Care Coordinator - Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor

Title: Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor 
Location: 12360 E Burnside St. Portland, OR 97233
Schedule: This is an in person position, Monday through Friday 8:30AM - 5:00PM. 
Wage Range: $24.85 - $33.65, non-exempt

If you are a motivated and dedicated Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor looking for an opportunity to contribute to an organization making a positive impact, we want to hear from you! 

At NARA NW, you’ll find a supportive work environment where every team member is valued and respected. Whether you’re passionate about healthcare, behavioral health, education, or social services, there’s a place for you to make a meaningful difference.

Company Mission:

The mission of NARA NW is to provide education, physical, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment that is culturally appropriate to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and anyone in need.

About the Company:

At NARA NW, we deliver services and support to Native American and Alaska Native communities, helping individuals lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

With over 400 employees across a variety of programs—including medical and dental care, addiction treatment, housing assistance, and enrichment initiatives NARA NW offers numerous opportunities for growth and advancement, all while making a tangible, positive impact on the lives of others.

Position Overview:

The Spirit of Healing Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) Care Coordinator works collaboratively with American Indian or Alaskan Native members who may have complex medical/psychosocial/ addiction issues and their families/caregivers as well as with members of multidisciplinary teams (MDT) to provide care coordination and ASAM assessment as needed. The CADC Care Coordinator will support the members in accessing services and serves as a bridge between the community and the system of health and social services.

What you will do:

• Administer ASAM assessments and treatment plans as needed to streamline member into services; including timely and completed documentation
• Strongly adhere to Trauma Informed Care principles and educate providers on this model as appropriate.
• Responsible for scheduling for patients discharging the hospital or inpatient settings
• Coordinates/updates the plan of care that includes self-management and member specific goals.  Unlike other CADC roles, this role does not provide drug and alcohol treatment
• Utilize the Electronic Medical Records system for documentation. Make independent decisions regarding client care and care management.  Complete appropriate documentation in a timely manner.
• Engage with clients by eliminating social, cultural, linguistic and educational barriers to develop a culturally competent and creative action plan for the client
• Coordinate with community alcohol and drug treatment providers, including detox, residential, outpatient, etc.
• Actively participate as a member of a health care team by providing input and developing creative strategies to address health and psychosocial issues. Consult with clinical supervisor in complex cases exceeding area of expertise
• Demonstrate a person-centered approach in working with clients by respecting their self-determination and autonomy and exploring their ambivalence by utilizing Motivational Interviewing principles
• Facilitate communication and positive relationships building between clients and medical providers
• Participate in agency and care team meetings to coordinate outreach activities as needed.
• Respond to requests for outreach to individuals in hospitals
• Collaborate with medical and auxiliary providers in developing health care plans and goals based on identified needs
• Participate in outreach activities to assess individual treatment needs.
• Ensure that clients get timely access to appropriate services by promoting and modeling advocacy skills
• Help coordinate patient transportation and accompaniment as needed.
• Completes and tracks referrals to community programs/services as appropriate.
• Assists in mentoring newly hired staff; provides coaching and training on specific job responsibilities.
• Barrier Review and Reduction.  Meet with members to identify and reduce or eliminate barriers to care (e.g., social, cultural, linguistic, education), and set effective goals with members.  Utilize a culturally sensitive person-centered approach in working with clients by respecting their self-determination and autonomy and exploring their ambivalence by utilizing Motivational Interviewing principles.  Ensure that clients get timely access to appropriate services by promoting and modeling advocacy skills.
• Follows departmental, organizational and clinic policies and procedures.
• Manages an efficient and effective case load.
• Reports to work as scheduled and follow attendance policies; maintain agreed upon work schedule.
• Participates in work related to continuing education when offered or directed.
• Meets deadlines for completion of daily, weekly and month-end reporting.
• Demonstrates cooperation and teamwork.

We would like to hear from people that have:

• High School Diploma or General Education Diploma required.
• Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor I (CADC-I) or higher
• Minimum two years’ experience serving the addiction needs of adults and families. Preferably conducting outreach and multi-agency collaboration.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in presenting ideas, transmitting information, or conveying concepts to individuals or groups of people of varying educational, cultural and experiential levels.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries with clients, the community, and other staff members.
• Ability to work collaboratively with clients, other treatment program staff, team members, and to treat everyone with respect and dignity at all times.
• Written and organizational skills to complete all required documentation.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment or for cause drug tests.
• Ability to pass DHS criminal background and DMV checks.
• NARA NW is fully committed to supporting sobriety.  All employees must agree to model sobriety. If in recovery, must have been sober/clean for a length of time sufficient to demonstrate that will be able to model sobriety.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience utilizing Motivational Interviewing and trauma informed care
• Specialized training in Evidence Based Practices providing behavioral changes
• Experience working with diverse populations that have experienced obstacles and barriers associated with marginalization either in mental health and/or addictions work
• Have or be willing to learn specific knowledge of specific needs of gender affirming care, resources available to this population and an understanding of unique needs of the transgender experience

What’s in it for you?

14 Paid Holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Battle of Little Big Horn, Independence Day, Labor Day, Native American Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, day after Thanksgiving, and December 25^th!

Benefits: Employees working 20 hours, or more are eligible for benefits. Benefits are effective from the 1st of the month following the date of hire. 

• Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance through Kaiser Permanente
• 14 Paid Holidays (Listed Above)
• 13 Paid Days of Sick Time
• 13 Paid Days of PTO (Vacation accruals increase with years of service to a maximum of 26 days)
• $50,000 Life Insurance & AD&D
• Short Term and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account 
• Health Spending Account
• 401(k) with 4% Match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Inclement Weather Days (Snow Days)
• Referral Program- (Up to $1000 Dollars)
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness -NARA NW is a local 501(c)3 nonprofit, FQHC

How to apply:

1. To Quick Apply, go to Careers – NARA NW (naranorthwest.org)
2. Look for the position you want to apply for and submit a resume (Required) and cover letter (Optional), that’s all!
3. Feel free to contact recruiting@naranorthwest.org if you have any questions or would like to know where your application is in the process.

NARA NW is fully committed to supporting sobriety. To support NARA NW in its mission, all employees agree to refrain from illicit drug use, marijuana use, and prescription drug abuse, both on and off the job. In addition, all employees agree to model alcohol sobriety. Modeling alcohol sobriety means not consuming, discussing, or promoting the use of alcohol, on the job, on social media and when in the community where the employee would be likely to be seen by NARA NW clients or community. If in recovery, employees must have been sober/clean for a length of time sufficient to demonstrate that they will be able to remain sober. 

Consistent with NARA NW’s sobriety policy, all employees, volunteers, interns, and contractors, as applicable, are required to sign a “Drug-Free/Alcohol-Free Workplace Certification Form” and NARA NW “Modeling Sobriety Policy Form” as a condition of employment to confirm that they are aware of this policy and that they agree to comply with it. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. This policy is subject to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and its state counterpart.

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position’s activities and requirements, the agency reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties, as necessary.

Preference in hiring is given to qualified Native Americans in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, US Code, Sections 472 and 473). NARA Northwest is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Within the scope of Indian Preference, all candidates will receive equal consideration. Experience working with Native American/ Alaska Native community is considered a plus.