Licensed Mental Health/Subs. Use Therapist I

Position

Licensed Mental Health & Substance Use Therapist

Division

Ponca Health Services

Department: Behavioral Health

Reports To: Clinical Lead Licensed MH/SA Therapist/Chief Behavioral Health Officer

Location: Norfolk

Exempt/Non-Exempt

Exempt/Non-Exempt

Salary

Tier 1 Grade 11 ($56,305.00-$83,429.59)

Tier 2 Grade 12 ($61,942.00-$90,286.50)

Tier 3 Grade 13 ($68,136.20-$99,315.15)

Classification: Full-Time

Summary

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is a federally recognized Tribe with its ancestral homeland located in Niobrara, NE. The Tribe does not have a reservation in the classic definition; rather, the Ponca Restoration Act defined its jurisdiction as a ‘Service Delivery Area’ comprised of 15 counties throughout parts of Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota. Within its Service Delivery Area, the Tribe offers a broad range of health, social, educational, and cultural services.

The Licensed Mental Health & Substance Use Therapist will be devoted to providing both mental health and substance abuse counseling with an emphasis on culturally sensitive interventions to individuals and families;. The Licensed Mental Health & Substance Use Therapist may also assist in leading group sessions.

Essential to the mission of Ponca Health Services, the Licensed Mental Health & Substance Use Therapist will work with relevant stakeholders to provide holistic and integrated health care.

The Licensed Mental Health & Substance Use Therapist will work with relevant stakeholders to integrate access to care and resources across Tribal departments.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

1. Provide outpatient counseling to individuals and families needing short or intermediate term mental health interventions.

2. Provide outpatient group therapy, as needed.

3. Conduct mental health, substance use, and co-occurring assessments and provides recommendations through a referral process.

4. Provide consultations with PCPs to enhance understanding of the patient, provide decision support for treatment planning and assist in the implementation and monitoring of biopsychosocial treatment plans.

5. Effectively utilize evidenced-based therapeutic interventions.

6. Work with a multi-disciplinary team, including case managers, medical providers, and psychiatric providers, to help inform treatment planning and to advocate on behalf of clients.

7. Collaborate with other agencies, such as the criminal justice system, to advocate on behalf of the client.

8. Collaborate with other Tribal departments (i. e. Medical, social services, ICWA, etc) to advocate on behalf of the client.

9. Complete clinical records including progress notes, reports, assessments, treatment plans, and discharge summaries on a timely basis according to PTN requirements, state regulations, and licensing standards.

10. Maintain professional credentials with the current State Counseling Licensure and maintain continuing education as specified by state licensure.

11. All data recorded will be timely; accurate; and current.

12. Patient confidentiality and Privacy Act/CFR 42 and HIPAA must be enforced must be enforced.

13. Will follow the policies and procedures of Ponca Health Services and the Behavioral Health Department

14. Additional duties as assigned, including, but not limited to: training new team members, assisting with grant data collection, attending grant recipient award meetings, Youth Group; and Community Outreach.

Relationships and Authority

This position has no supervisory duties

Working Environment and Physical Demands

Physical requirements include carrying/lifting up to 5 pounds, frequently; up to 10 pounds, regularly; and up to 25 pounds, occasionally.

Visual acuity, speech and hearing; hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to drive an automobile and operate computer keyboard and basic office equipment; subject to carrying, lifting, twisting and reaching to perform essential job functions.

Working conditions are primarily in an office environment with occasional travel to other locations.

At times staff may be required to work with patients/clients who are in crisis and demonstrate empathy, understanding, respect, and advocacy while remaining calm in stressful situations.

Qualifications

Minimum

1. Masters in Counseling or Social Work

2. Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Provider

3. Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint programs.

4. Excellent written and oral communication skills.

5. Successfully pass drug and alcohol testing, motor vehicle, education, character, and criminal background checks

6. Able and willing to travel.

Preferred

1. Two or more years’ experience in providing individual, family and group counseling.

2. Fully licensed or Independently Licensed Mental Health Provider

3. Licensed or Provisionally Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor

4. One year experience working with Native Americans or Native American organizations.

5. Knowledge and understanding of Public Law 93-638: Indian Self-Determination Act.

Tier 1: (Grade 10)—Provisional Licensure

Masters in Counseling or Social Work

Active and good standing Provisional Licensed Mental Health Provider

Tier 2: (Grade 12)

Masters in Counseling or Social Work

Active and good standing Licensed Mental Health Provider

Tier 3: (Grade 13)

Masters in Counseling in Social Work

Active and good standing Licensed Independent Mental Health Provider

Active and good standing Provisional or Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Three or more years’ experience as a Licensed Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counselor

PHS Category

Designation

Specify

Risk Exposure Level

Low/Moderate/High

Moderate

Annual Credentialing

Yes/No

Yes

IT Privilege

Aprima/Dentrix/ScriptPro/Other

APRIMA

Preference will be given to Ponca Tribe of Nebraska members or members of a federally recognized tribe. However, all qualified individuals are eligible.

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is an at-will employer.

Tribal Council Approval: 04/06/2026