Chemical Dependency Specialist (SUDP)

What is PACT?

Program of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) is a dynamic, team-based approach to delivering mental health services in the community. Instead of waiting for people to come to a clinic, PACT meets them wherever they are-at home, a local cafe, or their workplace-creating a supportive, real-world environment. This hands-on style not only reduces the need for hospital visits but also fosters independence and empowerment. It's an exciting, people-first way to promote recovery, where each day brings new opportunities to engage with clients, celebrate successes, and make a tangible difference right where life happens!

What is a Chemical Dependency Specialist on a PACT team?

A Co-Occurring Disorders (COD) Specialist or Chemical Dependency Specialist is a key member of the PACT team who works with individuals managing both mental health challenges and substance use issues. By combining mental health counseling with substance use interventions, the Chemical Dependency Specialist provides a fully integrated approach, helping clients develop coping strategies for both conditions. Working closely with other team members-psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, and more-the Chemical Dependency Specialist helps shape collaborative, person-centered care plans. This role is ideal for someone who loves being out in the community, meeting clients where they're at, and offering compassionate, hands-on support that empowers each person to thrive.Schedule:Monday - Friday, 8 am to 5 pm + participation in the rotation for after-hours call coverage

Responsibilities:

• Provide service coordination (case management), engagement and motivational enhancement strategies, problem solving, and relapse prevention for an assigned group of clients
• Conduct comprehensive substance use assessments that consider the relationship between substance use and mental health. Apply stages of treatment and functional analysis to inform treatment planning
• Provide individual supportive therapy and symptom management, ensuring immediate changes are made in the treatment plans as clients' needs change
• Educate and support clients and theirfamilies, and advocate for clients' rights and preferences throughout treatment
• Acts as liaison and consult with community agencies and families to maintain coordination in the treatment process
• Provide on-call crisis intervention covering nighttime hours, medication monitoring, and case management
• Document client progress to maintain a permanent record of client activity according to established methods and procedures. Provide ongoing assessment of clients' occurring disorders symptoms and clients' response to treatment
• Provide ongoing assessment, problem solving, side-by-side services, skill training, supervision (e.g., prompts, assignments, monitoring, encouragement), and environmental adaptations to assist clients with activities of daily livingandto increase client social and interpersonal activities in community settings
• Utilize a stage-based treatment model that is non-confrontational, considers interactions of mental illness and substance abuse, and has client-determined goals
• Organize and lead individual and group social and recreational activities to structure clients' time, increase social experiences, and provide opportunities to practice social skills and receive feedback and support

Job Requirements:

The following requirements are those that are normally required for performance of this position. Any disabled applicant or incumbent who does not meet or more of the physical requirements, but who can perform the essential function of the job (with or without reasonable accommodations) shall be deemed to meet these requirements.

Physical Requirements:

This position normally requires that physical demands of standing, walking, bending, lifting or performing other work requiring low physical exertion, talking and hearing on a regular basis to perform the job requirements. These physical demands are required up to 80% of the time. Position also requires ability to drive with adequate vision and skill.

Non-Physical Requirements:

Education

• Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or a related behavioral science field
• Education as required to obtain Substance Use Disorder Professional credential

Experience

• Prior experience providing behavioral health treatment
• Experience working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness is preferred

Licensure, Registration, Certification

• Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) license in WA State or Co-Occurring Disorder Specialist Enhancement to a qualifying clinical license
• Registered Agency Affiliated Counselor credential
• Valid Washington State driver's license and minimum required liability insurance for WA State
• Must be deemed insurable as determined by Catholic Charities liability insurance provider

Special Skills

• Familiarity with harm reduction principles, motivational interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques, and Integrated Dual Disorders Treatment (IDDT)
• Strong individual employment plan writing and computer skills
• Possess and utilize effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to be self-motivated, work independently and as a team member
• Ability to represent the agencies in a professional manner within the community
• Skills and competence to establish supportive trusting relationships with persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses and respect for client rights and personal preferences in treatment are essential

Employment is conditional upon:

• Being cleared by a criminal background check and fingerprinting when required.

Wage:$27 - $34 per hour, depending on experience

Signing Bonus: $5,000-$10,000 depending on experience (paid out in 2 or 4 installments depending on bonus amount)

Benefits:

• 13 paid holidays, 12 days of vacation, 12 days of sick leave per year
• Health insurance including medical & prescription coverage, with optional dental and vision insurance plans. Majority of premiums paid by Catholic Charities
• Retirement 403(b) Plan: employee contributions commence upon employment; Catholic Charities contributes 2% of monthly income and matches up to 4% of employee contributions following 6 months of employment
• Basic Life Insurance paid 100% by Catholic Charities
• Flexible Spending Account eligibility following 6 months of employment
• Education Assistance Program reimbursing up to $5,250 per year for approved continuing education after 6 months of employment
• Additional voluntary insurances including supplemental life, accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), critical illness, long term disability, accident, and ID theft
• Employee Assistance Program includes 3 counseling sessions per year, legal consultations, financial coaching, and other wellbeing tools
• Annual longevity awards begin at 5 years of employment

It is the practice of Catholic Charities to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, citizenship status, marital status, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, sexual orientation, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Applicants from underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We gladly offer reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities to support participation in the hiring process and employment