Addiction Counselor Aide (ACA)

Mille Lacs Band; Minnesota; On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Mille Lacs Band is hiring an Addiction Counselor Aide to assist licensed counselors in treating clients with substance use disorders. The role involves interviewing, group support, observing behavior, and documenting progress as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Requirements include a high school diploma (associate degree preferred), strong interpersonal skills, and confidentiality. Some training in crisis intervention is expected, with travel limited and on-site duties at HHS – Four Winds Lodge.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required; associate degree preferred.
• Experience in mental health, substance abuse recovery, or human services preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills, confidentiality, and ability to work in a team are essential.
• Experience with crisis intervention and de-escalation preferred; willing to train if needed.
• Knowledge of disease concept and addiction; respect for Mille Lacs Band culture.
• Familiarity with HIPAA and confidentiality; ability to communicate and write effectively.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation; willingness for background checks.

Responsibilities

• Gather initial substance use history and monitor patients daily.
• Assist educational and therapeutic groups and support sessions.
• Provide safety monitoring and immediate support for distressed clients.
• Document progress and communicate with the treatment team.
• Assist with client intake and contribute to treatment plan development.
• Support crisis intervention and coping skill development.
• Maintain client confidentiality and ethical standards.
• Coordinate transportation when needed and conduct UA testing as required.
• Participate in trainings to pass medications when assigned.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Empathy

Communication

Confidentiality

HIPAA awareness

Teamwork

Crisis intervention awareness

Cultural sensitivity

Basic computer skills

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in mental health or social work (preferred)

Tools

Windows

Word

Job description

JOB TYPE: Full Time
LOCATION: HHS – Four Winds Lodge
REPORTS TO: Clinical Supervisor of Respective Site
SALARY RANGE: $20.00-$30.00

Any individual who receives an offer of employment or will receive a payroll check are required to submit to a drug and alcohol test as a condition of obtaining employment.
Mille Lacs Band Member/American Indian preference applies

SUMMARY:

The addiction counselor aid supports licensed drug and alcohol counselors in the treatment of clients with substance abuse diagnosis. As a member of a multi-disciplinary team, them conduct interviews, assist in therapy groups, observe client behavior, and document progress.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School diploma or equivalent required. Associate degree in a mental health or social work tract preferred.
• Previous experience in mental health, substance abuse recovery, or human services is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, understanding of professional boundaries, confidentiality, and ability to work in a team required.
• Experience with crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques, must be willing to complete training if there is not experience in this area.
• Considerable knowledge of the concept of disease and addiction.
• Familiarity with the philosophy the Red Road and White Bisson.
• Understanding and commitment to cultural programming in substance recovery.
• Familiarity with and sensitivity to culture and traditions of the Mille Lacs Band.
• Ability to maintain highest level of confidentiality; familiarity with HIPAA and CR 42.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others.
• Ability to write effectively.
• Basic computer skills, including Windows and Word.
• If in recovery, two years and two letters of support are required.
• To complete all tasks and jobs as assigned.
• Must have current driver’s license, reliable personal transportation, proof of current insurance coverage, and insurability under the Band’s auto insurance policy.
• Must pass a state background check.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Gather initial substance use history, monitoring patients, and helping with daily activities.
• Assist and provide support for educational and therapeutic groups.
• Provide immediate support and safety monitoring for clients in distress
• Document client progress and communicate effectively with other members of the treatment team
• Assist with client intake and provide feedback in the development of individualized treatment plans
• Assist with crisis intervention and support clients in developing coping skills
• Maintain client confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and growth
• programs.
• Transport clients when transport staff are not available.
• Conduct chemical dependency program orientation sessions.
• Confer with program staff to keep them informed of treatment planning and progress towards recovery.
• Conduct Urine Analysis (UA) as needed.
• Complete training to pass medications, and when assigned will pass medications.
• Provide written and verbal communication to program staff.
• Maintain client confidentiality of program records.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Nature of work is such that incumbent experiences infrequent periods of moderate to high stress levels while dealing with clients, family members, and staff.
• Work is almost exclusively indoors.
• Little threat of personal danger or risk, although working with certain patients may subject incumbent to periods of moderate to high stress levels.
• The facility is open 24 hours day, seven days a week. Employees must be willing to work shifts needed for program coverage. Extra hours and weekend work may also be required. May also require occasional "on call' availability to cover emergency situations.
• Requires working with a diverse client population.
• Local travel is required, travel outside the state is very limited.