Chemical Dependency Counselor

Lutheran Community Services Northwest; Beaverton (OR); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Lutheran Community Services NW is seeking a Chemical Dependency Counselor to support diverse communities across WA, OR, and ID. You will deliver low-barrier substance use disorder services within a multidisciplinary team, focusing on refugee and marginalized groups while navigating cultural and linguistic barriers.

Responsibilities include screenings, assessments, treatment planning, and coordination with internal and external partners.

Qualifications

• Must have CADC I/II or NCAC I/II certification.
• Excellent communication in reading, writing, and speaking English.
• Differential pay for proficiency in another language.
• Criminal clearance and driving record as required.
• Maintain licensure and certifications in accordance with ethics and standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide substance use disorder treatment services to diverse populations.
• Conduct screenings and assessments per ASAM and DSM-5TR guidelines.
• Develop individualized, goal-oriented treatment plans and facilitate therapy.
• Complete timely clinical documentation to reflect client progress and compliance.
• Collaborate with a diverse team upholding HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 guidelines.
• Maintain an effective caseload and meet utilization goals.

Skills

Communication skills

English proficiency

Bilingual (non-English)

Education

CADC I/II certification

NCAC I/II equivalency

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Lutheran Community Services NW is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving communities throughout Washington, Oregon, and Idaho with a wide range of services for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. All LCSNW team members will contribute to our mission of partnering with individuals, families and communities for health, justice and hope.

WHAT WE WILL DO FOR YOU:

As an employer of choice, we’re deeply committed to supporting our employees, because when you’re empowered, our mission thrives. We provide resources, tools, and care that allow you to focus on what matters most: delivering Health, Justice, and Hope to the communities we serve. We’re proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and peace of mind

• A 37.5 per hour work week to ensure work/life balance
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription benefits to keep you and your loved ones healthy
• Employer-paid short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance coverage at no cost to you
• Up to 2 weeks of vacation in your first year (based on hours worked)
• Up to 2 weeks of sick leave (based on hours worked)
• 12 paid agency recognized holidays
• 2 floating holidays to use your way
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching (eligibility applies)
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family
• Potential eligibility for Student Loan Forgiveness through our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT:

All LCSNW team members will contribute to our mission of partnering with individuals, families and communities for health,justiceand hope. The Chemical Dependency Counselor functions as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide low-barrier, culturally sensitive substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services to individuals. Services are often directed to support specific populations such as refugee, immigrant, BIPOC and other traditionally marginalized communities in the Washington and Multnomah County area and focuses on supporting clients to overcome cultural, linguistic, socioeconomic, and societal barriers in order to gain access to needed behavioral health services with particular focus on substance use disorder/addictions, education and prevention.

• Focus on evidence-based service delivery, while remaining trauma-informed and working through a culturally responsive lens.
• Direct services include screenings and/or assessments in accordance with ASAM and DSM-5TR guidelines to achieve or rule out a substance use diagnosis and inform on treatment plans.
• Formulate individualized, goal focused, and collaborative treatment plans for individuals enrolled in services. Facilitate group therapy, individual counseling, case management and referrals as needed.
• Complete clinical documentation with a focus on timeliness and accurately to identify client progress, demonstrate the benefit of services to the individuals served and capture information according to internal policies, regulating agencies and payor’s standards.
• Work collaboratively and effectively as part of a diverse team to promote the shared values of Health, Justice and Hope, for the clients, their communities, and LCSNW.
• Work to support your clients in navigating a network of internal and external partners, including referral sources, criminal justice involved, DHS/child welfare, payors, and other community-based agencies while maintaining HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 guidelines.
• Maintain clinical certifications/licenses in accordance with ethical, professional, and educational standards. It is expected that the incumbent be proficient in applicable and updated/relevant counseling theories and modalities.
• Maintains an effective case load while meeting utilization goals.

HOW YOU WILL BE A GREAT FIT:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Certified Alcohol and Drug counselor CADC I or CADC II (or national equivalency NCAC I/II)
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to read, write, and speak in English.
• Differential pay offered for proficiency, and ability to provide services in a language other than English.
• Standard LCSNW criminal clearance, including national sex offender, ORCHARDS, SAM/OIG.
• Standard LCSNW criminal clearance, including national sex offender. Motor vehicle records, valid driver’slicenseand auto insurance arerequired.

Thank you! We sincerely appreciate your interest in joining the Lutheran Community Services NW team and thank all applicants for taking the time to apply. While we’re unable to respond to every candidate individually, please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Lutheran Community Services NW is deeply committed to our mission of Health, Justice and Hope in all aspects of our work. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and experiences to help us build a stronger, more compassionate community.