Licensed Therapist (LCSW, MSW, LMFT, LMHC)

POSITION TITLE: Licensed Therapist (LCSW, MSW, LMFT, LMHC)
DEPARTMENT: Health and Human Services (HHS) – Opioid Treatment Program (OTP)
LOCATION: Vancouver, Washington
REPORTS TO: Clinic Director
STATUS: Hourly; Full-Time

SCHEDULE: Monday – Friday, 7:00 am – 3:30 pm
WAGE RANGE: $45.45 - $54.50 per hour

CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled (First Review 10/14/2026)

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered a preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes a Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***

Position Summary:

Plays an important role in helping patients build a new life and create positive change that extends to their families and our community. This position provides counseling and support to patients working toward recovery and lasting wellness. The ideal candidate is a licensed counselor with training in chemical dependency and experience working with multicultural populations. The successful candidate will demonstrate patience, humility, determination, agility, optimism, organization, and empathy in their work with patients and the care team. Adheres to HIPAA and confidentiality requirements. Honors and represents the mission, vision, and values of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and of the HHS department.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

- Provide treatment in individual and group settings for individuals and families of individuals with substance use disorder.

- Coordinate with the in-house psychiatrist and other care team members to ensure patients receive integrated and seamless care within the clinic.

- Provide regular feedback regarding client progress to third-party monitors.

- Handle phone inquiries from community members requesting information about outpatient chemical dependency treatment.

- Maintain up-to-date, accurate progress notes and client records on personal caseload.

- Evaluate and assess potential patients for appropriateness for outpatient treatment.

- Participate in contacting community referral sources and disseminating information about outpatient chemical dependency treatment and the neurobehavioral model.

- Attend regular training sessions and other events as required.

- Adhere to personnel policies and clinical protocols.

- Orient new patients to the program rules, policies, procedures, and patients rights.

- Recognize and apply patients' Strengths, Needs, Abilities, and Preferences (SNAP) to implement individualized treatment plans that effectively help patients reach their short- and long-term goals

- Providing outside referrals for specialized services and conducting follow-up.

- Reviewing Physician notes following intake or other medical appointments. Including any high-risk factors in the patient treatment plan.

- Refer high-risk patients to the clinic Physician as needed (e.g., new pregnancy, medication instability, other reported ailments).

- Scheduling individual and group counseling sessions with patients, documenting rescheduled or missed appointments. Reviewing missed counseling appointments (handout) with patients.

- Engaging in community relations and outreach efforts when appropriate.

- Collect research data when requested.

- Present clients and participate in case conferences.

- Have documentation signed within designated time frames as determined by policies and procedures as well as regulatory requirements.

- Adopt a team approach concept and collaborate with clinical and medical staff to ensure quality patient care.

- Proactively ensure that clients have enough counseling as appropriate for their condition, including proactively working with front office and medical staff to see patients for counseling when they are in the clinic for dosing.

- Perform diverse tasks or other duties assigned by the Clinic Supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

- Organization and time management skills.

- Communication skills both written and verbal.

- Competency with Microsoft computer programs.

- Understanding of intensive case management, mental health concepts, cognitive behavioral therapies, motivational interviewing, recovery, and mindfulness concepts.

- A successful track record working with, and sensitivity to, multi-cultural populations.

- Passion for working with people, even on tough days.

- Ability to treat everyone like they are the only person in the room.

- Good listener.

- Welcoming of differences and diversity.

- Ability to work independently and to thrive as part of a team.

- Ability to take direction and receive constructive feedback.

- Ability to stay calm, focused, and kind in stressful situations.

- Organized and detail-oriented.

- Reliable.

- Flexibility, versatility, and willingness to jump into new situations and challenges.

- Humility.

- Willingness to share your opinion.

- Courage to stand up for your convictions.

- Ability to help create a safe environment for patients and staff.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

- Graduate-level behavioral health degree or extensive history of working in the chemical dependency field as a counselor.

- Must be registered with the Washington Board of Behavioral Sciences or certified (or registered) by a Washington-recognized drug and alcohol certifying body.

- Prior training in counseling or substance use disorder treatment.

- History of performing in a professional capacity.

- Willing to follow NorthStars personnel policies.

- Able to work the hours and days required by position.

- Be willing to learn and able to deliver the NorthStar Clinic model of outpatient chemical dependency treatment.

- Ability to provide health and TB clearance.

- Must pass a background check and urine drug screen.

- Read, understand, and comply with NorthStar Clinics Code of Conduct policy.

- Observe proper chain of command and reporting processes.

- Report inappropriate behavior and misconduct of other staff.

- Maintain a non-smoking, safe, healthy, pleasant, and orderly working environment.

- Maintain required daily work schedules, punctuality, and reporting of absences or scheduled time off in accordance with NorthStar Clinic policies and procedures.

- Maintain knowledge of and compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Tribal preference in accordance with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CITs established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Background Investigation Requirements:

- Pre-employment drug screen.

- Reference checks, education, and employment verification.

- Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks including fingerprint verification.

- Has not been found guilty of, charged with, received a deferred sentence, received a conditional discharge of, or entered a plea of not contest to, or entered a plea of guilty to any one felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, or sexual contact; prostitution; or crimes committed against person(s) or children.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee occasionally is required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and clarity of vision at long distance.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in an office or outdoor setting with a moderate noise level. Exposure to natural weather conditions and dust, fumes, airborne particles, and/or allergens may occur while performing outdoor duties. Situations occur where PPE (personal protective equipment) is needed. May come into contact with hostile, violent, or offensive individuals. Overnight travel, evening and/or weekend work is occasionally required. Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common.