Job Description

Hours Per Week: 40

Job Type: Full-time, Non-exempt

Summary/Objectives of Position

The Substance Use Disorder Counselor is responsible for coordinating the substance use disorder services for AIAN clients. The Substance Use Disorder Counselor identifies the AIAN substance abuse counseling needs, develops recommendations, provides direct services, and coordinates to link clients with services and resources in the community. The position provides counseling and support to patients suffering from drug or alcohol dependency, educate families in the best ways to help in the recovery process, and work with both inpatient clients and those participating in outpatient programs. The Substance Use Disorder Counselor will be part of a multi-disciplinary team and represents the agency at community events, meetings, and during program reviews.

Essential Duties, Functions & Responsibilities

• Meets with patients to conduct intake and screen for American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) eligibility.
• Conduct an Addiction Severity Index assessment and identify an individual’s substance misuse needs.
• Support the needs of the patient by writing treatment and recovery plans with behavioral health clinicians. 
• Maintains case histories and progress reports. 
• Modifies treatment programs based on observation.
• Supports the patient by potentially assisting patients with coping with family problems and recommends appropriate social services as support for the entire family unit.
• Supports the patient by providing individual specialized substance abuse counseling.
• Works closely with the Behavioral health and cultural services team in coordination of cultural support services (e.g., classes, wellbriety, etc.). Coordinate with BAIHP Departments on all internal referrals for services (e.g., medical services, cultural services, etc.).
• Coordinate with service providers to develop, implement and monitor an individual case plan for each client.
• Educates patients about both BAIHP services along with community-based organizations and social and employment services that may help restore them to productive roles in the community.
• Supports the needs of the patient health by noting activity into the Electronic Health Records (EHR) system. Collaborate with other staff members in carrying out client treatment plans.
• Attend required staff meetings and additional meetings as needed.
• Responsible for meeting the goals and objectives associated with the SUD Counselor under both BAIHP behavioral health program and associated SUD grant programs.
• Keep the supervisor well-informed regarding activities, pending issues, and potential problems.
• Represent BAIHP through network meetings, public forums, presentations, trainings, etc. as needed.

Minimum Mandatory Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree with concentration in psychology, sociology, or public health required.

Experience:

• 2 years' experience working as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor required.
• Case Management experience

License/Certification:

• Certified Substance Abuse Counselor through the State of California including CAADAC or CCAPP and/or another state-accepted agency.
• Valid CA driver's license.

Skills:

• Possess and empathetic manner to deal with clients who may have multiple problems.
• Experience in developing lesson plans, facilitating workshops conducting community outreaches, and planning/ coordinating events strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of culturally relevant AIAN customs and traditions preferred. 

Communication Skills:

• Demonstrates proficiency in communication and writing skills.
• Language skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general and professional documents. 
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

Interpersonal Skills:

• Ability to foster teamwork; train and direct the work of team members and colleagues.
• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to work productively and make independent decisions.

Technology:

• Familiar with electronic healthcare records systems.
• Proficiency with using computer-based applications (e.g. Microsoft Office) and clinical information management systems.

Benefits Offered at BAIHP:

At BAIHP, we value our employees and strive to provide comprehensive benefits to support their well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. Here's what we offer:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental, Health, & Vision insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off (Vacation, Sick, Vacation Reward)
• 14 paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Indian Preference

Bakersfield American Indian Health Project (BAIHP) complies with the Indian Preference Act. Preference in hiring is given to qualified Native Americans under the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, US Code, Sections 472 and 473). Subject to, but not in derivation of the Act, we are an equal opportunity employer.

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