Job Description

The Drug/Alcohol Abuse Counselor provides essential substance misuse and abuse services to a population of financially disadvantaged youth, typically ranging from 16 to 24 years in age. The primary focus of the role is early detection, diagnosis, prevention, and education to help students become responsible and productive citizens. This position functions as a member of a healthcare team to facilitate student willingness to pursue recommended treatment plans and improve employability.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assessments: Conducts substance misuse and abuse assessments for applicants, new students (based on intake forms), and referrals to examine mood, behavior, and reasoning.
• Treatment and Interventions: Develops treatment plans and provides short-term or brief interventions focused on retention and overcoming employability barriers.
• Case Management: Monitors students with chronic substance conditions, collaborates with the Center Mental Health Counselor (CMHC) on co-occurring disorders, and participates in chronic care management plans.
• Testing and Compliance: Conducts drug and alcohol testing, following strict chain of custody expectations, and maintains testing supplies.
• Documentation: Records all diagnoses, treatment plans, and student interactions in the Student Health Record (SHR) and approved electronic systems (e.g., CIS) in a timely manner.
• Emergency Care: Provides crisis intervention and evaluations during substance abuse emergencies, referring students to outside care when necessary.
• Collaboration: Coordinates with center counselors, health providers, and instructors to update behavioral contracts and intervention plans.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to work both independently and as an integrated member of a healthcare team.
• Strong interpersonal skills to facilitate psycho-educational skill-building groups (e.g., anger management, mood regulation).
• Knowledge of HIPAA and patient privacy requirements to safeguard student health records.
• Ability to provide services in a positive manner to ensure high student satisfaction.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related behavioral health field (highly preferred to support independent diagnostic authority and complex co-occurring disorder management).
• Required Professional Licensure: Active, unrestricted license as a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) issued by the Montana Board of Behavioral Health.
• Alternative Licensure Status: Candidates currently registered as a Licensed Addiction Counselor Candidate (ACLC) in Montana may be considered, provided they can legally perform supervised assessments under an on-site board-approved supervisor.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

The sources do not specify supervisory responsibilities for this position; it is primarily focused on direct student care and clinical coordination.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The role is located at a Job Corps center, which are often in rural areas. The environment involves working within a health clinic and collaborating across various departments, including residential, recreation, and education.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The role requires the ability to conduct center-wide activities and may require driving students in Government vehicles.

ROLE and LOCATION SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS

• Participates in Tobacco Use Prevention (TUPP) and Healthy Eating Active Lifestyles (HEALs) programming.
• Leads at least three annual center-wide substance use prevention and education activities.
• Participates in Disability Accommodations Committee (DAC) meetings when requested.

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

• A standard schedule is typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, though evenings and weekends may be required by mutual agreement.
• Hours may vary based on the needs of the student population (ranging from 100 to over 300 students).

• Location: Trapper Creek Facility - 5139 West Fork Road Darby, MT 59829

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Extensive travel is not expected outside of a daily commute, though centers are frequently located in rural areas some distance from main roads.

CLEARANCE/LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• License: Must have an active, unrestricted substance abuse license or certification in the state where the center is located.
• Clearance: Must agree to a criminal background check and drug testing as a prerequisite for performance.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice

OUR VALUES:

Native American Owned & Proud | Accountable | Team Focused | Innovative | Visionary | Excellence

AAP/EEO Statement

Ho-Chunk, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. However, preference may be extended to persons of Indian descent in accordance with applicable laws.

Note: This position is being posted in anticipation of award of a federal contract. Employment is contingent upon Flatwater Group being awarded the contract and meeting all requirements set forth by the contracting agency. Candidates are encouraged to apply and may be contacted for further evaluation as part of the proposal process.