Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Counselor; PCN

Position: Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Counselor (PCN 20-4343)

Job Description

The Department of Corrections, Division of Health and Rehabilitation Services, is recruiting for a Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Counselor located at the Anchorage Correctional Complex (ACC) in Anchorage, Alaska.

Watch Alaska DOC HARS video here:

What you will be doing:

• Providing substance use disorder screenings on inmates that will include a thorough chart review, administering a brief questionnaire, reporting findings to program staff and consulting with the treatment team regarding the need for an assessment and referral for treatment.
• Performing ASAM assessments on designated inmates with substance use disorders and mental health problems, which includes obtaining collateral information (pre-sentence reports, disciplinary actions, criminal history, mental health records, substance abuse treatment records, etc.) and use of the SBIRT model to better determine inmate needs.
• Developing and facilitating group programming aimed at strengthening an individual's mental health and substance use recovery needs, which may include:
  Step Work, Healing Circles, Motivational Interviewing, Relapse Prevention, Pharmacology, Co-Occurring Disorder Symptom Management, and relevant cross-cultural activities.

Our mission, values, and culture:

The HARS Mission Statement:
To provide timely access to essential care through an evidence-based multidisciplinary approach. We are committed to a culture of professionalism, quality and safety.

We seek applicants who are interested in furthering the HARS Mission and who will strive to uphold the Division's Core Values of Respect, Integrity, Compassion, Teamwork, Safety and Growth.

The benefits of joining our team:

Working for the Department of Corrections offers the unique opportunity to make a profound impact on a vulnerable population, supporting rehabilitation and contributing to public safety. The role provides a deeply meaningful way to serve one’s community by promoting mental wellness and reducing recidivism. Being part of our collaborative multidisciplinary team allows for shared knowledge and diverse perspectives, which support professional growth and improve patient outcomes.

The

working environment you can expect:

This position is located at the Anchorage Correctional Center, a secure facility for male inmates. It works closely with correctional officers, mental health clinicians and medical staff.

Who we are looking for:

• Therapy and Counseling:
  Knowledge of diagnosis and treatment of physical and mental ailments, and career guidance.
• Psychology:
  Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of human behavior and performance in various contexts, mental processes, or the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
• Interpersonal
  
  Skills:
  
  Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor's degree from an accredited university in a behavioral health related field, such as sociology, psychology, addiction, counseling, psychiatric nursing, human services, or social work.

AND

Chemical Dependency Counselor I certification from the Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification.

Special Note: An individual without an Alaska certification, who otherwise meets the eligibility requirements for certification as a Chemical Dependency Counselor in the State of Alaska may apply for the vacancy. An applicant qualifying under this option may receive a job offer conditional upon completion of the certification requirement. Proof of certification will be required prior to reporting for duty.

Additional Required Information REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

• Current Chemical Dependency Counselor certification from the Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification. An applicant without an Alaska certification, who otherwise meets eligibility for certification…