Pay Range:

$34.38 - $44.56

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.

Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

This position functions within the Behavioral Health Services Department to provide screening, assessment, referrals, and counseling to outpatient clients experiencing challenges with substance use disorders.

This position requires an understanding of substance abuse and dependence as well as the necessary interventions that are effective in treating this disease. This position also requires crisis intervention skills, and effective oral and written communication skills for working with and advocating for clients. This position needs to know how to respond to and refer a client who is in crisis, regarding their mental and medical health. This position is also responsible for screening, assessing, diagnosing, referring, counseling, and documenting all aspects of a patient’s treatment needs. This position supports SEARHC’s Vision statement, “To improve the health status of Native people in Southeast Alaska and other partners to the highest possible level,” by providing chemical dependency screening, assessment, diagnosing, referring, and counseling interventions to individuals for the reduction or cessation of substance abuse and/or dependence.

Must be willing to work early morning hours Monday-Friday and reduced Saturday hours on a rotating schedule, particularly at the Front Street Clinic in Juneau and in the OTP Clinic in Klawock.

Schedule: 5/8s

Key Essential Functions and Accountabilities of the Job 

Provide patient screening, intake, assessment, referrals, counseling, treatment-planning, case management, crisis intervention, and client education to inpatients and outpatients experiencing challenges with substance abuse and dependence. 

Maintain complete and accurate documentation for interactions, visits, and phone calls with patients. 

Participate as an active team member of the behavioral health services department.  Provide support and assistance to patients connecting them with community, state, national resources; assist them with completing applications and forms for resources.  Assist as needed with patient discharge planning which may include helping patients with securing home medical equipment, home support services, applying for patient assistance programs, transferring to other facilities, coordinating discharge planning meetings with patients, their providers and family members.  Provide crisis support and make appropriate referrals to patients and employees in crisis. 

Participate in departmental meetings, multi-disciplinary team discharge planning meetings, and in-service training.  Coordinate and support community chemical dependency provider educational meetings to facilitate discussions on substance abuse and behavioral issues.  Meet as needed with Clinic Manager and/or Clinic Supervisor for clinical supervision regarding patient care.

Education, Certifications, and Licenses Required 

High school diploma or equivalent. 

Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in a relative field may be submitted for consideration as a substitute for 1 year of the 4 years of required experience. 

Current Chemical Dependency Counselor II certification by the State of Alaska or in a state which has reciprocity with Alaska. 

Current and valid Alaska driver’s license or can be obtained within 6 months of hire. 

Must be at least 21 years of age. 

Experience Required 

100 hours of supervised practicum as specified for CDC II by the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC). 

20 contact hours of training as specified for CDC II by the NAADAC. 

Experience working in a setting providing Medication Assisted Treatment preferred. 

Knowledge of 

Considerable knowledge of substance abuse treatment modalities. 

Considerable knowledge of substance abuse and its effects on the human body, mind, and social relationships. 

Considerable knowledge of CFR 42 Part 2 and HIPAA regulations regarding client confidentiality and protected health information laws and practices. 

Skills in 

Proficient skill in individual counseling, crisis intervention and group facilitation. 

Proficient skill in oral and written communication, including accurate documentation on treatment progress. 

Proficient skills in the utilization of Motivational Interviewing, Relapse Prevention, and other evidence-based practices. 

Ability to 

Proficient ability to assess and identify patient needs, resources, and support to plan appropriately for interventions and referrals. 

Proficient ability to empathize with patients yet always maintain strong professional boundaries. 

Proficient ability to understand and follow departmental policies and procedures

Required Certifications:

Chemical Dependency Counselor II - Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health, Driver's License - State of Alaska

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!