SUBSTITUTE - Counselor III

Summary or Purpose

Provide a variety of behavioral health counseling services within scope of authority and according to Borough policies and procedures.

Substitute employees work on an as-needed basis

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The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification. Shown are duties intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Provide counseling services to residential and non-residential clients within scope of authority; supervises behavior and activities of clients; assures accurate documentation of client services; maintains strict confidentiality in all client matters.
• Carry a caseload of individual clients and client groups who require intervention, testing, evaluation, counseling and guidance; screens and evaluates Behavioral Health clients and persons with substance abuse problems; interviews clients to collect personal history; observes clients' conditions and behavior; reports significant issues to supervisor.
• Plan and conduct community outreach programs, workshops and discussion groups to promote health education, risk reduction and healthy behavior; plans, organizes and participates in community events.
• Provide case management services to Behavioral Health clients, families and significant others.
• Provide personal and group therapy and counseling; acts as an advocate for individual clients.
• Teach socialization and coping skills; advises clients of community resources.
• Monitor clients, de-escalates client behavior, follows established safety protocols, initiates intervention services as needed, and calls for assistance as required.
• Confer and consult with supervisors as needed; collaborates with other professionals to provide and advocate for continued care outside the limitations of the program.
• Maintain professional composure and effectiveness.
• Update and maintain a variety of client records; documents activities as required.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and orderly facility in accordance with Department and OSHA regulations; performs housekeeping functions as directed, including meal preparation, cleaning and laundry.
• In the event of an emergency, will follow responsibilities as outlined in the North Slope Borough and program policies and procedures and the CEMP manual.
• Respect clients by recognizing their rights and maintaining confidentiality, including HIPAA requirements.
• Protect self, co-workers and consumers by following policies and procedures to prevent the spread of blood borne and/or airborne diseases.
• Travel to the villages within the North Slope Borough.
• May be required to work a non-traditional work schedule to include evening, holidays and weekends and may be subject to 24 hour on-call status.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of Department and Borough policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of local community resources and various community services programs.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of counseling and case management.
• Skill in providing effective client care services.
• Skill in assessing Behavioral health problems, and making recommendations based on observations and interviews.
• Skill in presenting information to clients, families, and the public.

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Counseling, or Education; and
• Four years of counseling experience;
• OR an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Must be 21 years of age or older;
• Applicant must pass a criminal history background check conducted by the State of Alaska Background Check Unit,
• One-year separation from receiving services for substance abuse or domestic violence;
• Documentation that the individual is free from active pulmonary tuberculosis;
• Ability to obtain a valid Alaska driver's license that meets North Slope Borough insurance criteria within 6 months of hire;
• CPR and First Aid Certification
• (C…