SUBSTITUTE - Counselor III

Summary or Purpose

Provide a variety of behavioral health counseling services within scope of authority and according to Borough policies and procedures. Substitute employees work on an as-needed basis.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide counseling services to residential and non-residential clients within scope of authority; supervises behavior and activities of clients; assures accurate documentation of client services; maintains strict confidentiality in all client matters.
• Carry a caseload of individual clients and client groups who require intervention, testing, evaluation, counseling and guidance; screens and evaluates Behavioral Health clients and persons with substance abuse problems; interviews clients to collect personal history; observes clients' conditions and behavior; reports significant issues to supervisor.
• Plan and conduct community outreach programs, workshops and discussion groups to promote health education, risk reduction and healthy behavior; plans, organizes and participates in community events.
• Provide case management services to Behavioral Health clients, families and significant others.
• Provide personal and group therapy and counseling; acts as an advocate for individual clients.
• Teach socialization and coping skills; advises clients of community resources.
• Monitor clients, de-escalates client behavior, follows established safety protocols, initiates intervention services as needed, and calls for assistance as required.
• Confer and consult with supervisors as needed; collaborate with other professionals to provide and advocate for continued care outside the limitations of the program.
• Maintain professional composure and effectiveness.
• Update and maintain a variety of client records; documents activities as required.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and orderly facility in accordance with Department and OSHA regulations; performs housekeeping functions as directed, including meal preparation, cleaning and laundry.
• In the event of an emergency, will follow responsibilities as outlined in the North Slope Borough and program policies and procedures and the CEMP manual.
• Respect clients by recognizing their rights and maintaining confidentiality, including HIPAA requirements.
• Protect self, co-workers and consumers by following policies and procedures to prevent the spread of blood borne and/or airborne diseases.
• Travel to the villages within the North Slope Borough.
• May be required to work a non-traditional work schedule to include evening, holidays and weekends and may be subject to 24 hour on-call status.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

  Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Knowledge of Department and Borough policies and procedures.
  • Knowledge of local community resources and various community services programs.
  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of counseling and case management.
  • Skill in providing effective client care services.
  • Skill in assessing Behavioral health problems, and making recommendations based on observations and interviews.
  • Skill in presenting information to clients, families, and the public.

  Education, Experience, Certifications and Licenses Required

  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Counseling, or Education;
  • Four years of counseling experience;
  • OR an equivalent combination of education and experience;
  • Must be 21 years of age or older;
  • Applicant must pass a criminal history background check conducted by the State of Alaska Background Check Unit;
  • One-year separation from receiving services for substance abuse or domestic violence;
  • Documentation that the individual is free from active pulmonary tuberculosis;
  • Ability to obtain a valid Alaska driver's license that meets North Slope Borough insurance criteria within 6 months of hire;
  • CPR and First Aid Certification (CYS);
  • Ability to obtain CPR and First Aid Certification within 30 days of hire (Gathering Place, Matsutani Community Resource Center, Integrated Behavioral Health);
  • Have the ability to lift 35 to 50 pounds regularly.

  Not Applicable

  Qualifications

  • Yes, I understand and agree
  • Do you have a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Counseling, or Education? Please attach a copy of the required document to your application before submitting it online.
  • Which best describes your level of education?
  • How many years of counseling work experience do you have?
  • If you have at least four years of counseling experience, describe how you meet the qualification and list the position you held, company and dates of employment where you gained the experience.
  • Are you 21 years of age or older?
  • Are you able to lift 35 to 50 pounds regularly?
  • Do you possess a Valid Driver's License? Please attach a copy of the required document to your application before submitting it online.
  • Do you possess a valid CPR and First Aid card? Please attach a copy of the required document to your application before submitting it online.
  • To comply with the Borough's nepotism law (NSBMC Sec. 2.20.170 and 2.20.290), the North Slope Borough must collect the following information. Are you related by blood or marriage to the Department Director (Muriel Brower) or Immediate Supervisor (Katrina Watson) for this position?
  • If "Yes", please check boxes below that apply.
  • Do you currently live in the same residence as the Department Director (Muriel Brower) or Immediate Supervisor (Katrina Watson) of this position?
  • If you checked "Yes", please check the appropriate boxes below: I am currently living in the same residence as the:
  • Employer
  • North Slope Borough
  • P.O. Box 69, NSB HR
  • Barrow, Alaska, 99723-0069
  • Phone
  • 907-852-0364