ALCOHOL AND DRUG COUNSELOR

Alamo Navajo School Board, Inc. – 12-month full-time exempt position in Behavioral Health Services, funded through an IHS Contract.

Qualifications

• Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s Degree in Psychology, Counseling, or a similar field.
• Minimum one year of experience providing substance abuse treatment, with emphasis on direct service provision for clients with substance abuse/dependence.
• Licensure by the State of New Mexico as a substance abuse & addictions counselor (LADAC), within one year from the hire date.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to relate to professional, paraprofessional, and community people in a bicultural setting.
• Experience in working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, including Native American clients.
• Fluency in the Navajo language is preferred but not required.
• If recovering from substance dependence, three years of continuous sobriety prior to hiring.

Preferential consideration will be given to persons of documented Navajo, American Indian, or Alaska Native tribal membership who meet the qualifications above.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate individual intake screening, assessment, treatment planning, and outpatient treatment for adult clients in need of substance abuse treatment services.
• Organize and collaborate with supervisor on day-to-day substance abuse treatment services.
• Act as the referral contact person for intake and follow-up of clients referred to BHS for substance abuse treatment services; maintain communication with referral sources.
• Prepare reports for referring agencies (e.g., courts, tribal social services) in compliance with confidentiality and privacy requirements.
• Provide individual, family, and group counseling focused on helping clients and/or family members identify and resolve problems related to substance abuse and addiction.
• Work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team to identify resources that enhance the client’s recovery (e.g., social services, vocational/educational services, parenting classes, mental health services).
• Refer clients to residential treatment as appropriate and assist with intake and discharge processes.
• Oversee, coordinate, and provide follow-up/continuing care for clients who have completed outpatient or residential treatment, including treatment plans, counseling, and case management.
• Maintain record keeping and documentation of client services that conform to BHS requirements.
• Ensure required data and reports covering adult treatment activities are provided to meet funding source requirements.
• Assist with community substance abuse education, addictions education, and prevention programs.
• Maintain professional skills and knowledge through ongoing self-study, reading, formal training, and education.
• Maintain state substance abuse/addiction counselor licensure and follow established professional standards for ethical conduct.
• Support and carry out responsibilities in accordance with ANSB, Inc. and Alamo Navajo Health Center policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Pay

Pay range: Grade H with an Associate’s Degree, Grade M with a Bachelor’s Degree, Grade N with a Master’s Degree, and Grade O with a Master’s Degree plus LADAC and/or independent license within the profession.

Schedule

• Monday through Wednesday: 8 AM – 5 PM
• Thursday: 8 AM – 7 PM
• Friday: 8 AM – 3 PM
• Lunch hour: One hour

Special Conditions

• This is a child-sensitive position subject to fingerprinting and a criminal/character background investigation.
• Authorized to provide services to non-Indians living within or near the Alamo Navajo community on a fee-for-service or third-party payment basis, provided it does not interfere with primary responsibilities.
• Deemed an employee of the Federal government for Federal Tort Claims Act coverage while performing work under the Board’s Indian Self-Determination Agreement.
• Alamo Navajo Health Center documents and content, including patient information, are privileged and confidential; dissemination or duplication is strictly prohibited.