Aftercare Specialist

Department:        Inpatient Behavioral Health

FLSA Status:        Non-Exempt

Work Schedule:  Full-Time; Mon-Fri. 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Reports to:           Inpatient Behavioral Health Director

Wage Range:      $34.00-$44.42/hr DOE/DOQ

Revised Date:       10/2025

About the Company

The Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations is a residential treatment facility for youth with co-occurring disorders (chemical dependency and mental health). The Healing Lodge provides a safe and caring treatment setting located on 51 acres. Our wellness program offers a peaceful environment for treatment balanced in traditional, cultural, and spiritual values and practices. These values and practices foster respect, honesty, generosity, strong cultural identification and hope for positive life changes. The Healing Lodge treatment program integrates cultural teachings and traditions into modern evidence-based practices in order to create a holistic approach toward healing. Residents include both Native American and non-Native youth from all areas of the country.

Benefits 

· Full Medical, Dental and Vision benefits after 60 days employment

o HL7N pays 100% of the insurance premium for Full-time Employees (30 hours+).  

o HL7N pays $6000 of out of pocket healthcare costs for medical, dental or vision utilizing the Navia Debit Card.

· $75,000 Life Insurance, Short and Long-Term disability after 90 days. HL7N pays 100% of the premium for Full-Time employees (32+ hours.

· Annually Employees receive 12 paid holidays; 20 Paid-Time-Off (PTO) days per year after the employee has been employed FTE (32 hrs.+) and achieve successful 90-days performance evaluation rating.

·  403(b) Thrift Savings Plan with the HL7N maximum pension contribution of 6%, completed 12 months of employment (at least 1,000 hrs.) and successful performance evaluation rating.

· Healing Lodge employment may qualify for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program as well as loan repayment through Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)  

About the Position

The Aftercare Specialist plays a vital role in supporting youth as they transition from residential treatment back into their communities. Working closely with residents during their stay, this position is responsible for developing individualized aftercare plans that promote long-term recovery, stability, and success. The Aftercare Specialist collaborates with families, tribal representatives, probation officers, and community resources to ensure each youth has a strong support network and access to ongoing services. This role requires excellent communication, documentation, and follow-through to maintain continuity of care and track youth progress post-discharge.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

· Build trusting relationships with youth during residential treatment to develop personalized aftercare plans.

· Work in close collaboration with the resident’s primary counselor to design a comprehensive, culturally responsive aftercare plan that aligns with treatment goals and supports long-term success.

· Coordinate with families, tribal representatives, probation officers, and community providers to identify culturally appropriate and trauma-informed resources.

· Maintain regular communication with youth and families post-discharge to monitor progress.

· Update and maintain a comprehensive resource guide for community services, including housing, education, employment, mental health, and substance use support.

· Document all case management activities, communications, and progress notes in accordance with agency and regulatory standards.

· Track youth outcomes and engagement with aftercare services to inform program improvements and reporting.

· Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to ensure continuity of care and alignment with treatment goals.

· Advocate for youth needs and help navigate barriers to accessing services in their home communities.

· Respond to crises or setbacks with compassion and solution-focused support, involving appropriate parties as needed.

· Uphold professionalism, respect, and confidentiality in all interactions with youth, families, and external partners.

· Provide support and backup coverage for SUD professionals such as groups and/or intakes.

· Demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness in fast-paced situations, including unexpected discharges or urgent transitions, ensuring aftercare planning remains thorough and timely.

· Assist with transitional logistics, which may include helping residents manage items such as cell phones or other tools that support their reintegration and communication needs.

· Some participation in community networking events to build relationships with external service providers, strengthen referral pathways, and promote awareness of available resources.

· May be present during youth discharge, including outside of standard business hours, to support smooth transitions and ensure aftercare plans are activated effectively

· Other duties assigned.

Position Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counseling or other related field required – OR – willing to consider a combination of experience and/or education that demonstrates ability to perform successfully in the position.

· Minimum of 2 years in case management, youth services or behavioral health.

· Knowledge of adolescent development, trauma-informed care, and substance use recovery

· Familiarity with tribal communities, probation systems, and culturally responsive practices.

· Strong communication, organization, and documentation skills.

· Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, residential setting.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic health record systems.

· Valid driver’s license

· Experience in facilitating therapeutic groups preferred.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must have basic computer skills, including working knowledge of MS Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, & PowerPoint.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally required to bend, stoop, or crouch and lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. The employee is regularly required use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods of time. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. Ability to work extended hours and weekends if necessary.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Work is generally performed in an indoor environment with frequent normal conversations. Work situations involve interpersonal relationships in a job setting beyond giving and receiving work instructions. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The Healing Lodge believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. This position description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope, but not limit our employees nor the organization to just the work identified. It is our expectation that each employee will offer his/her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of the company.

The Healing Lodge is an equal employment opportunity employer and drug-free workplace. As a tribal program, preference in hiring Native American employees at The Healing Lodge is strongly supported. To receive Indian Preference consideration, proof of tribal enrollment is required.