal and external customers and partners.
Incorporates the social determinants of health into public health work.
Integrates research and evidence into the decision-making process.
Seeks to systematically identify and eliminate inequities resulting in differences in health and in overall living conditions.
Utilizes evidence informed practices to increase equity in systems and policy.
Creates a robust culture of assessment and evaluation and continuous process improvement.
Cross cultural communication and Engagement: Understands that cultural awareness, appreciation, and humility can only occur when you practice curiosity and open-mindedness.
Operates with a high level of humility and cultural agility to achieve effective intercultural communication, engagement, and collaboration in the workplace and in the community.
Is open to feedback and continuously self-reflects on one’s own actions and responses.
Centers personal accountability on the Department’s mission, values, and ethical standards.
Associate Degree in Social and Human Services or related field.
One year of clinical experience, experience at an addiction recovery and/or medication assisted treatment (MAT) facility preferred.
Current State of Washington Substance Use Disorder Professional Certification.
Immunizations and immunization screening required at hire and annually based on program area.
Regularly required to sit or stand continuously.
Regularly communicate clearly in-person, over the phone, and via written communication, including communicating with dissatisfied or angry individuals throughout the duration of a shift.
Capable of reading physical and electronic documents and working for prolonged periods on a computer monitor.
Fine motor skills sufficient to grip and manipulate paper, operate a telephone, and operate a computer mouse and keyboard.
Reaching and gross manipulation capabilities sufficient to pick up and use standard office supplies.
This position may require lifting, carrying, pulling, or moving objects up to 10 pounds consistently, 20 pounds frequently, and exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally.
Learn, recall, and apply specialized information.
Work effectively when exposed to workplace stressors, such as emotional and/or confrontational individuals.
Effectively perform frequent task-swapping and work with frequent interruptions.
Regularly work effectively in the presence of visual, auditory, or other distractions.

Nice To Haves

experience at an addiction recovery and/or medication assisted treatment (MAT) facility preferred
We will consider any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position.

Responsibilities

Manages a caseload of assigned patients, acts as primary counselor , and facilitates treatment and education groups.
Gathers protected health information to build a comprehensive client file.
Works in collaboration with clinical and medical staff in developing treatment goals and provision of necessary services and treatment.
Assists in the oversight of clinic waiting area at to ensure a safe and clean environment.
Documents patient information including session notes, progress notes, recommendations, and treatment plans.
Manages a caseload of assigned patients, acting as primary counselor.
Facilitates treatment and education groups.
Gathers personal client information, including a medications list and medical and substance use disorder (SUD) history, to build a comprehensive client file.
Works in collaboration with clinical and medical staff in developing treatment goals and provision of necessary services and treatment based on medical necessity.
Documents patient information including session notes, progress notes, recommendations, and treatment plans.
Assists in the oversight of clinic waiting area ensuring a safe and clean environment as needed.
Keeps patient tracking records up-to-date and accurate.
Submits daily activity records and completes patient evaluations and reports.
Completes ASAM SUD Assessments as requested.
Facilitates SUD Treatment Education/Process Groups as requested.
Maintains electronic patient records per program policies and procedures in accordance with the Washington State Administrative Code.
Completes assigned training to ensure current practices are in place regarding emergency response, trauma-informed care, de-escalation techniques, and mental health first aid.
Coordinates patient care with other institutions.
Coordinates and attends program and medical team staff meetings.
Provides education and consultation services for substance use, addiction, and treatment.
Offers client referrals to social service entities, judicial services, and medical facilities.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Adheres to all workplace and trade safety laws, regulations, standards, and practices.
Understands and properly follows established procedures in preventing and responding to unsafe or emergency situations.
Identifies and reports potentially unsafe practices or conditions.
Operates equipment, tools, machinery, and vehicles safely and understands processes for reporting an accident or injury.
Understands and applies knowledge and skills necessary to successfully perform assigned emergency response role during an emergency.
When public health responds to an emergency, you may be assigned duties and responsibilities that are outside your regular job description. This may involve responding at any time and reporting to a location other than the department with different working conditions and physical requirements.
You are expected to participate in emergency preparedness activities including our emergency notification system, WA SECURES.
Drills and real-world events may take place at any time.