The Chemical Dependency Counselor, Crisis provides in person screening and referral for substance use disorder treatment services and transitional case management while individuals engage in on-going substance use disorder services.  Services will be provided at both the Hawthorn Walk-In Center and by mobile response in the community.  Responsible for screening, service coordination and referral, brief crisis counseling, short term support to individuals while engaging in substance abuse treatment services.  Consultation and coordination with treatment providers as needed to support referrals to services.

Location: This position is based out of our Hawthorn site.

Days/Hours: Tues-Sat 9:00 am -5:30 pm

Pay/Benefits: $27.08 starting hourly pay plus, Full benefits.

Additional $7.50 per hour differential for any hours worked after 5:00 pm AND all day on Saturday. Additional $2.25 per hour for Spanish language proficiency. 

Essential Responsibilities:

• Responsible for in person screening, substance use and risk assessments including initial intake interview, formulating a substance use diagnosis, identifying appropriate referrals for treatment services. 
• Provide crisis intervention and support, as appropriate.
• Develop a plan to connect the individual to substance use disorder services and an interim plan for the person to access support between the time of screening and the date the person can be admitted to treatment. Plan will be based on individuals' interests, abilities, strengths, and clinical needs.
• Maintain awareness of community referral resources. Helps to build positive relationships with other community providers and provides appropriate referral services.
• Provides culturally appropriate resources and support linkage, advocacy, and community collaboration as well as evaluation for individuals.
• Provide training to staff, caregivers, and family regarding issues of substance use as it relates to clients
• Provide accurate screenings for mental health, health, gambling, suicide ideation, trauma, and domestic violence issues, and make referrals to appropriate services providers as necessary.
• Provide referral services to individuals and their families, e.g., residential services, health care, mental health services, community resources, recovery support services, etc.
• Counsel individuals or families, using evidence-based treatment practices, to help them understand problems, define goals, and develop realistic action plans.
• Develop and maintain relationships with substance use treatment providers to ensure smooth transition into care for individuals. 
• Develop and maintain relationships with referral sources. 
• Serve as back-up for other staff when needed.
• Observe and evaluate individual's behavior, social development, and physical health and motivation and readiness for treatment.
• Identify and diagnose substance use disorders, using information obtained from interviews, records, and reference materials. 
• Notify individual, of diagnosis and initial treatment recommendations in a timely manner, complete written narrative of the screening assessment, obtain necessary authorizations for disclosure.
• Involve significant other(s), care givers and care providers in the care plan as indicated and planned with the individual. 
• May be responsible for service coordination.  Coordinate/collaborate with physicians, staff, families, caregivers, referents, etc. 
• Evaluate the effectiveness of screening and referral to services
• 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.
• Complete required reports for Washington County Addictions.
• Identify situations involving domestic abuse or other family problems affecting clients' development and determines whether clients should be counseled or referred to other specialists. Follows through with mandatory reporting duties.
• Participate in a culture of feedback at the agency by eliciting feedback to promote professional growth and assess work effectiveness
• Travel between sites or in the community, may transport clients in the LifeWorks NW vehicles.
• Evenings and / or weekends required.

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 six months of hire.
• If recovering from a substance use related disorder, must be able to demonstrate continuous sobriety under nonresidential, independent living conditions for the immediate past two years.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• 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, trauma informed care, cultural awareness and dual diagnosis.
• Must have a working 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.
• Knowledge of human development across the span of life.   
• 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 work assignment
• Requires valid driver's license and verification of safe driving record from DMV.

LifeWorks NW is a private, non-profit organization providing prevention, mental health, substance use treatment, and related social services to youths, adults, and older adults in over fifteen locations throughout Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. LifeWorks NW promotes a healthy community by providing quality and culturally responsive mental health and addiction services across the lifespan.

Our core values-Recovery and Relationships, Resilience, and Results-inform the work we do. The four pillars of the strategic vision include: Compassionate, Impactful Care; Holistic Health; Passionate Team; and a Thriving Organization. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are critical to successfully achieving the mission. We know that "life works" when people get the help they need and are dedicated to changing lives.

Equal Opportunity Employer

www.lifeworksnw.org

Drug Free/Tobacco Free Site 01/09