Youth Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Job Description

Responsibilities
Provide screening and assessment in the treatment of substance abuse disorders for youth. Evaluate and screen
clients in accordance with procedures and policy guidelines; verify personal information and records; determine
level of care, education and treatment. Make referrals as necessary.
• Provide individual, group and family therapy services as appropriate.
• Coordinate client placement into residential treatment and/or transitional housing as necessary.
• Performs joint case planning and coordination in substance abuse treatment and prevention issues with other
community agencies such as schools; group homes; community corrections and detention facilities; community
hospitals; and other Department of Human Services programs.
• Provide timely and accurate clinical documentation utilizing Agency clinical software system; this includes
treatment records, service plans, progress notes and other required documentation. Maintain the integrity of the
electronic records system within the scope of practice.
• Provide screening and participate in the treatment of mental health issues. Actively participate in joint case
planning and coordination with internal multi-disciplinary team and agency psychiatrists.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Participate in all Children’s team and agency meetings as scheduled.

Qualifications
Certification as CADC 1, OR
Documented equivalence to CADC 1 certification standards (i.e. 1,000 hours supervised experience in substance
abuse counseling, 150 contact hours of education and training in alcoholism and drug abuse related topics as
required by ACCBO, and [if recovering] 2 years of sobriety) AND ability to achieve a passing score on the NCAC
1 national certification exam within 60 days of hire.
Bilingual Spanish/English is preferred and may be required for some positions.
Must pass all criminal history check requirements as required by ORS 181.536-181.537 and in accordance with
OAR 407-007-0200 to 407-007-0370.
Must possess a valid Oregon or Washington Driver’s license, maintain an acceptable driving record, and be
insurable for client service purposes and for travel between business offices, meetings and/or trainings. The
successful applicant must be able to be approved to provide transportation for clients using Agency vehicles

Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge: Knowledge of substance abuse disorder and its progression, knowledge of adolescent substance abuse treatment and recovery models and strategies; knowledge of interviewing and group counseling practices and techniques for youth; knowledge of local and regional resources available for client services; basic knowledge of mental health evaluation and treatment.

Skill: Skill in the use of clinical software systems; skill in the use of standard office software; skill in keyboarding.

Ability: Ability to understand and effectively apply the concepts and practices of a trauma-informed philosophy in performing the work. Ability to work within strong professional ethics and rules of confidentiality to provide effective
substance abuse disorder assessment, referral, and treatment. Ability to work with consumers to develop an effective service plan; ability to write and maintain timely and cogent progress notes, service plans, reports and other professional documents; ability to maintain a strong service orientation; ability to organize and execute work effectively under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines; ability to speak before groups of various sizes; ability to work with grace and good humor under pressure; ability to work cooperatively with other departments; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain harmonious work relationships with co-workers at all levels of the organization, consultants, contractors, community partners, and consumers.

Leadership Received: This position works under the supervisory leadership of the Youth SUD clinical supervisor and Children’s Program Manager.

Leadership Exercised: This position is not responsible for providing supervisory leadership to any other classification.

Physical Demands:
The Alcohol and Drug Counselor 1 must have the ability to quickly assess and respond to concerns related to interpersonal and environmental safety. While performing the essential duties of this position, the employee is regularly
required to use office automation including computer and phone system that requires fine manipulation, grasping, typing and reaching. The employee may be required to sit or stand for several hours at a time, depending on environment and need. This position may occasionally be required to lift up to twenty (20) pounds, and to kneel, reach, bend or squat while
in the office or in the community.

Work Environment:
Work is performed in various settings, including office environment, community settings and other agency stakeholder facilities. The office environment is typically with moderate stimuli and may often result in exposure to increased sensory experiences. Community settings, such as residence, schools, police precincts, respite facilities, hospitals and other
public spaces may pose additional risks or discomforts which require safety precautions. The Alcohol & Drug Counselor I is expected to perform work responsibilities in the same settings in which employees are required to work.

The employee should possess a valid driver’s license for vehicle travel between business offices to attend required meetings
and/or training. (An alternate mode of reliable transportation may be acceptable.) Additionally, the incumbent must be approved to provide transportation for clients using agency vehicles.

While this description is intended to accurately reflect the activities and requirements of the Alcohol & Drug Counselor I position, management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as necessary. Job responsibilities are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate the needs of the individuals served by this agency. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

MCCFL provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. To request accommodation in the recruitment or selection process, please contact human resources at 541-288-4359 or email hr@mccfl.org.