Counselor I - MRES/WRES

The Salvation Army USA Western Territory; Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army USA Western Territory is seeking a full-time Counselor I at the Clitheroe Center in Anchorage, Alaska. This role requires overseeing treatment processes for clients struggling with substance abuse.

Ideal candidates will have experience in direct service delivery, possess a relevant degree or certifications, and demonstrate strong interpersonal skills. The position offers opportunities for growth within an organization dedicated to supporting individuals in recovery.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of experience in direct service delivery in substance abuse treatment.
• Must obtain Alaska State CDCI Certification within one year from hire.
• Must obtain Alaska State CDCII Certification within three years from hire.

Responsibilities

• Conduct individual and group counseling sessions for clients.
• Develop and update individual treatment plans.
• Provide crisis intervention services.

Skills

Knowledge of cross-cultural issues and experience working with a diverse population

Excellent verbal and written interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to facilitate group, individual, and family counseling

Computer literate

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services

Alaska Certification CDC I or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Intergy EHR

Job description

Position Overview

The Salvation Army is a branch of the Christian Church and the ultimate goal of all programs is spiritual regeneration of all people.

Corps/Department: Salvation Army Clitheroe Center
Reports To: Residential Clinical Manager
FLSA Status: Full Time/40 hours per week; Non-Exempt

Education and Work Experience

• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Human Services.
• Alaska Certification CDC I, or five years’ experience in substance abuse or related field, or an AA degree and two years’ experience may substitute for a bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of two years of experience in direct service delivery in substance abuse treatment is preferred.
• Must obtain Alaska State CDCI Certification within one year from hire.
• Must obtain Alaska State CDCII Certification within three years from hire; failure to do so may be grounds for termination.

Scope of Position / Essential Functions

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Clinical Manager and direct supervision of the Residential Clinical Manager, Counselor I supports substance‑abusing and chemically dependent clients, their families, and significant others in developing skills for clean, sober, emotionally stable lifestyles, overseeing the treatment process from admission to discharge.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Knowledge of cross‑cultural issues and experience working with a diverse population.
• Knowledge of peer support mentorship, advocacy, and recovery support.
• Understanding of trauma‑informed care.
• Acceptable criminal history; able to pass an Alaska state background check.
• Alaska driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
• Ability to maintain a collaborative work environment and work with minimal supervision.
• Excellent verbal and written interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to facilitate group, individual, and family counseling; lead life‑skills and didactic presentations; conduct case management, treatment planning, discharge planning, crisis intervention, and client assessment and evaluation.
• Computer literate and willing to learn the Salvation Army’s electronic health records system Intergy EHR.
• Ability to complete multiple tasks, meet deadlines, observe confidentiality, remain self‑motivated, and work with minimal supervision.

Essential Functions

• Conduct individual and group counseling sessions for clients.
• Provide crisis intervention services to clients.
• Develop and update individual treatment plans, documenting specific problem areas, strengths, goals, objectives/tasks, case reviews, aftercare plans, and discharge summaries; ensure clients are scheduled for didactic, process, and individual sessions.
• Prepare and deliver didactic sessions on various topics according to the client’s treatment schedule.
• Monitor client activities and progress and provide high‑quality client care.
• Participate in case consultations, treatment team meetings, and unit staff meetings; initiate consultations as needed with management staff; document all pertinent interactions in the client’s chart; coordinate with Probation Officers, Social Workers, and other agencies and professionals; maintain a client census to track caseload.
• Adhere to federal confidentiality regulations governing drug and alcohol treatment agencies (42 CFR part 2 and 45 CFR parts 160 & 162 HIPAA); maintain treatment files according to established procedures; ensure all client data is accurate and current; ensure clients remain compliant with treatment services.
• Learn and use the Intergy electronic health records system for client information and charting.
• Participate in continuing education and training programs as established by the Salvation Army Clitheroe Center.
• Attend staff meetings and complete required trainings.
• Proficient in using a computer, printer, fax machine, and telephone.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Shift Assignment and Work Location

The Clitheroe Residential programs are 24/7 facilities located at two separate campuses. While Clitheroe will try to accommodate staff requests for specific locations or shift assignments, the location and shifts may change due to program needs in order to maintain a safe, secure, and therapeutic environment for staff and clients. If a shift or location change must occur the staff will be informed by their supervisor within 72 hours of the needed change.

Software‑Related Skills

Microsoft Office Suite required; Intergy; working knowledge of integrated database applications and ability to use new software programs with basic training.

Work Environment

The work environment is located in a residential treatment setting. Noise level is moderate.

Language Skills

Must be able to understand, follow, and give both written and oral instructions. The employee must be able to use speech and hearing for ordinary and telephone conversation.

Mathematical Skills

Must be able to perform simple calculations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) and apply concepts such as ratios and percentages in practical situations.

Performance Skills

Must be creative, self‑motivated, organized, flexible, and possess leadership skills.

Sacred Boundaries and Protect the Mission

Must complete the online course for this area and pass the background check required by The Salvation Army for employment.

Physical Requirements

Ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel and twist on an intermittent or continuous basis; ability to grasp, push, pull, and reach overhead; ability to operate a telephone; ability to lift up to 25 pounds; ability to access and produce information from a computer; ability to understand written information; ability to operate a motor vehicle in darkness and during periods of inclement weather. Qualified individuals with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed is reasonable and no undue hardship would result.

Acknowledgement of Religious Purposes of The Salvation Army

The employee acknowledges that he/she has been informed and understands The Salvation Army’s religious purpose and status as a church. The employee agrees that he/she shall do nothing to his/her relationship with The Salvation Army as an employee to undermine its religious mission. The employee agrees and understands that his/her services are a necessary part of the Army’s religious purposes and his/her work‑related conduct must not conflict with, interfere with, or undermine such religious programs or the Army’s religious purposes.

This position description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this position. The incumbent may be requested to perform job‑related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this position statement.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.