Primary Function

The Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CDAC) is a trained professional who specializes in helping individuals overcome substance use disorders. Their primary functions include screening, intake, orientation, and assessing clients to determine the severity of addiction. Collaborating with clients to develop and implement personalized treatment plans and providing individual and group counseling sessions. They also educate clients and their families about addiction and recovery, support relapse prevention efforts, and coordinate care with other healthcare providers. All of this is done under the appropriate supervision of a Licensed Professional. The CDAC will facilitate the above functions through Treatment Planning, Intake/Orientation, Crisis Intervention, and Individual and Group Therapy sessions. The CDAC will record all attempted and completed supports and interventions in the client’s Electronic Health Record.

The position is based at the Kanvwotiyi residential treatment program near Robbinsville, NC. The CDAC will perform all its duties following the Ethical Principles of Conduct for Substance Abuse Professionals.

Education/Experience/Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum of high school diploma
• Must show competence in working with individuals who have substance use disorders.
• Must have CADC licensure, or registered/Intern from the NC Addiction Specialist Professional Practice Board and obtain full licensure within 2 years.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license
• Specific experience working with Native Americans is preferred.

Job Knowledge

• Ability to learn electronic medical record and have ability to maintain electronic files on computer.
• Knowledge of principles, techniques, and practices and their application to complex casework, group work and community problems
• Knowledge of governmental and private organizations and resources in the community.
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and policies which govern the program.
• Knowledge of substance abuse to include diagnostic criteria for abuse, dependence, intoxication and withdrawal of all drug classifications, methods of evaluation and assessment, impact of behavioral health issues on patient’s ability to negotiate treatment recommendations, current treatment approaches, modalities of care and substance abuse and other programs or services available to patients.
• Willingness to learn more about Cherokee culture/population and to have considerations of this when appropriate.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of caseload and their families, other professional disciplines, and a variety of governmental and private resources and organizations within the community.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely and to plan and execute work effectively.

Responsibilities

• Conduct individual counseling sessions, under supervision, as scheduled and document as required;
• Conduct group and/or family sessions, under supervision, as scheduled and document as required;
• May co-facilitate assigned group or family sessions;
• Responsible for initial assessments as well as follow up assessments for residents;
• Prepare individual treatment plans for each resident;
• Ensure all documentation regarding resident care, treatment and incidents is completed timely and in a clear, concise manner
• May act as a liaison between referral sources and residents;
• Plan aftercare for residents;
• Provide crisis intervention to residents as needed;
• May provide case management duties for clients for residents
• Evaluate resident needs and determine if referrals to other programs/facilities are needed
• Perform other duties as assigned.

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement:

The health and safety of our employees, clients and patients is our top priority. All offers of employment are contingent on verifying that candidates are fully vaccinated, or willing to become fully vaccinated, against COVID-19, in accordance with federal mandates. Individuals may submit a request for exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical reasons or religious beliefs.

Complexity of Duties

This position is responsible for assisting in maximizing the available resources to meet the behavioral health needs of the community. Must have the ability to interpret policy, laws and regulations in order to make decisions when a precedent is not available. Duties require the application of clinical judgment and problem-solving skills in order to be effective. Judgment often involves decisions that may have life-or-death results.

Supervision Received

Works under the supervision of the Kanvwotiyi Clinical Supervisor but must use judgment in application.

Responsibility for Accuracy

Failure to provide adequate clinical services or to properly manage and direct activities could result in poor client outcomes, delays in patient treatment, and negative patient and community relations. Ineffective health planning could have adverse effects on the health status of the community by limiting access to necessary resources. Accuracy of data and research is critical in the allocation of tribal resources. Employee is responsible for the adherence to policy and procedure. Inappropriate actions or inaccuracies in judgment could result in improper diagnosis and treatment, serious liability for the tribe, or serious health risks to patients.

Confidential Data

The provision of medical care requires that the incumbent maintain strict appropriate confidentiality regarding all patient information. The employee will have access to patient records and highly confidential information and must function with utmost integrity to safe guard this information. The employee complies with EBCI policy on confidentiality of patient records, Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority Confidentiality policy and HIPAA requirements. Violations of confidentiality regulations may result in disciplinary action and other action as allowed by federal regulations.

Mental/Visual/Physical

Job duties can be mentally and emotionally stressful at times given the complexity of the duties, management and supervision of staff and the clinical areas being addressed with the people being served. Close mental concentration and attention to detail are required. Physical activities require the ability to be mobile, sit, reach, bend, and be in front of groups and deliver training for extended periods of time. Some physical exertion and stamina is required such as required to transport training materials or to travel. Must have visual acuity, manual dexterity, and the ability to speak and hear. Must be able to lift 30 lbs.

• Position requires: stand (under 1/3 time); walk (under 1/3 time); sit (to 2/3 time); talk or hear (over 2/3 time).
• Weight lifted or force exerted: none.
• Special vision requirements: Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less).

Environment

The employee works primarily in a hospital, outpatient clinical and residential environment but may be required to work at other offices and locations. The work environment involves moderate risks of exposure to infectious disease, radiation, electrical hazards, and irritant chemical and explosive gases. Employee must strictly adhere to OSHA guidelines and protocol for maintaining sterile conditions.

Some travel is required. Infrequent overnight travel may be required for meetings or to attend training.

Customer Service

Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients/customers by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values. Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers by seeking out opportunities to be of service.

Emergency Privileges

In the case of an emergency, any member of the Medical Staff, to the degree permitted by his/her license, shall be permitted to do everything possible to save a patient’s life or save a patient from serious harm, regardless of the individual’s clinical privileges. This shall be defined as those situations in which a delay could result in serious harm or death and in which a more qualified member is not immediately available.