Addiction Technician

Health Solutions West is the Western slope’s largest behavioral health care organization, covering more than 23,000 square miles across 10 counties.  With over 250 employees in Western Colorado, you would be joining a mighty team of support and administrative staff, case managers, clinicians, physicians, nurses, and others in our efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of our community.

Position: Addiction Technician

Location: Grand Junction, Building B

Position Qualifications:

Certified Addiction Counselor Certification (CAC), and previous experience in human services related field preferred.  Must have a valid Colorado Driver’s License.  Requires ability to work irregular hours and shifts including days, swings, graveyard shifts, weekends and holidays.  Having lived experience with mental health condition(s) and/or substance use condition(s) desired.

Job Purpose:

Addiction Technicians will work with clients in Withdrawal Management and/or Residential programs, which includes providing milieu management. As part of a multi-disciplinary team, the Addiction Technicians will provide direct support to individuals experiencing mental health, substance abuse challenges, and withdrawal management needs. They will serve as a client advocate within systems, provide mentoring and education, and model wellness and recovery. Position will work directly with adults and their families.   Engages clients in withdrawal management-specific therapy, and monitors clients during the process of active detoxification or withdrawal to ensure physical stability while clients are in the facility. 

Knowledge, Skill & Ability (include materials and equipment directly used):

• CPR/BLS Certification for Healthcare Provider prior to independent patient care required.
• Verbal De-Escalation/Certification required prior to independent patient care required.  Must have ability to perform duties required by training to provide verbal de-escalation and physical and mechanical restraints if necessary (Training for certification will be provided).
• Organizational skills and creative problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply de-escalation skills.
• Ability to observe, report, and document client’s recovery process in electronic health record (EHR).
•  Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to utilize individual and group supervision(s) to develop proficiency.
• Ability to take initiative while working independently and/ as part of a treatment team.
• Ability to uphold the mission and goals of MSH/WSH.
• Utilize interpersonal and communication skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships with all internal and external employees, clients and community members.
• Working knowledge of Windows based computer applications to include Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, and Internet access.
• Ability to efficiently utilize various computer software applications, including an electronic health record (EHR).
• Ability to operate standard office equipment including computer keyboard, calculator, copy machine, fax and multi-line telephone.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships with all internal and external customers.
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload in a sometimes-hectic environment with frequent interruptions.
• Knowledge of AA/NA very helpful. 
• A high degree of emotional maturity and the ability to maintain a level of courtesy and professional decorum in adverse circumstances.
• Basic counseling skills including the ability to listen without judging, empathizing with the client, and being able to respond appropriately.
• The ability to function at peak performance levels during nighttime hours if required.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands:

Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Employee is frequently required to walk, sit, stand, or kneel and occasionally required to climb or balance, and stoop.  Must have the ability to sit for longer periods of time at a computer.  Employee must be able to travel between Health Solutions West sites.  May be exposed to stressful situations that involve enraged, distraught, and/or intoxicated individuals with possible mental health conditions. Possible exposure to communicable disease.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Must already be authorized to work in the US; sponsorships not available.