Licensed Addiction Counselor

JOB SUMMARY: The Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) provides counseling and support to individuals and families experiencing addictions. This may include confidential individual, family, or group counseling about the causes and effects of addictions, support for families dealing with addictions and/or referrals to treatment for individuals requesting this opportunity.

The LAC works within an integrated primary care setting that is team-oriented. The LAC is familiar with evidence-based practices and receives continuing education to stay knowledgeable about advancements. The LAC is in support of, and familiar with, harm reduction strategies. The LAC is familiar with and supports Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) and will be part of the MAT team. The LAC will also provide education to individuals and groups in the community with a focus on high risk populations. The LAC will be familiar with other services and resources in the community and work closely to provide information and support when required. The LAC reports directly to the Behavioral Health Director.

ORGANIZATIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Privacy & confidentiality: Maintain strict adherence to privacy and confidentiality protocols, ensuring the protection of both patient and employee information in accordance with Spectra Health's policies.
• Champion organizational values: Promote and embody Spectra Health's core values of Compassion, Trust, Respect, Equity, and Inclusivity in all interactions and decision-making processes.
• Culture of safety: Foster a culture of safety; proactively addressing hazards, incidents, and security concerns while contributing to a positive and safe work environment for employees and patients.
• Teamwork & collaboration: Approach teamwork with a positive and collaborative mindset, building strong relationships across departments and sharing knowledge and experiences to enhance overall organizational effectiveness.
• Be part of the solution: Actively support organizational change, offering solutions, participating in leadership initiatives, and championing efforts that align with Spectra Health's evolving mission and goals.
• Patient-centered decision making: Prioritize the best interests of Spectra Health's patients, ensuring quality care and positive outcomes.
• Training & meetings: Complete mandatory training requirements and attend at least 80% of departmental meetings to stay informed and aligned with organizational goals and policies.
• Policy adherence & compliance champion: Strictly adhere to all Spectra Health policies and procedures, and act as a departmental advocate for Spectra Health's Compliance Program activities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Assessment includes evaluation in these areas:
  1. Chemical Use/Relapse Prevention,
  2. Education/Vocation,

• Mental/Emotional Health,

1. Physical Health, Recreation,
2. Family/Support Systems and Legal.

**The assessment process is a joint effort between patient and counselor.

• Formulate Individual Treatment Plan for the treatment and rehabilitation of the patient within 5 working days.
• Meet with patients, review records, and confer with other staff members.
• Continually evaluate condition of the patient and make recommendations for treatment modifications.
• Modify treatment plans to comply with changes in patient status.
• Facilitate individual, group, and family counseling.
• Complete discharge summary for assigned patients within 5 days of discharge.
• Plan or implement follow-up or aftercare programs for patients to be discharged from treatment programs.
• Present educational lectures as assigned.
• Recommends to Behavioral Health Director functions necessary to ensure overall operational viability.
• Attend training sessions to increase knowledge and skills.
• Attends Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT) Team meetings and collaborates with the development of the treatment plan.
• Other duties assigned by the Behavioral Health Director.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Licensure with North Dakota Board of Addiction Counseling Examiners
• Bachelor's Degree in a related field
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications: Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint
• Knowledge of community resources
• Experience providing crisis intervention
• Experience with providing care in a primary care setting
• Ability to adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines
• CPR/BLS certification is required or must be obtained within six (6) weeks of employment.

Preferred:

• Master's Degree in a related field
• Experience with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
• One to two year's clinical experience, preferably in a clinic setting, managed care, community health, or related field
• Experience with program development

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The Licensed Addiction Counselor is primarily a desk job that requires the ability to sit for long periods of time (up to 8 hours) at a desk or workstation. Periodically, the position requires lifting or carrying items that would be appropriate in an office environment, not more than 20lbs.

REMOTE WORK: The Licensed Addiction Counselor position is not eligible for full-time or hybrid remote work. For more information about remote work, please see HR Policy 1.28 - Remote Work.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

**Spectra Health provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, sexual orientation or gender identity