SUBSTITUTE - Counselor II

North Slope Borough; Utqiaġvik (AK); On-site; USD 34,000 - 44,000; Part time

Job summary

North Slope Borough seeks a Counselor II Substitute to deliver paraprofessional behavioral health counseling on an as-needed basis. The role covers clients within policy, maintaining confidentiality and records.

You will manage caseloads, provide individual and group therapy, assess needs, and connect clients to community resources while collaborating with supervisors to ensure continuity of care. Travel to villages is required, with flexible hours.

Qualifications

• Associates degree in social or human services or equivalent.
• Two years of counseling experience.
• Must be 21 years or older.
• Pass criminal history background check.
• Lift 35–50 pounds regularly.

Responsibilities

• Provide paraprofessional care and counseling to clients.
• Carry a caseload of individual clients and groups.
• Provide case management services to behavioral health clients and families.
• Provide personal and group therapy and act as advocate.
• Teach socialization and coping skills and advise on resources.
• Monitor and de-escalate client behavior and follow safety protocols.
• Maintain client records and document activities.
• Travel to villages within North Slope Borough.
• May work non-traditional hours including evenings and weekends.
• Maintain facility cleanliness and perform housekeeping.

Skills

Policies & procedures

Community resources

Counseling techniques

Patient care

Assessment skills

Education

Associates Degree in Social or Human Services

Job description

Summary or Purpose

Provide a variety of intermediate level behavioral healthcare counseling services within scope of authority and according to Borough policies and procedures. Substitute employees will work on an as‑needed basis.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Provide paraprofessional care and counseling services to residential and non-residential clients within scope of authority; supervises behavior and activities of clients; maintains strict confidentiality in all client matters.
• Carry a caseload of individual clients and client groups who require intervention, counseling and guidance.
• Provide case management services to Behavioral Health clients, families and significant others.
• Provide personal and group therapy and counseling; acts as an advocate for individual clients.
• Teaches socialization and coping skills; advises clients of community resources.
• Monitor clients, de‑escalates client behavior, follows established safety protocols, initiates intervention services as needed, and calls for assistance as required.
• Confers and consults with supervisors as needed; collaborates with other professionals to provide and advocate for continued care outside the limitations of the program.
• Maintain professional composure and effectiveness.
• Updates and maintains a variety of client records; documents activities as required.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and orderly facility in accordance with Department and OSHA regulations; performs housekeeping functions as directed, including meal preparation, cleaning and laundry.
• In the event of an emergency, will follow responsibilities as outlined in the North Slope Borough and program policies and procedures and the CEMP manual.
• Respect clients by recognizing their rights and maintaining confidentiality, including HIPAA requirements.
• Protect self, co-workers and consumers by following policies and procedures to prevent the spread of blood borne and/or airborne diseases.
• Travel to the villages within the North Slope Borough.
• May be required to work a non‑traditional work schedule to include evening, holidays and weekends and may be subject to 24 hour on‑call status.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of Department and Borough policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of local community resources and various community services programs.
• Knowledge of counseling and case management techniques and procedures.
• Skill in providing effective patient care services.
• Skill in assessing Behavioral health problems, and making recommendations based on observations and interviews.

Education, Experience, Certifications And Licenses Required

• Associates Degree in Social or Human Services from an accredited institution; and
• Two years of counseling experience;
• OR equivalent combination of education and work experience;
• Must be 21 years of age or older;
• Applicant must pass a criminal history background check conducted by the State of Alaska Background Check Unit,
• One-year separation from receiving services for substance abuse or domestic violence;
• Documentation that the individual is free from active pulmonary tuberculosis;
• Ability to obtain a valid Alaska driver's license that meets North Slope Borough insurance criteria within 6 months;
• CPR and First Aid Certification (AWIC & CYS);
• Ability to obtain CPR and First Aid Certification within 30 days of hire (Gathering Place, ITTC & IBHS)
• Have the ability to lift 35 to 50 pounds regularly.

Note: Counselor II Substitute – work on an as‑needed basis as nonpermanent employees for the Borough and therefore have no assurance of continued employment, nor are substitute employees guaranteed future scheduling based upon satisfactory performance. The Borough may release substitute employees without cause, effective upon oral notice by the supervisor.

Substitute employees must maintain all required licensure and certification requirements.

THE NORTH SLOPE BOROUGH IS AN ALCOHOL AND DRUG FREE WORKPLACE.

This Job Description reflects North Slope Borough's best effort to describe the essential functions and qualifications of the job described. It is not an exhaustive statement of all the duties, responsibilities or qualifications of the job. This document is not intended to exclude an opportunity for modifications consistent with providing reasonable accommodation. This is not intended to be a contract.