Chemical Dependency Counselor jobs in Portland, OR

The Chemical Dependency Counselor provides substance abuse treatment services in an outpatient setting.  Responsible for assessment, treatment planning, provision of counseling (individual, family, and group) services, urinalysis, consultation with care providers and coordination of multiple service providers for his/her assigned client caseload; and for keeping accurate, timely records.

Location: This position is based out of LifeWorks NW's Hillsboro Walnut site. 

Essential Responsibilities: 

• Responsible for client evaluation including initial intake interview, formulating a substance abuse diagnosis, identifying appropriate treatment services.  Notify client, significant other(s), care givers and care providers of diagnosis and initial treatment recommendations in a timely manner, complete written narrative of evaluation, obtain necessary authorizations for disclosure. 
• Collect information about individuals or clients, using interviews, case histories, observational techniques, urinalysis, and other assessment methods.  Observe and evaluate client's performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
• Analyze data such as interview notes, test results, and reference manuals to identify symptoms and to diagnose the nature of clients' substance abuse problems and determine an ASAM PPC-2R level of care.
• Identify and diagnose substance abuse disorders, using information obtained from interviews, tests, records, and reference materials.  Address legal issues, such as child abuse and discipline, assisting with hearings and providing testimony to inform custody arrangements. Provide accurate screenings for mental health, health, gambling, trauma and domestic violence issues, and make referrals to appropriate services providers as necessary.
• Provide referral services to clients and their families, e.g., residential services, health care, mental health services, employment services, housing, recovery support services, etc.  Maintain awareness of community referral resources. 
• Develop therapeutic Individual Service and Support Plans (ISSP), based on clients' interests, abilities, strengths and clinical needs. ISSP's will be evidence-based, using clinical experience and knowledge, and will have measurable goals and objectives based on the diagnosis and will specify type, frequency, intensity, and duration of services. Treatment plans will client-driven and follow-ups will be completed on time, assessing the quantity and quality of services provided.
• Confer with clients, significant others and treatment team to develop plans for post treatment activities to maintain recovery. 
• Counsel individuals or families, using evidence-based treatment practices, to help them understand problems, define goals, and develop realistic action plans. Guide clients in the development of skills and strategies for resolving substance abuse problems. 
• Facilitate or co-facilitate group treatment services, using evidence-based/manualized treatment models with demonstrated effectiveness for the population served.  Demonstrate proficiency in using evidence-based practices, as evidenced by observation, fidelity rating scales, client report, and client outcomes.
• May be responsible for service coordination.  Coordinate/collaborate with physicians, staff, families, caregivers, referents, etc.  Maintain chart notes related to external contracts, obtaining pertinent records from other treatment and tracking clients' involvement, follow-through and progress in varied treatment activities.  Provides regular and timely progress reports to referents when appropriate.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling or treatments and the accuracy and completeness of diagnoses, ASAM PPC-2R dimensions, modifying plans and diagnoses as necessary.  ISSP's must be updated at least every three months. Behavioral Health Assessments must be updated at least annually.
• Document and maintain client records in electronic healthcare system within 24 hours of meeting with client to ensure compliance with agency and contract guidelines and confidentiality. 
• Provide training to staff, caregivers, and family regarding issues of substance abuse as it relates to clients.
• Provide crisis intervention. May serve as Clinician of the Day.
• Serve as back-up for other staff when needed.
• Administer and submit urinalyses with minimal errors.  Evaluate and communicate results within agency guidelines.
• Check e-mail/voice mail throughout the day when working responding appropriately.
• Provides culturally appropriate resources and support linkage, advocacy and community collaboration as well as evaluation and treatment for clients. 
• May need to travel between sites or in the community.
• May need to work some evenings.
• Meets performance standards for direct service, documentation (including progress notes, assessments, ISSP's, status reports, and authorization requests) proficiency in clinical model and evidence based practices, quality of care (including engagement and retention) and teamwork as defined in the Performance Review.
• Participate in regular individual and team meetings with supervisor.  Attend informational and clinical meetings which may include all staff and team meetings, consultation with other staff and required trainings.

Requirements:

• Requires a current CADC 1 or equivalent national certification; or a submitted application for CADC 1 with a formal plan to obtain certification within two years of hire.
• Have knowledge, skills, and abilities demonstrating competence in:  treatment of substance related disorders including client evaluation and individual, group, family, and other counseling techniques; program policies and procedures for client case management and record keeping; and accountability for recording information in the client files assigned to them consistent with those policies and procedures.  Should be familiar with theory or concepts of prevention.
• If working in a culturally focused program must have:  demonstrated understanding of cultural values and norms, acculturation and generational issues within a culture; extensive knowledge and understanding of resources and appropriate support linkage available within the community; effective inner-cultural communication skills in order to advocate for culturally diverse clients.
• If working with youth, courses in child development and experience working with youth strongly preferred.
• Sensitivity and understanding of specific barriers which may lead to lack of access and engagement. 
• Good computer skills including a functional knowledge of Microsoft Outlook and Word.  Ability to master proprietary software including electronic health record system.
• Requires ability to work evenings and/or weekends, depending on the particular work assignment
• Requires access to a car and valid driver's license.
• Ability to perform essential functions of job without creating a direct threat to the safety of self or others.