Substance Abuse Counselor / Substance Use Team

DEFINITION/PRIMARY FUNCTION

The role of the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor on the SUD team is to provide direct care and support to substance use patients on the acute care units (med-surg and mother-baby) in all phases of their illness during inpatient stays. The counselor performs an initial assessment, coordinates treatment planning, case management, offers educational/group therapy, discusses harm reduction model, provides educational and clinic information on MAT medications and options available for aftercare services for SUD/AUD. The counselor completes a thorough Medical Chart Review and assists where necessary with care recommendations as indicated. The Counselor functions as an integral part of a multidisciplinary team, working in conjunction with the Advanced Practice Clinical Lead, and applying his/her knowledge to assist the patient/ family to increase their coping skills and knowledge throughout the patient's hospital stay and prepare them for discharge. The Counselor uses a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach to work collaboratively with clients and the treatment team members to help support clients in their treatment and recovery. The Counselor works closely with patients to engage them in the decision-making process and help them understand the benefits of accessing the appropriate level of after care as indicated. The Counselor when indicated will collect information from collateral resources to aid in determining diagnosis and need for treatment. The Counselor will monitor patients access to and involvement with treatment and other providers to help address barriers to treatment and the recovery process. The Counselor is required to have knowledge of medical terminology, medical procedures, and various medical providers and staff, in order to communicate effectively with the patient. A strong working knowledge of various MAT modalities and community care partners is essential. The SUD counselor provides education opportunities to nurses, residents, case managers and additional hospital staff to assist with the management of SUD patients. The counselor is also responsible to participate in the SUD task force, content-related Grand Rounds/MDPIs/Schwartz Rounds and additional meetings and educational presentations pertaining to care of SUD patients.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

(Minimum qualifications are required unless stated otherwise.)

Experience:

Two years experience in Substance Abuse Field, preferably in an inpatient setting.

Education and Training:

Bachelors degree in counseling or other related human service field preferred.

License, Certification & Registration:

CADCL - CADC or LADC I or II within 12 months of hire, in MA or Bachelor's Degree in Health & Human Services. CPR Certified within 3 months of hire.

Other Requirements:

N/A.