Licensed Addiction Counselor

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED:

• B.S. in Human Services or related field and two years experience in the field of substance abuse counseling.

• Montana State Licensed Addictions Counselor Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor, certifiable within one year, certified in another state which is transferable, or Nationally Certified.

• Good writing and verbal skills and the ability to type 40 words per minute.

• Must have experience and demonstrated ability in records management.

• A current, valid Montana Drivers License.

• Ability to pass Federal workplace drug and alcohol testing requirements.

PREFERRED:

• Experience working with offenders and/or experience working in a residential treatment facility.

• Two years experience in social services in a counseling or case management position.

• Ability to type 45 words per minute.

• Familiarity with evidence-based practices and cognitive behavioral programming.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The current starting salary for the position is $25.00 per hour, although consideration will be given the successful candidate's experience and educational background.

Applicant's with a candidacy license will start at $23.00 per hour.

$3000 Sign on bonus for fully licensed staff - paid out in increments of $1500 at 6 and 12 months of successful employment.

Free supervision of hours offered for candidate-status staff.

Anticipated Salary Increases in 2024:

Based on DOC funding expectations, it is anticipated all permanent staff as of applicable effective date can anticipate $1.00 increase in July 2024.

During the fall 2024 and based on agency financial status at the time, it can be anticipated for review of Cost of Living adjustment.

Permanent full-time employees of Alternatives, Inc. are entitled to sick leave, vacation leave, individual health insurance, and retirement benefits. Alternatives, Inc. participates in the State Workers Compensation and Unemployment Insurance plans.

Permanent part-time employees are entitled to a pro-rata share of benefits based on the percentage of full-time hours worked (full-time = 40 hours per week).

Specific detail regarding benefits will be provided upon request at the time of interview or at the time of hire.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

General Overview:

The Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) is directly accountable to the Program Supervisor (PS) of designated program and/or facility.

The Licensed Addictions Counselor is responsible for chemical dependency treatment. LACs work directly with adult offenders in residential and/or community corrections facility. LAC's will participate in individual sessions and develop individual treatment plans with the residents to address substance abuse disorders. In addition, LAC's facilitate groups and programming in line with agency approved models.

General Requirements:

• All employees of Alternatives, Inc. are responsible for reading and complying with standards and procedures in the following documents:

• Employee Handbook

• Standard Operating Procedures

Specific Duties:

The LAC will provide the following services to clients/offenders enrolled in Substance Use Disorder programming:

• This position may require working the hours of a flexible or varied schedule.

• Review client files to assess chemical dependency evaluation needs.

• Administer all necessary chemical dependency assessments and make recommendations regarding Chemical Dependency issues and referrals.

• Conduct one-on-one counseling sessions regarding Chemical Dependency issues with clients.

• Provide treatment in group settings regarding chemical dependency issues.

• Make referrals to a variety of social services and medical resources.

• Document all contracts, significant issues, and general progress in the resident case file.

• Complete discharge summaries for all group participants in a timely manner.

• Ensure that every offender who graduates from programming will have a copy of the Comprehensive Aftercare Plan developed by the treatment staff.

• Ensure each offender has a written treatment plan which delineates what the offender will accomplish while in the program, associated timelines and detailed plans for accomplishing goals, and documentation of compliance with the contract. Ensure that the plan is reviewed and updated periodically in accordance with the planned duration of treatment and phases of the program.

• Coordinate aftercare plans with Pre-Release Centers and Probation Officers or other referral sources prior to the offenders termination from the program.

• Attend weekly Staff Meetings.

Other:

• The LAC is responsible for informing their supervisor of significant developments related to Alternatives, Inc. Such issues are to be reported expediently, based on his/her assessment of the importance of the issue. Examples include:

• Any resident involvement in the legal system or in violation of program rules and regulations.

• Threats of legal action.

• Public Relations problems.

• Resident complaints.

• Fraternization issues.

• Medical incidents/accidents.

• Repair requirements on van or facility.

• Schedule changes, leave requests, reporting in sick and any unauthorized departures from the office.

• Any suspected or confirmed violation of agency rules by clients.

• The LAC is expected to report to his/her supervisor in an expedient fashion all areas of noncompliance with program procedures, along with suggested remedial plans or interventions.

• The LAC is expected to be flexible in assuming new duties and schedule changes. He/she is to be creative in establishing or modifying program operation procedures, and obtaining approval of the appropriate authority previous to implementation.

• Assume all other duties as assigned.