Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Title: Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC I), Weekends

Wage: $68,643 Annually

Shift: Friday-Monday 10:00am-9:00pm

Classification: Exempt, Full-Time, Union Represented

Location: Thayer Family Foundation Veteran's Shelter

Reports To: Thayer Family Foundation Veteran's Shelter Program Manager

This position has an introductory probationary period of 120 days. All work is completed in-person; this is not a remote position.

THE POSITION: The Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor I (CADC I) plays a key role in supporting Veteran participants engaged in an abstinence-based recovery program. This position was created to provide essential clinical and recovery support during weekend and evening hours, bridging the gap between participants' primary treatment providers and the structure available during the standard workweek. The CADC I works on-site (not remote) to ensure consistent, timely, and trauma-informed support for participants during these higher-risk transition periods. Using evidence-based, person-centered, and trauma-informed practices, the CADC I provides substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services in alignment with Oregon Administrative Rules, state and federal regulations, and program funding requirements. Responsibilities include conducting initial and periodic assessments, developing individualized service and treatment plans, delivering individual and group counseling, and coordinating care with internal staff and external treatment providers, including medical, mental health, and recovery supports. The CADC I collaborates closely with the broader program team to promote participant wellness, relapse prevention, housing stability, and community integration. The role requires strong ethical practice, professional boundaries, and adherence to all confidentiality requirements, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2. The CADC I ensures accurate, timely, and compliant documentation within electronic record systems and contributes to a supportive and recovery-oriented environment for all program participants.

THE PROGRAM: The Thayer Family Foundation Veterans Motel Shelter offers safe, supportive, and trauma-informed services for Veterans who are committed to an abstinence-based lifestyle. The program serves up to 18 adult participants, including historically marginalized Veterans who are part of the LGBTQIA2S+ and BIPOC communities. The program provides compassionate, Veteran-centered services, including Peer Support and Recovery Mentorship, housing and resource navigation, assistance with addressing medical and mental health needs, personal finance and budgeting guidance, and more. Staff collaborate closely with participants to ensure they have access to the support and resources needed to maintain their individualized recovery plans during their stay. Program staffing includes Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors (CADCs), Certified Recovery Mentors, Peer Support Specialists, and other roles as determined by program needs.

Do Good Multnomah's definition of a Veteran is intentionally inclusive—our programs welcome all Veterans, regardless of federal eligibility status. This includes members of the Reserves with fewer than 180 days of active duty and Veterans with less-than-honorable or dishonorable discharges.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND PERSONAL HEALTH INFORMATION (PHI): This position will have access to Protected Health Information (PHI) during the course of work activities. Applying the minimum necessary standard of HIPAA, the designated record sets to which this position may have access include all sections of the medical record, participant demographic information in the case management system, and related data. The employee is required to review the content of these records only to the extent necessary to accomplish assigned tasks. In addition, this position must comply with 42 CFR Part 2, which provides specific confidentiality protections for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment records. This means that any information identifying an individual as receiving or having received SUD treatment may not be disclosed without the individual's written consent or as otherwise permitted under federal law.

All staff are required to maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with these federal regulations and Do Good Multnomah's internal privacy and data security policies. Any actual or suspected breaches must be immediately reported to a supervisor.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct biopsychosocial assessments using ASAM criteria to identify participant needs and develop participant-driven treatment plans that integrate all relevant recovery domains.
• Complete regular progress assessments and update treatment plans as participant needs evolve, ensuring changes are documented in a timely and accurate manner.
• Facilitate individual and group counseling sessions using approved evidence-based practices (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing) within the CADC I scope of practice.
• Provide substance use education, including relapse prevention strategies and development of individualized safety and support plans.
• Coordinate care with internal staff and external providers (e.g., medical, behavioral health, housing, employment) to support holistic participant progress.
• Develop and maintain a current list of community resources and service referrals in collaboration with program team members.
• Participate in weekly case conferencing and ongoing community partner meetings relevant to Veteran services, housing, and behavioral health. Attend applicable community-facing meetings (e.g., HSD, HADIN, neighborhood associations, Coordinated Access, Veteran-by-Name-List).
• Participate in regular team meetings and contribute to continuous program improvement efforts.
• Maintain organized, accurate, and compliant documentation, including assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and exit summaries, in accordance with state and federal regulations. Maintain electronic records in HMIS, CaseWorthy, or other designated systems.
• In collaboration with team members, contribute to maintaining a safe, clean, and sanitary environment by adhering to OSHA and Oregon Health Authority safety and sanitation practices. Tasks may include cleaning and sanitizing surfaces, restocking supplies, performing room turnovers, sweeping, vacuuming, emptying trash, laundering program linens, and ensuring proper sharps and biohazard disposal.
• Maintain required CADC certifications and complete all mandated trainings, including annual OSHA and agency-required training.
• Ensure personal adherence to ethical, professional, and clinical standards consistent with MHACBO requirements and CADC I scope of practice.
• Maintain effective communication with all staff, programs, and community partners.
• Adhere to all federal, state, and organizational privacy and security regulations, including confidentiality requirements under HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and Do Good Multnomah policy.

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.*

• The essential duties are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor, in accordance with applicable laws and organizational policy. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Understanding of houselessness and the systemic factors and barriers that contribute to houselessness.
• Knowledge of recovery resources and other service providers in North Portland and the greater Portland Metro area.
• Demonstrated ability to work with individuals with serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI) and/or substance use disorder in a manner that promotes recovery and dignity.
• Knowledge of and experience with addressing and supporting an escalated participant through proper trauma-informed de-escalation and engagement techniques. Ability to maintain calm and compassion under pressure.
• Ability to use motivational interviewing techniques, strengths-based advocacy, and trauma-informed care with staff and participants.
• Ability to analyze complex problems and provide effective solutions, utilizing systematic and analytical approaches to make informed decisions that meet participants' needs and align with the organization's goals and values.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, problem solve, and complete tasks in a timely manner. Ability to organize multiple high-priority tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to positively interface with businesses and neighbors who may not be immediate supporters of the work being accomplished, and to represent the program/organization in a manner that promotes trust and ethical behavior. Willingness to take time to understand the points being made and ask questions as appropriate.
• Consistent, clear/direct, and courteous communication with participants, staff, referrals, community partners, and vendors. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries with both participants and staff, including utilizing discernment to know what is appropriate to share and what is confidential.
• Ability and willingness to treat all co-workers and clients with respect and dignity, while being mindful of diverse ethnic backgrounds, religious views, political affiliations, cultural backgrounds, genders, and sexual orientations.
• Ability and willingness to engage in Do Good's diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racist work at the full-staff, program-specific, and individual levels. Commitment to ongoing DEIA learning, growth, and development, including managing one's own internal biases and judgments.
• Willingness to engage with a new program within a rapidly expanding organization, including the ongoing development/improvement of program processes as the program grows and develops.
• Ability to reliably and consistently utilize the organization's technology systems, including time tracking software, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Suite programs.