Licensed Addictions Counselor

Position Summary: At Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, we count on our Licensed Addictions Counselor to support a trauma-informed environment while primarily providing will provide necessary substance abuse services for youth having a history of substance use within the scope of services provided through YBGR. They serve as positive role models and mentors to the youth they serve. A LAC will have a heart and passion for working with youth who frequently come from hard places and have experienced complex trauma. The applicant must be mission and values-driven and possess a strong work ethic, reliability, and desire to be a positive role model in our youth and families' lives.

Starting Salary Range: Salary reflects steps 1-5 of an 11-step pay schedule. The starting salary will be determined based on the applicant’s education and relevant experience.

• Current Montana ACLC license range is $23.02 - $25.91 per hour
• Current Montana LAC license range is $24.50 - $27.57 per hour

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities: 

1. Conduct confidential, quality Chemical Dependency Assessments to determine substance use disorder according to criteria of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria.
2. Schedule and conduct Group, Individual, and Family Chemical Dependency Therapy Sessions for youth in Chemical Dependency Programming.
3. Maintain case records utilizing YBGR Electronic Medical Records system that will reflect the initiation and course of treatment. Documentation will be completed promptly according to YBGR Policy 662.
4. LAC will provide follow-up and aftercare planning services as needed.
5. Participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning meetings to assure the treatment needs of the youth are met.
6. Provide prevention services, as applicable, and as directed by the supervisory team.
7. Contribute to the strategic goals and outcomes of the agency as measured by the development and achievement of individual, departmental, and organizational goals, and outcomes. Participate in Performance Quality Improvement (PQI) goals of the organization, both individually and as a team member.
8. Deal constructively and helpfully with all other members of the organization. 
9. Fully support and model the mission and values of YBGR.
10. Adhere to all policies, systems, safety requirements, and procedures of the organization.
11. Take the initiative to identify problems and seek out solutions.
12. Be a professional representative of the organization to those outside it.
13. Participate and engage in monthly supervision/coaching meetings with the supervisor.
14. Be aware of the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the persons served.
15. Participate in required training as appropriate to the position and beneficial to YBGR.
16. Other duties as assigned, including participation in the CBS on-call rotation.

• 21 years old or older
• Criminal / Child Abuse Clearance: Must pass criminal record and child abuse registry background check as required by the State of Montana.
• A minimum of an Associate of Arts degree or a certificate from an accredited institution in one of the following areas: alcohol and drug studies; addiction; or substance abuse with a minimum of 330 contact hours in addiction courses
• Professional License: Montana ACLC or LAC

Required Abilities/Skills

1. Clinical Assessment: Ability to conduct thorough assessments of clients' substance use history, mental health status, and related psychosocial factors to develop personalized treatment plans.
2. Counseling and Therapy: Proficiency in delivering evidence-based counseling and therapy interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and relapse prevention techniques.
3. Addiction Education: Knowledge of addiction science, including the physiological, psychological, and social aspects of addiction, as well as the effects of various substances on the body and mind.
4. Cultural Competence: Understanding of cultural diversity and sensitivity to the unique needs and backgrounds of clients, including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, and socioeconomic status.
5. Trauma-Informed Care: Ability to recognize and address the impact of trauma on addiction and mental health, providing trauma-informed counseling and support to clients who have experienced trauma.
6. Demonstrate being self-motivated, self-disciplined, and diligent with forward thinking.
7. Demonstrate the ability to think of their team over self and define success collectively rather than individually.
8. The ability to effectively interact and communicate with others. These skills are essential for building and maintaining relationships, collaborating with colleagues, resolving conflicts, and navigating various social situations.
9. Demonstrate the following values.
   • Faith - is being sure of successfully achieving our mission, based upon our trust in a loving creator.
   • Integrity - doing what is right, putting the needs of others above your own, and living by the highest values.
   • Relationship - being committed to one another in a mutually respectful, dignified, healthy, and honoring manner.
   • Stewardship is the use of any resource or talent entrusted to YBGR to fulfill the mission and values.
10. Willingness and ability to obtain certification in First Aid/CPR and Violence Intervention Prevention.
11. Current license to operate passenger vehicle with clean driving record with no major violations (DUI, reckless driving, etc.) within the last three years.           

Physical/Environmental Demands & Requirements:

1. Work environment: This position will work indoors in a climate-controlled environment but occasionally will work in an outdoor environment where they may not be protected from weather conditions.
2. Will occasionally be required to remain in a stationary position for an extended period while performing administrative duties.
3. Will frequently operate computer, keyboard, and other office equipment.
4. Consistently needs to move about inside building, outside to include uneven terrain, changes in elevation, and frequently change body position from and to standing, kneeling, sitting, and prone.
5. Occasionally will be required to assist in the physical restraint of a youth (50-300lbs) who is a safety risk to themselves or others.
6. The person in this position will constantly communicate with clients, their treatment team, and others. Must be able to communicate accurate information and accurately understand information communicated by those individuals.
7. Must be able to perceive, recognize, and observe client’s behavior to include non-verbal cues expressed by the client.
8.  Will frequently be required to drive company or personal vehicle to other YBGR locations to meet with employees and other stakeholders.