Substance Abuse Therapist

Southern Ute Indian Tribe; Ignacio (CO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Tribal Health Department seeks a licensed behavioral health professional to provide integrated mental health and substance use treatment within a culturally respectful framework.

Under the Lead Therapist, you will conduct assessments, deliver evidence-based therapies, maintain records, collaborate with primary care staff, and support clients and families. This grant-funded role emphasizes quality reporting and ongoing education.

Qualifications

• Must have MA/MS in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field.
• Must be a licensed Mental Health professional in any state and able to obtain Colorado licensure within 1 year.
• Must have 2 years of professional counseling experience, including mental health and substance use.
• Must have experience in crisis intervention.
• Must have knowledge of local behavioral health resources.
• Must be proficient with Word and Excel.
• Must have a valid driver's license and be insurable.
• Must not have open, ongoing, or pending court cases.
• Must pass background/fingerprint checks and a pre-employment drug test.

Responsibilities

• Provides direct behavioral health services following evidence-based, culturally responsive approaches.
• Collaborates with staff to coordinate care across levels and primary care integration.
• Maintains case notes, referrals, evaluations, and required forms for state, federal or tribal entities.
• Drafts professional documentation and correspondence with accuracy and clarity.
• Participates in quality programs and required reporting to tribal health leadership.
• Performs home visits as appropriate and engages in staff trainings.
• Ensures compliance with policies, ethics, and grant requirements.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Documentation

Client assessment

Education

MA/MS in Social Work or Counseling or Psychology

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY: Under general supervision of the Lead Therapist, provides behavioral health treatment, including mental health, substance abuse, and dual diagnosis in accordance with all applicable code, laws, policies, guidelines, and any grant requirements. This position is grant funded and continued employment is contingent upon the availability of grant funding.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides direct patient services utilizing eclectic, evidence-based and culturally responsive psychotherapeutic and psychoeducational approaches.
• Works with other staff to facilitate smooth transitions to and from different levels of care.
• Works with the Clinic’s provider staff to coordinate the integration of behavioral health services into the primary care setting and assists in the referral of patients to other appropriate behavioral health resources when needed.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with employees, other public agencies, Tribal programs and services, including Tribal Social Services and the Tribal court System.
• Prepares and maintains all case notes, referrals, consultations, evaluations and other State, Federal or Tribal forms as required.
• Drafts all documentation and correspondence in a detailed, accurate, organized, and professional manner.
• Prepares monthly, quarterly and/or annual reports as required by the Tribal Health Department and other associated entities.
• Participates in the Clinic’s quality program by providing appropriate data and participation in all quality programs and functions.
• Performs duties and responsibilities in a professional and ethical manner which does not negatively impact the program, the clients, or the credibility and effectiveness of the position.
• Conducts home visits as appropriate to provide follow-up and/or support for clients and their families.
• Attends staff meetings and training as requested or required. Pursues and completes continuing education necessary to maintain required certifications and maintain professional growth and relevance.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have a MA/MS in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field.
• Must be a licensed Mental Health professional in any state and able to obtain Colorado licensure within 1 year.
• Must have 2 years of professional counseling experience, including mental health and substance use.
• Must have experience effectively handling crisis intervention situations.
• Must have general knowledge of available resources and organizations affiliated with behavioral health services.
• Must have computer experience in software programs including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Must have a valid driver’s license for state of residency and be insurable under the Tribal Vehicle Insurance Policy.
• Must not have any open, on-going, or pending cases with any Court.
• Must pass a thorough criminal history background check and fingerprint check.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug test.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working with Native American Indian Tribes.