Counselor I - MRES/WRES

The Salvation Army Southern California; Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army Clitheroe Center in Alaska is seeking a Counselor I to support substance‑abusing clients under supervision. You will conduct individual and group counseling, develop treatment plans, provide crisis intervention, and coordinate with probation officers and social workers.

Qualifications include a bachelor's degree preferred (Alaska CDC I desirable) and experience in substance abuse treatment; ability to obtain CDCI and CDCII; strong communication and confidentiality skills; and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services preferred.
• Alaska Certification CDC I, or five years’ experience in the field, or an AA degree and two years’ experience.
• Minimum of two years of experience preferred in direct service delivery in the field of substance abuse treatment.
• Must be able to obtain Alaska State CDCI Certification within one year from date of hire; CDCII within three years.

Responsibilities

• Conduct individual and group counseling sessions for clients.
• Provide crisis intervention services to clients.
• Develop and update individual treatment plans and discharge summaries.
• Deliver didactic sessions and coordinate scheduling of sessions.
• Monitor client activities and progress; maintain chart documentation.
• Collaborate with Probation Officers, Social Workers, and other agencies; maintain census.
• Adhere to confidentiality regulations and manage electronic health records.
• Attend staff trainings and complete required certifications.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human services

Alaska Certification CDC I

five years’ experience in substance abuse or related field

AA degree with two years’ experience

Tools

Intergy EHR

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

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

Position Details

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

• Bachelor’s degree in human services preferred. Alaska Certification CDC I, or five years’ experience in the field of substance abuse or related field, or an AA degree and two years’ experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of two years of experience preferred in direct service delivery in the field of substance abuse treatment.
• Must be able to obtain Alaska State CDCI Certification within one year from the date of hire.
• Must be able to obtain Alaska State CDCII Certification within three years from the date of 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 to live a clean and sober, emotionally stable lifestyle by providing and comprehensively overseeing the treatment process for clients 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 records.
• Ability to maintain a collaborative and cooperative work environment and to work with minimal supervision.
• Excellent verbal and written interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to facilitate group, individual, and family counseling; life‑skills presentations, didactic presentations; 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 problem areas, strengths, goals, objectives/tasks, case reviews, after‑care 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 consultation 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 the organization will try to accommodate staff requests for specific locations or shift assignments, the location and shifts may change due to program needs to maintain a safe, secure, and therapeutic environment for staff and clients. If a shift or location change must occur, staff will be informed by their supervisor within 72 hours.

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 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 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.

Physical Requirements

Ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel and twist on 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 inclement weather. Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment to meet the physical requirements. The Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed is reasonable and no undue hardship results.

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 undermine its religious mission, that his/her services are a necessary part of the Army’s religious purposes, and that his/her work conduct must not conflict with, interfere with, or undermine such programs or purposes.

Other Comments

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 statement.