Licensed Addiction Counselor Jobs

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The current starting salary for the position is $25.00 per hour, although consideration will be given the successful candidate's experience and educational background. $3000 Sign on Bonus available.

Permanent full-time employees of Alternatives, Inc. are entitled to sick leave, vacation leave, individual health insurance, and retirement benefits. Alternatives, Inc. participates in the State Workers Compensation and Unemployment Insurance plans.

Permanent part-time employees are entitled to a pro-rata share of benefits based on the percentage of full-time hours worked (full-time = 40 hours per week).

Specific detail regarding benefits will be provided upon request at the time of interview or at the time of hire.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

General Overview:

The Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) is directly accountable to the Program Supervisor (PS) of designated program and/or facility.

The Licensed Addictions Counselor is responsible for chemical dependency treatment. LACs work directly with adult offenders in residential and/or community corrections facility. LAC's will participate in individual sessions and develop individual treatment plans with the residents to address substance abuse disorders. In addition, LAC's facilitate groups and programming in line with agency approved models.

General Requirements:

• Employee Handbook
• All employees of Alternatives, Inc. are responsible for reading and complying with standards and procedures in the following documents:
  • Employee Handbook
  • Standard Operating Procedures
• Standard Operating Procedures

Specific Duties:

The LAC will provide the following services to clients/offenders enrolled in Substance Use Disorder programming:

• This position may require working the hours of a flexible or varied schedule.
• Make referrals to a variety of social services and medical resources.
• Ensure each offender has a written treatment plan which delineates what the offender will accomplish while in the program, associated timelines and detailed plans for accomplishing goals, and documentation of compliance with the contract. Ensure that the plan is reviewed and updated periodically in accordance with the planned duration of treatment and phases of the program.
• Administer all necessary chemical dependency assessments and make recommendations regarding Chemical Dependency issues and referrals.
• Ensure that every offender who graduates from programming will have a copy of the Comprehensive Aftercare Plan developed by the treatment staff.
• Coordinate aftercare plans with Pre-Release Centers and Probation Officers or other referral sources prior to the offenders termination from the program.
• Attend weekly Staff Meetings.
• Review client files to assess chemical dependency evaluation needs.
• Provide treatment in group settings regarding chemical dependency issues.
• Document all contracts, significant issues, and general progress in the resident case file.
• Conduct one-on-one counseling sessions regarding Chemical Dependency issues with clients.
• Complete discharge summaries for all group participants in a timely manner.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED:

• Good writing and verbal skills and the ability to type 40 words per minute.
• A current, valid Montana Drivers License.
• Must have experience and demonstrated ability in records management.
• Montana State Licensed Addictions Counselor Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor, certifiable within one year, certified in another state which is transferable, or Nationally Certified.
• B.S. in Human Services or related field and two years experience in the field of substance abuse counseling.

PREFERRED:

• Experience working with offenders and/or experience working in a residential treatment facility.
• Two years experience in social services in a counseling or case management position.
• Familiarity with evidence-based practices and cognitive behavioral programming.
• Ability to type 45 words per minute.

WORKSITE AND CONDITIONS

Alternatives, Inc. is a non-profit corporation based in Billings, Montana. Since opening in 1980, the organization has provided both residential and non-residential supervision and treatment programs for state and federal inmates in Yellowstone, Carbon, and Stillwater Counties. We promote public safety and challenge offenders to become responsible, productive citizens though firm, fair, consistent supervision, treatment, and education.

STAFF SKILLS AND VALUES

Staff are hired based on key skills and values, including: strong support for offender treatment and a belief that people can change their thinking and in doing so, change their behaviors, empathy, fairness, life experiences, being non-confrontational but firm, problem solving, and prior training or licensure. Indicators may include: observations of staff during the assessment, responses from staff, program director, and program participants, written criteria for job applications, job descriptions, and screening prior to employment.