Chemical Dependency Counselor (RCCF)

South Dakota State Government; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 32,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring incentive

Full state benefits

SDRS retirement

Job summary

The South Dakota Department of Corrections - Behavioral Health is hiring for a full-time position in Rapid City, SD (RCCF). The role provides substance use disorder services to offenders, including evaluations and clinical interventions in a therapeutic community setting.

The position includes an additional 10% premium and a $5,000 hiring incentive, with full state benefits and SDRS retirement. Applicants must meet education requirements and be able to document clinical care for offenders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in alcohol and drug abuse studies, counseling, psychology or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serves as consultant for unit staff regarding assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
• Monitors offender treatment and documentation to assure compliance with standards and to assure continuity of care.
• Assures accurate Information System behavioral health needs levels, and provides group, brief, and individual treatment.
• Provides clinical direction to non-clinical staff in behavioral health care and treatment of offenders.
• Assures continuity of care for offenders by making appropriate referral and providing necessary information and documentation for receiving units, facilities, or agencies.

Job description

Job ID: 38400
Agency: Department of Corrections - Behavioral Health
Location: Rapid City, SD (RCCF)
Salary: $23.56 to $32.00 per hour, depending on experience (+10%premium pay, see details below)
Pay Grade: H
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

This is a Full-Time 40 Hour Weekly position with the Department of Corrections New Rapid City Women's Prison Facility. For more information on the Department of Corrections, please visit https://doc.sd.gov/.

The South Dakota Department of Corrections is hiring! Join the DOC - view DOC Recruitment video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI3Hwg99jTg&t=9s.

*** This position is eligible for a $5,000 hiring incentive ****

*** Full state benefits and SDRS retirement ***

*** Current and Previous State Employees do NOT qualify for the Hiring Incentive ***

This position provides substance use disorder services to the offender population, to include formal and informal behavioral health evaluations, diagnostic assessments, and clinical interventions.

This position would primarily work within a specialized housing unit, offering group and individual sessions for offenders who live in a therapeutic community setting.

This position includes an additional 10% premium for specialized therapeutic community responsibilities. The premium is tied to the unique requirements of this position in relation to the therapeutic community and will not be applied to any other role should the employee transition to different duties or a different role within the department.

Why the Department of Corrections?

• Creativity - We are always looking for innovative ideas to help us achieve improved outcomes.
• Making a difference - You will have an opportunity to make a difference in the life of fellow South Dakotans.
• Professional development - We provide valuable trainings to ensure well-trained staff that are competent, accountable, and empowered and will assist you in reaching your career goals.
• Teamwork - In a team-oriented approach, you will have the ability to work cooperatively with others in a friendly work environment to achieve shared goals.

Who We Want:

• a highly motivated and experienced person with a passion for serving the public and displays a high level of effort and commitment towards completing assignments and goals;
• a compassionate individual who listens attentively to others and clearly conveys information and ideas;
• a dependable and organized individual who effectively plans and organizes work activities;
• a person who is dedicated and who will represent the DOC with integrity and enthusiasm;
• an individual who works cooperatively with others and promotes a friendly work climate in order to achieve shared goals.

What you will do:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• serves as consultant for unit staff regarding assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning;
• monitors offender treatment and documentation to assure compliance with standards and to assure continuity of care;
• assures accurate Information System behavioral health needs levels, and provides group, brief, and individual treatment;
• provides clinical direction to non-clinical staff in behavioral health care and treatment of offenders;
• assures continuity of care for offenders by making appropriate referral and providing necessary information and documentation for receiving units, facilities, or agencies;
• documents electronically in an accurate and timely manner to provide comprehensive offender behavioral health records;
• listens to offender concerns and provides counseling and direction;
• communicates to advise, counsel, inform and/or guide staff within the clinical unit, the facility, clinical and administrative supervisors and outside agencies to ensure continuity and direction of behavioral health care;
• communicates and responds to complaints, problems, transfers, classifications, and offender behavioral management issues;
• responsible for maintaining standards of the program or work unit through compliance with all applicable professional, departmental, organizational and unit standards;
• promotes and is accountable for the safety and security of the clinical and correctional environment through conscientious observations, and sensitive item contraband control.

Qualifications:

A bachelor's degree in alcohol and drug abuse studies, counseling, psychology or related field is preferred.

Substitutions:

• A Master's or Doctorate Degree from an accredited institution in a behavioral health science or closely related field will substitute for the bachelor's degree and/or required experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Experience providing addiction treatment will substitute for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Required Competencies:

• ability to provide direct behavioral health care to offenders;
• ability to provide comprehensive clinical documentation;
• ability to work independently;
• excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across facility programs and with external stakeholders;
• excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• must maintain certification/licensure as an addiction counselor;
• ability to work with a diverse population of offenders;
• strong organizing, planning and prioritizing skills;
• keen ability to multi-task and demonstrate flexibility;
• ability to provide addiction counseling as part of a multi-disciplinary team;
• ability to be creative when implementing therapeutic interventions;
• ability to read and comprehend the English language;
• ability to effectively communicate fluently in English both verbally and in writing;
• ability to create accessible documents and technical content that follows plain language guidelines with accessibility in mind.

Preferred Qualifications:

• State Service experience providing addiction treatment to an incarcerated population;
• experience providing addiction treatment to a diverse population;
• experience working with highly resistive clients;
• experience providing addiction counseling in an inpatient and outpatient setting.

Conditions of Employment:

The SD DOC is committed to a work environment free from illegal drugs and alcohol. All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation, urine drug screen and the candidate's ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Individuals selected for the position will have the opportunity to carry Oleoresin Capsicum (OC/pepper spray) if desired. If OC spray is carried, the staff carrying OC spay will be required to have direct (level 1) exposure during the training program. Individuals selected for the position must successfully complete a written and practical self-defense exam and successfully complete CPR to AHA guidelines - this includes successful completion of the practical/hands on portion as well as the written exam. Selected individuals must possess the physical ability to successfully complete the practical self-defense exam, which involves the following:

• lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist;
• stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled take down;
• use arms, palms of hands, shins, and feet to deliver blows;
• withstand impact (slow speed or with a safety bag) on own body from strikes/blows;
• rotate body 90 degrees with feet planted for striking with foot or using a defensive tactic;
• get down on one or both knees and up again with multiple repetitions;

Additionally, TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire.

Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment. Successful applicant(s) will undergo an abuse and neglect screening. Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of a drug screening.

NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

'An Equal Opportunity Employer'