Substance Use Disorder Professional

The Cowlitz Indian Tribe; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable organization seeks a Substance Use Disorder Services provider to join its integrated behavioral health team. This role emphasizes culturally responsive interventions within an inclusive environment, supporting clients through assessments, counseling, and treatment strategies. Ideal candidates will hold an associate's degree and have significant behavioral health experience to effectively support client recovery.

Qualifications

• Three years work experience in behavioral health services required.
• Experience with American Indian/Alaska Native communities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assess clients and determine intervention strategies.
• Conduct individual and group counseling sessions.
• Coordinate care with referral sources to enhance treatment outcomes.

Skills

Interviewing

Crisis intervention

Documentation in electronic health record

Culturally responsive care

Client evaluation

Education

Associate’s degree in psychology or social work

Bachelor's Degree preferred

Certified Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP)

Job description

Career Opportunities with The Cowlitz Indian Tribe

A great place to work.

Careers at The Cowlitz Indian Tribe

Current job opportunities are posted here as they become available.

CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled (First Review 7.29.2025)

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes a Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***

Position Summary:

Provides substance use disorder services that incorporate a variety of strengths-based, culturally responsive interventions as a member of an integrated behavioral health team. Adheres to HIPAA and confidentiality requirements. Honors and represents the mission, vision, and values of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe (CIT) and the Health and Human Services (HHS) department.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

• Assesses clients using a variety of instruments to determine the diagnosis, treatment motivation, relapse potential, physical health needs, mental health needs, environment, and vocational situation.
• Determines level of care and identifies potential intervention strategies that align with client needs and the individualized treatment plan.
• Conducts individual and group counseling sessions for clients and families utilizing a variety of techniques from a strengths-based perspective.
• Teaches coping skills and relapse prevention techniques.
• Adheres to guidelines and protocols established in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) and by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM).
• Works collaboratively with community service agencies and resources to ensure access to sobriety-supportive services and promote continuity of care.
• Coordinates individual client care with referral sources, family members, and involved organizations to enhance treatment outcomes and ensure integrated support.
• Participates in the development of integrated treatment plans to address the client’s recovery needs and coping strategies.
• Provides education and support to clients, family members, friends, and others involved in a person’s treatment and recovery.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of treatment programs; monitors client progress; remains aware of the signs of recidivism; conducts urinalysis as needed.
• Participates as a member of the clinical care team to staff cases and review progress, hurdles, feedback, and recommendations.
• Manages client caseload ethically and in accordance with established procedures.
• Supports an inclusive environment that offers culturally responsive care and interventions that focus on holistic healing.
• Completes all required documentation in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Prepares current patient progress reports and completion notices and provides them to the courts, probation departments, state service departments, and referral sources as appropriate.
• Participates in professional development and maintains required certification(s).
• Works collaboratively in a team environment to achieve shared goals.
• Participates in meetings as requested.
• Adapts to changes in safety protocols and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of traditional form of government and tribal customs and traditions.
• Knowledge of behavioral health client evaluation and plan of care procedures.
• Knowledge of client outreach services and activities.
• Knowledge and understanding of clinical counseling principles, and methodologies in substance use disorder treatment, and addiction recovery support.
• Knowledge and familiarity with substance use disorder diagnostic assessments and placement criteria.
• Skill in interviewing and psychological/developmental evaluation.
• Skill in completing documentation in an electronic health record system.
• Skill in de-escalation and crisis intervention.
• Ability to development, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of individualized service plans.
• Ability to conceptualize client and family experiences through a culturally and historically informed lens.
• Ability to apply evidence-based counseling methods and techniques.
• Ability to develop and present educational programs and workshops.
• Ability to build rapport quickly and effectively with clients and those involved in their care.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships and contribute to the creation of an inclusive environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in psychology, social work, or a closely related field required.
• Three years' work experience in behavioral health services, including counseling, case management, or social work, is required.
• Bachelor's Degree preferred.
• Certified Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) in Washington State is required.
• Experience working within American Indian and/or Alaska Native communities preferred.
• A valid driver’s license is required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening/investigation according to the established requirements below.

Tribal preference in accordance with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Reference checks, including education and employment verification.
• Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks, including fingerprint verification.
• Has not been found guilty of, charged with, received a deferred sentence, received a conditional discharge of, or entered a plea of not contest to, or entered a plea of guilty to any one felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, or sexual contact; prostitution; or crimes committed against person(s) or children.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and communicate effectively. The employee occasionally is required to move throughout the facility; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to lift to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and clarity of vision at long distance.

Work is generally performed in an office/clinical setting with a moderate noise level. Employees may be exposed to bodily fluids, blood-borne pathogens, and infectious diseases. Situations occur where PPE (personal protective equipment) is needed. Overnight travel and/or evening and/or weekend work may occasionally be required. Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common.