BestCare Treatment Services is offering an unpaid internship opportunity for students pursuing a career in Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment and behavioral health. This internship provides hands-on experience in a professional treatment setting, allowing interns to observe and support clinical services while gaining practical knowledge of addiction treatment, recovery principles, and interdisciplinary care.

Interns will work alongside experienced professionals, develop foundational skills in client engagement and documentation, and gain exposure to evidence-based practices in a structured and supportive learning environment. This opportunity is ideal for individuals seeking meaningful field experience while preparing for certification or advanced education in behavioral health.   

JOB   SUMMARY: As part of the Treatment Team and under the supervision of a qualified SUD Counselor, the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor Intern provides individual and group counseling services to patients participating in the Program as well as to clients and family members on theories and treatment of substance use disorders using a patient-centered approach. The SUD Counselor Trainee also functions as community liaison for a patient-centered and harm-reduction approach to substance use disorder treatment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Under supervision of a qualified SUD Counselor, works closely with the Treatment Team with assigned caseload of clients enrolled in the Program;
• Learns how to take intakes, assessments and develops treatment plans as appropriate using American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria to assess for appropriate levels of patient care (LOC) and integration with Mental Health and SUD programs;
• Collaborates with clients on completion of individualized treatment plans that contain goals and objectives that are measurable and are based on assessed needs and problems;
• Learns how to provide treatment through a variety of modalities including individual sessions, group counseling, and family counseling, as well as case management services, ensuring individualized, quality care;
• Participates in counseling sessions for individuals, groups, and persons diagnosed with substance use disorders working collaboratively with treatment team members and other agencies and applying principles, procedures, techniques, trends, and literature of individual and group counseling;
• Studies to learn what is involved in providing crisis intervention as needed;
• Assesses ongoing needs of individuals, update assessments and recommendations as needed, and make appropriate referrals for additional services as needed;
• Builds skills to work effectively with all recovery resource providers and all agencies in the community to provide seamless continuum of care for patients with substance use disorders;
• Works and communicates effectively and respectfully with client and family populations with diverse backgrounds and needs;
• Learns how to lead psycho-educational, skill development, relapse prevention, process, gender-specific, and medication supported recovery groups as assigned;
• Provides information about the Program to individuals, the public and an outreach to community groups;
• Collaborates with Certified Recovery Mentors on patient care and provides support and direction as needed;
• Collaborates with and supports clients on discharge and after-care planning;
• Maintains compliance with all state and federal laws and regulations, as they pertain to position including HIPAA, scope of practice, accreditation standards, OHA and OSHA;
• Works closely with referral sources, keeping them informed on the progress of the client, as needed and appropriate for client confidentiality;
• Maintains documentation of client services in the electronic client file (EHR), in a timely manner in accordance with policies and procedures and regulatory standards; 
• Other related duties as assigned.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs work in alignment with BestCare’s mission, vision, values;
• Supports the organization’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by fostering a culture of inclusivity, open-mindedness,   equity, cultural awareness, compassion, and respect for all individuals; 
• Strives to meet Program/Department goals and supports the organization’s strategic goals;
• Adheres to the organization’s Code of Conduct, Business Ethics, Employee Handbook, and all other relevant policies, procedures, and other compliance needs;
• Understands and maintains professionalism and confidentiality per HIPAA, 42 CFR, and Oregon Statutes;
• Attends required program/staff meetings and completes assigned training timely and satisfactorily;
• Ensures that any required certifications and/or licenses are kept current and renewed timely;
• Works independently as well as participates as a positive, collaborative team member;
• Performs other organizational duties as needed.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES: Must have demonstrated competency or ability to attain competency for each of the following within a reasonable period: 

• Knowledge of social aspects of psychological and emotional disturbances
• Knowledge and training in substance use disorders and related issues and understanding of recovery models including harm reduction and medication supported recovery, as well as the “Stages of Change/Motivational Interviewing” model of treatment
• Knowledge and ability to complete ASAM’s
• Proficiency in MS Office 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook), EHR platform, databases, virtual   meeting platforms, internet, and ability to learn new or updated software;
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills
• Strong communication skills (oral and written)
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
• Critical thinking skills
• Ability to maintain strict confidence as required by HIPAA, 42 CFR, and Oregon Statutes
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships
• Ability to function well and use good judgment in a high-paced and at times stressful   environment
• Ability to manage conflict resolution and anger/fear/hostility/violence of others appropriately and effectively
• Ability to work effectively and respectfully in a multi-cultural environment
• Ability to work independently as well as participating as a positive, collaborative team member

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma (or equivalent)
• For individuals in recovery from substance-use disorder, must have maintained continuous recovery for the previous two years at the time of hire 
• Bilingual/fluent in English/Spanish required

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• CADC-R within one (1) week of hire
• Current CPR and First Aid certification or ability/commitment to obtain within 6 weeks of hiring
• Food Handler’s Certificate of ability/commitment to obtain within 30 days of hiring
• Must maintain a valid Oregon Driver License or ability to obtain one upon hire, and be insurable under the organization’s auto liability coverage policy (minimum 21 years of age and no Type A violations in the past 3 years, or three (3) or more Type B violations)

PREFERRED:

• Associate’s degree in addiction or other behavioral health field preferred