Purpose of Position:

Provide intermediate substance abuse and mental health services: direct individual, family and group interventions; formal structured-topic counseling groups; formal prevention coordination, delivery and health education; initiate community wellness activities. The level 3 counselor will consistently utilize their knowledge and skills to achieve treatment goals.

Uphold the organization’s vision, mission, and corporate values. Demonstrate understanding of and compliance with organization’s policies, procedures, code of conduct and work rules.

Essential Functions:

• Provide mental health and substance abuse counseling for individuals, families and groups, aftercare, directed case management, advocacy and networking services under the direct supervision of the VBC supervisor

• Participate in case consultation, arrange clinical services, make referrals, assist in treatment compliance and complete administrative work-related activities

• Provide clinical impressions of clients, formulate treatment plans with clinical supervisor, conduct direct interventions and coordinates structured activities

• Provide assistance in emergency or crisis situations in conjunction with the Health Aides, Village Public Safety Officers and the mental health clinician on call

• Lead youth group activities, elder support activities, parenting education, prevention and wellness education, community workshops and lectures, distribute information and topic-specific literature, and participare in community based projects that serve the well being of the clients and/or community

• Engage in continuing education and continue to pursue training opportunities and seek more credentialing and skills

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• Perform other duties as assigned

Personal Traits:

All Norton Sound Health Corporation employees are expected to consistently demonstrate the organization’s values: integrity, cultural sensitivity and respect for traditional values, continual learning and improving, compassion, teamwork and pride. Employees are expected to demonstrate integrity, professionalism, accountability, cooperation with and consideration of others.

Required Knowledge:

All Norton Sound Health Corporation employees are expected to have general knowledge of typical office technologies such as computers, printers, copiers, fax machines, and typical office software.

Job Specific knowledge is listed below:

• Knowledge of VBC/BHA protocols and limitations of qualifying level of service

• Knowledge of educational requirements of individuals and families in the villages

• Knowledge of behavioral health issues in their village and potential solutions

• Capacity to communicate with respect and empathy

• Knowledge and support of their community’s strengths

• Demonstrated capacity for accessing and utilizing educational opportunities

Required Skills and Abilities:

All Norton Sound Health Corporation employees are expected to have a broad range of skills and abilities centered around a strong patient focus, efficient performance, and teamwork. All employees should have patient/customer service skills, interpersonal skills and good communication skills. All employees should have the ability to manage their time and organize their work to ensure efficient performance. In addition, all employees should have the ability to follow policy, procedure and instructions, actively communicate with their supervisors to ensure understanding and manage their work accordingly. Finally, all employees should have the ability to understand and manage patient/customer confidentiality.

Job specific skills and abilities are listed below:

• Excellent customer service

• Ability to perform under a high level of stress during an emergency or crisis

• Ability to demonstrate leadership potential

• Above average sensitivity for client confidentiality and right to privacy

• Ability to multi-task

• Ability to initiate and seek approval for new activities in the community

Village Based Counselor III; Rev. 10/01/2020 Page 3

Minimum Requirements

Education

Degree

Program

High School Diploma or Equivalent, RHS Certification

Or

BA/BS or higher degree in a related field with two years of experience in that field

Experience

General (Non-supervisory)

Supervisory

Amount:

1 year

as a VBC II

0 (years)

Type:

Must have both general and supervisory experience if indicated.

Credentials

Licensure, Certification, Etc.

Alaska State Alcohol and Drug Counselor Technician preferred

Physical Requirements:

∙Use hands and arms to operate office or clinical equipment

∙Sit more than half the workday

∙Stand and/or walk less than half the workday

∙Bend, stretch, twist, crouch and/or reach

∙Use hands and arms for repetitive motion tasks

∙Lift or carry unaided less than 25 pounds

∙See and hear with normal acuity

Working Conditions:

∙Work is conducted in a standard office environment

∙Minimal travel is required (less than 25% of the time)

∙Travel is required via large aircraft

∙Travel is required via small (less than 16 passenger) aircraft

∙Travel is required using snowmobiles, all terrain vehicles, or boat