The Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program is a multidisciplinary team approach with assertive outreach in the community for clients experiencing the most severe symptoms of mental illness. ACT programs are evidence-based and fidelity reviewed to help support those clients at highest risk of psychiatric crisis and hospitalization and involvement in the criminal justice system.

The Substance Use Disorder Counselor provides in person screening and referral for substance use disorder treatment services and case management. Services will be provided in both onsite and in the community. Responsible for completing ASAM assessments, and for coordinating referrals to residential or intensive outpatient chemical dependency treatment services. Also assists clients in different stages of change in relation to substance abuse, focusing on building motivation. Will work as a member of multidisciplinary team.

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

Pay/Benefits: $25.42-$32.59 per hour plus Full benefits.

Salary Placement Notice:
The posted salary range reflects the compensation potential for this role. Most candidates will be placed between the entry level and midpoint of the range, depending on their experience and qualifications. However, more seasoned professionals with extensive exact or similar experience may be considered for placement toward the higher end of the range. Final salary offers are made in alignment with internal compensation processes in accordance with Oregon Pay Equity laws.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Responsible for in person screening, substance use and risk assessments including initial intake interview, formulating a substance use diagnosis, and 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. Help build positive relationships with other community providers and provide appropriate referral services.
• Provide 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 service providers as necessary.
• Provide referral services to individuals and their families, e.g., residential 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, 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.
• Identify situations involving domestic abuse or other family problems affecting clients' development and determine whether clients should be counseled or referred to other specialists. Follow through with mandatory reporting duties.
• Travel between sites or in the community, may transport clients in the LifeWorks NW vehicles.
• Check e-mail/voicemail throughout the day when working and respond appropriately.
• Utilize the integrated dual diagnosis treatment and Enhance Illness Management and recovery offered by OCEACT

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.
• Will participate in on-call 24/7 crisis phone rotation, members are on-call for 7 day shifts in case of client emergencies, hospitalizations, and to serve as an after-hours emergency contact. The on-call clinician receives an additional stipend when performing this duty,
• Have knowledge of individual with severe and persistent mental illness
• 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, proof of current automobile insurance coverage, verification of safe driving record from DMV, and ability to meet LWNW driving requirements.

This is a represented position. 

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 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

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