Compensation:

· Non-exempt/Hourly

· New hires are placed on our starting wage scale of $29.66-$35.29 per hour

· Based on performance, there is room to grow on our full wage scale of $29.66-$40.91 per hour

Work Schedule:

· Full-time Monday-Friday

Who We Are

Unity Care NW is a private, non-profit, federally qualified health center (FQHC) that has been proudly and successfully serving the greater Whatcom County area since 1982. With clinics located in Bellingham & Ferndale, we offer comprehensive primary medical, behavioral health and dental care, as well as pharmacy services to a diverse and often underserved patient population of all ages. Employing almost 300 caring and compassionate employees, our mission is to increase the years of healthy life in the people & communities we serve.

What We Value

• Respect
• Integrity
• Accountability
• Collaboration
• Innovation

We have an inclusive culture and strive to demonstrate our Values in Action in all that we do. We value each individual on our team and aim to onboard a diverse workforce of the very best talent, whose ambitions and values align with ours.

Job Summary

The Substance Use Disorder Counselor provides comprehensive Substance Use counseling in a multi-specialty group practice community health center.  This includes:

1. Diagnoses Patients:

a. Assesses patients referred to Substance Use Disorder treatment (SUD) program to determine the patient’s diagnosis, utilizing Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5 or DSM-5TR) Diagnostic criteria.

b. Assesses patients referred to SUD program to determine the patient’s level of care need, utilizing American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria.

 

2. Treats Patients:

a. Sees patients for substance use disorders found within the DSM-5 as referred by the Primary Care Providers, PCBH/SBH therapists, Psychiatric team, and Case Managers.

b. Coordinates treatment plans related to management of substance use disorders with other treatment providers.

c. Directs patients to appropriate additional services, including psychiatry, mental health counseling, and case management, or higher levels of care in addiction treatment, such as detoxification services or residential treatment.

d. Communicates and coordinates the transfer or cessation of care with other internal stakeholders.

e. Willingness to perform observed urinary drug screens as dictated by client need.

 

3. Provides Consultation and Education to Patients and Necessary Stakeholders:

a. Provide consultation and input related to the ongoing care to other internal providers, external providers, parents and caregivers, teachers, and other necessary stakeholders.

 

What We Offer

• A friendly team-based environment
• A competitive compensation package
• No call schedule
• In-house case management

Generous Benefits

• Medical, dental, & vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match after 1 year of eligibility
• 6 paid holidays
• Generous paid time off of 108 hours accrued in Year 1 gradually increasing to 196 hours per year over 10 years
• Paid sick leave
• Other paid leaves for Bereavement, Jury Duty & Bone Marrow/Organ Donation
• Life/AD&D insurance
• Variety of optional insurances including Supplementary Life/AD&D, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Critical Illness, Accident, and Travel as well as Identity Theft Protection
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative transportation incentives
• Healthy Living reimbursement
• Unique programs including Medical Hardship Payroll Loans, Employee Referral Bonus, Will preparation services & a gym discount
• Continuing Education hours & dollars
• Reimbursement of renewal fees for WA State license
• Employment at UCNW counts towards eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness – details can be viewed at Federal Student Aid.
• Eligible providers may apply for loan repayment through the National Health Service Corps (NHSC Loan Repayment Program | NHSC (hrsa.gov)), Washington Student Achievement Council (Washington Health Corps | WSAC) &/or Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program (Apply to the Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program | Bureau of Health Workforce (hrsa.gov))

• Current Washington State Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) or Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee (SUDPT) certification or be eligible to obtain one.  Applicants with Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee (SUDPT) certification will have completed all educational requirements as stated in WAC 246-811-030
• Associate degree in human services or related field, or successful completion of 90 quarter or 60 semester college credits in courses from an approved school – see WAC 246-811-010(9). At least 45 quarter or 30 semester credits must be in courses relating to the substance use disorder profession and must include the topics listed in WAC 246-811-030.
• A full understanding of all aspects of the profession
• Skilled in using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Outlook as well as the ability to learn other systems used at UCNW for Electronic Medical Records, scheduling, HR/payroll, training, instant messaging, attending virtual meetings and performing telehealth visits  

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to communicate bilingually in Spanish or Russian
• Certification in supervision of addiction counseling 
• Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work or Mental Health Counseling
• Current Washington State Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Psychologist or Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker or ability to obtain one

Candidates who meet the requirements who have applicable experience or similar qualifications are encouraged to apply!

About Bellingham

Live in a community consistently rated as one of the most desirable in the USA! Nestled on Bellingham Bay at the foot of the Cascade Mountains just a short distance from Seattle, Vancouver BC, and the San Juan Islands, Bellingham is home to over 90,000 people and surrounded by several charming small towns. Enjoy all the area has to offer:

· Recreational & Outdoor Activities (Hiking, Biking, Skiing, Snow Boarding, Fishing, Sailing, Kayaking, & Camping)

· Excellent Schools (University, Community College, Technical School, & Outstanding K-12 Educational System)

· Small Town or City Living (Unique Shops, Local Festivals, Farmers Markets, Berry Picking, & Community Events)

· Cultural Activities (Theater, Music, Independent Films, Museums, Art Studios, & Diverse Local Restaurants)

To Apply

Please visit our Careers Page at www.unitycarenw.org or contact Vicki Curtis, Provider Recruiter, at hr@ucnw.org or 360-788-2661. For news on our organization & future job postings, please follow us on LinkedIn at https://bit.ly/363mfhv.

Unity Care NW has an Employee Health Program for the safety of our patients and staff. The program requires all new employees to have up to date vaccines for Covid-19 and influenza. More information about this program is provided throughout the recruitment process.