Substance Use Disorder Counselor; Serving African American Youth & Families

Substance Use Disorder Counselor (Serving African American Youth & Families) #948

Life Works NW is looking for a compassionate, culturally responsive Substance Use Disorder Counselor to provide alcohol and drug treatment services in outpatient and community settings for African American youth aged 12 to 18. The role involves assessment, treatment planning, counseling (individual, family, group), urinalysis, consultation, and coordination of care.

Life Works NW’s King Site, Portland, OR.

$23.92–$31.09 per hour with full benefits, in alignment with Oregon Pay Equity laws. Most candidates will be placed between the entry level and midpoint of the range.

• Demonstrate competence working with the African American community.
• Maintain access to a car and a valid driver’s license.
• Conduct client evaluations, including intake interview, diagnosing substance abuse, and providing timely recommendations.
• Collect assessment information via interviews, case histories, observations, urinalysis, and other methods.
• Analyze data (interview notes, test results, reference manuals) to identify symptoms, diagnose abuse problems, and determine an ASAM PPC‑2R level of care.
• Provide referrals to residential services, health care, mental health services, employment services, housing, and recovery support services.
• Offer evidence‑based counseling to individuals, families, and groups, helping clients understand problems, set goals, and develop realistic action plans.
• Evaluate treatment effectiveness, update diagnoses and ASAM PPC‑2R dimensions as needed (ISSPs updated at least every three months; Behavioral Health Assessments updated annually).
• Document client records in the electronic health care system within 24 hours of each session.
• Provide crisis intervention when needed.
• Administer and submit urinalyses with minimal errors, communicating results within agency guidelines.

• Demonstrate competence working with the African American community.
• Maintain access to a car and a valid driver’s license.
• Current CADC 1 or equivalent national certification, or a plan to obtain certification within two years of hire.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities in substance‑related disorder treatment, client evaluation, counseling techniques, client case management, and record keeping.
• Experience working with youth or relevant coursework in child development is strongly preferred.
• Sensitivity and understanding of barriers that limit access and engagement.

Life Works NW is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.