Licensed Addictions Counselor

Native American Development Corporation; Billings (MT); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Native American Development Corporation seeks a Licensed Addiction Counselor for outpatient services in Billings, MT. The role covers level I and II treatment, intake assessments, and collaboration with a medical team within an integrated care model.

The counselor will perform ASAM evaluations, use motivational interviewing, and maintain documentation in the EHR. A minimum of two years’ outpatient experience and MT licensure or candidacy are preferred.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with DSM-V/ASAM criteria and levels of care.
• Experience communicating with clients and families in outpatient settings.
• Background check and driver’s license required.
• Experience working within outpatient substance use treatment.
• Ability to coordinate care with medical professionals.

Responsibilities

• Conduct substance use assessments to inform treatment planning.
• Interview clients, document encounters, and coordinate with care teams.
• Provide ASAM evaluations and outpatient counseling (level I & II).
• Deliver individual and group counseling using motivational interviewing and stage-based approaches.
• Maintain treatment plans and document progress in the EHR.

Skills

DSM-V/ASAM knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Cross-cultural skills

Communication skills

Education

Associate degree in human services

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Montana LAC licensure or ACLC candidate

Job description

Job Summary:

As a Licensed Addiction Counselor, the position provides outpatient level I and II services. Responsible for managing assigned caseload in compliance within scope of licensing, and under the supervision of the Licensed Addiction Counselor Supervisor. Assess and treat individuals with substance abuse problems. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.

Essential Duties, Responsibilities and Expectations:

Intake/Assessment:

• Conducts substance use assessments within scope of practice/license to aid treatment planning, utilizing appropriate instruments.

• Interview clients, review records, document patient encounters in electronic health record (EHR) or confer with other professionals to evaluate the mental or physical condition of clients or patients.
• Collaborate with physicians or nurses to plan and/or coordinate treatment, drawing on substance use knowledge and experience.
• Works with the primary care medical team as part of the integrated care model to support substance use screenings such as SBIRT, AUDIT-C, or other substance use counseling brief interventions.

Counseling/Education:

• Maintains in-person and tele-health productivity with patients, providing ASAM evaluations, chemical dependency counseling.
• Provides effective and efficient substance use counseling services using best practice standards.
• Provides substance use treatment outpatient level I and II including outreach as clinically indicated.
• Uses motivational interviewing, stages of change theory, family and system focused interventions, stage-wide treatment strategies to intervene, and motivate patients.
• Provides individual (one-on-one) and group support, system navigation for patients and their families, provides resources, referrals, and requests for assistance.
• Counsel clients in individual or group sessions to assist them in dealing with substance use, homelessness, poverty, unemployment, or physical abuse.
• Monitor, evaluate, and record client progress regarding treatment goals.
• Provide psychoeducation materials to family members to assist in understanding, dealing with, or supporting the patient in treatment.
• Educate community partners about BUIHWC substance use program and availability of community resources.
• Assist clients in adhering to treatment plans, such as setting up appointments, arranging for transportation to appointments, or providing case management support.
• Plan or conduct programs to prevent substance abuse, combat social problems, and improve health outcomes for the Billings Urban Indian population.

Treatment Plans/Referrals:

• Make appropriate referrals to mental health providers for assessment and treatment when necessary.
• Refer patients to healthcare providers and other community resources as appropriate to help improve patient outcomes.
• Supports utilization management and review activities as part of improved patient care and quality assurance.
• Modify treatment plans according to changes in patient status.

Other:

• Keeps organized and detailed documentation such as treatment plans, intake assessments, and progress notes in EHR.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Experience/Education):

• Associate degree in human services or directly related field plus a minimum of two (2) years of experience working with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health - 5th Edition (DSM-V) and/or American Society of Addictive Medicine (ASAM) substance use disorders is required.
• Licensed with the state of Montana as Licensed Addiction Counselor or Addiction Counselor Licensure Candidate
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in psychology, social work, social services, or other clinical behavioral science preferred.
• Required minimum of one year's experience working in outpatient substance abuse setting.
• Will consider Addictions Counselor Licensed Candidate (ACLC) but prefer Licensed Addictions Counselor (LAC) for the position.
• Ability to pass a background and driver’s license check upon offer of employment.
• Montana Driver’s licensed with good driving record and proof of auto liability insurance if required.

Competencies or Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA’s):

• Comprehensive knowledge of DSM-V/ASAM patient placement criteria and levels of care.
• Comprehensive knowledge of addiction, theoretical models of therapeutic change processes, and best practice clinical practices.
• Increase substance abuse knowledge by reviewing current literature, conducting research, or attending seminars, training workshops, or classes.
• Thorough knowledge of legal and ethical performance standards and their application.
• Working knowledge of office practices and procedures, programs, and services.
• Skilled in interpersonal relationships and conflict management.
• Cross-cultural skills, experience with culturally diverse populations.
• Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication skills.
• Familiarity with recovery-based projects and services preferred.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:

In a typical work setting, substance use disorder counselors:

Interpersonal Relationships

• Have a high degree of social interactions, working with patients, families, and other professionals.
• Communicate by telephone, email, letters, in person, and using various communication channels.
• Experience with conflict situations with patients and their family members.
• Responsible for the health and safety of patients.
• Will be part of a substance abuse treatment team.

Physical Work Conditions

• Mainly indoor but may engage in outside activities when necessary.
• Work in close proximity to others.
• May need to lift up to 25 pounds on occasion.
• Incumbent must move, stand, bend, or kneel on an intermittent basis.
• Frequently sit, with continuous full use of hands, repetitive movement, keyboarding, and clear vision, as well as speak and hear normal conversation.
• Requires high attention to detail with frequent deadlines, and internal and external social interaction.
• Work hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8AM to 5PM, but may include early morning and/or evening meetings and events.

Work Performance

• Must be able to document well with less than 5% grammatical errors in all clinical documentation.
• Ability to problem solve and make independent decisions when necessary.
• Must be a team player and able to communicate with peers, staff, supervisor, clinic director, and community partners in a respectful manner.
• Experience de-escalating unpleasant, angry, or discourteous people.
• Ability to adhere to performance standards and departmental goals established by Behavioral Health Director.
• Will complete required clinical documentation on time with less than 5% error.
• Must adhere to HIPAA and all federal/state regulatory monitoring requirements to meet compliance standards.
• Must successfully adhere to annual performance standards to include productivity measures associated with the position.