Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Counselor

State of Alaska; Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 32,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Alaska, Department of Corrections, Division of Health and Rehabilitation Services, is recruiting for a Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Counselor located at the Anchorage Correctional Complex (ACC) in Anchorage, Alaska.

The counselor will conduct substance use disorder screenings, perform ASAM assessments, and develop group programming to support mental health and recovery for male inmates, working with correctional officers and health staff in a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a behavioral health related field is required.
• Chemical Dependency Counselor I certification from the Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification is required.

Responsibilities

• Providing substance use disorder screenings on inmates, including chart review and reporting findings to program staff.
• Performing ASAM assessments on designated inmates with substance use disorders and mental health problems, including collateral information.
• Developing and facilitating group programming to strengthen mental health and recovery, e.g., Step Work, Healing Circles, Motivational Interviewing, Relapse Prevention, and related activities.

Skills

Therapy and Counseling

Psychology

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in behavioral health related field

Chemical Dependency Counselor I certification

Job description

The Department of Corrections, Division of Health and Rehabilitation Services, is recruiting for a Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Counselor located at the Anchorage Correctional Complex (ACC) in Anchorage, Alaska.

• Providing substance use disorder screenings on inmates that will include a thorough chart review, administering a brief questionnaire, reporting findings to program staff and consulting with the treatment team regarding the need for an assessment and referral for treatment.
• Performing ASAM assessments on designated inmates with substance use disorders and mental health problems, which includes obtaining collateral information (pre-sentence reports, disciplinary actions, criminal history, mental health records, substance abuse treatment records, etc.) and use of the SBIRT model to better determine inmate needs.
• Develop and facilitate group programming aimed at strengthening an individual´s mental health and substance use recovery needs, which may include: Step Work, Healing Circles, Motivational Interviewing, Relapse Prevention, Pharmacology, Co-Occurring Disorder Symptom Management, and relevant cross-cultural activities.

Our Mission, Values, and Culture:

The HARS Mission Statement: To provide timely access to essential care through an evidence-based multidisciplinary approach. We are committed to a culture of professionalism, quality and safety.

We seek applicants who are interested in furthering the HARS Mission and who will strive to uphold the Division's Core Values of Respect, Integrity, Compassion, Teamwork, Safety and Growth.

Benefits of Joining Our Team:

Working for the Department of Corrections offers the unique opportunity to make a profound impact on a vulnerable population, supporting rehabilitation and contributing to public safety. The role provides a deeply meaningful way to serve one’s community by promoting mental wellness and reducing recidivism. Being part of our collaborative multidisciplinary team allows for shared knowledge and diverse perspectives, which support professional growth and improve patient outcomes.

The Working Environment You Can Expect:

This position is located at the Anchorage Correctional Center, a secure facility for male inmates. This position works closely with correctional officers, mental health clinicians and medical staff.

Who We Are Looking For:

We are interested in candidates who possess some or all of the following position specific competencies:

• Therapy and Counseling: Knowledge of diagnosis and treatment of physical and mental ailments, and career guidance.
• Psychology: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of human behavior and performance in various contexts, mental processes, or the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
• Interpersonal Skills: Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor's degree from an accredited university in a behavioral health related field, such as sociology, psychology, addiction, counseling, psychiatric nursing, human services, or social work.
AND
Chemical Dependency Counselor I certification from the Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification.
Special Note:
An individual without an Alaska certification, who otherwise meets the eligibility requirements for certification as a Chemical Dependency Counselor in the State of Alaska may apply for the vacancy. An applicant qualifying under this option may receive a job offer conditional upon completion of the certification requirement. Proof of certification will be required prior to reporting for duty.

Additional Required Information

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

If selected for an interview, the applicant must provide the following:

• Current Chemical Dependency Counselor certification from the Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification. An applicant without an Alaska certification, who otherwise meets eligibility for certification may receive a job offer conditional upon completion of certification requirement.
• Official or unofficial transcripts of bachelor's degree in a behavioral health related field.

RECRUITMENT DIFFICULTIES

Starting salary may be approved up to Step D - $2,850.00, if criteria are met.

LEGAL EMPLOYMENT

The State’s online recruitment system, Workplace Alaska, requires applicants to certify that they have a legal right to accept employment in the United States. It is the responsibility of the employee to maintain the appropriate documentation to accept or continue legal employment. The State of Alaska does not function in the role as an employer sponsor.

EDUCATION

If post-secondary education is required to meet the minimum qualifications, you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials if used to meet the minimum qualifications for a position. Transcripts can be attached at the time of application or provided at the time of interview.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the minimum qualifications listed above. If utilizing this education, you must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. post‑secondary institution reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the post‑secondary institution. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

WORK EXPERIENCE

If using work experience not already documented in your application, also provide the employer name, your job title, dates of employment, and whether full-or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine if the responses are supported and minimum qualifications are clearly met. If they are not, the applicant may not advance to the interview and selection phase of the recruitment.

PREA NOTIFICATION

The Department of Corrections follows and maintains federal and state requirements standards including, but not limited to, Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) standards which apply to all public and private institutions that house adult or juvenile offenders. PREA standards preclude the department from hiring or promoting anyone who has engaged in, or been convicted of any conduct which would violate PREA standards related to sexual assault including:

• Sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility, or other institution.
• Convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse; or
• Has been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described above.

CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECKS/APSIN/ACOMS

Please be aware – this position requires the use of the Alaska Public Safety Information Network (APSIN). A security clearance issued by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) is necessary to use APSIN. DPS will deny security clearance for any applicant who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor in this state or another jurisdiction, or who may be a fugitive from justice. Additionally, security clearance will be withdrawn if DPS discovers that material information was falsified or omitted at the time of the initial application for security clearance.

FINGERPRINT NOTICE

All Department of Corrections employees are required to be fingerprinted. The successful candidate must pass a criminal history check.

EEO STATEMENT

The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-0430 or 465-4095 in Juneau or [phone] (TTY) or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at: P.O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal‑opportunity employer.

WORKPLACE ALASKA APPLICATION QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE

Questions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-800-587-0430 (toll free) or [phone] if you are located in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed to [e-mail].

Phone [phone] (Statewide toll-free number)
[phone] (Juneau and out-of-state callers)