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Substance Abuse Counselor
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Based on Maryland data
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What they do
A Substance Abuse Counselor counsels people struggling with addictions to alcohol, drugs or other substances. Assists clients in dealing with personal and professional problems related to substance abuse. Collaborates with other health care and mental health care professionals to coordinate services for clients, and works with families of substance abusers. May work in a clinic, health care facility or community based program, or work with clients referred through the criminal justice system.
$26,390 / year median in Maryland
+19% projected growth
Job Description
RESPONSIBILITES
- Provide counseling to individuals and groups regarding the use and effect of alcohol and drugs
- Assist clients to identify their individual needs, strengthens, weaknesses, goals for treatment to develop treatment plans
- Collaborate with other professionals involved with clients, when appropriate to help client with goals
- Assist clients to meet all requirements of their care
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment program and communicate needs, progress, and barriers with client and staff during weekly staff meetings
- Counsel clients in individual or group sessions by listening to their stories, concerns or issues and providing feedback, including teaching them coping techniques and offering advice on their current situations
- Educate clients on treatment options, methods and techniques to ensure the clients understands the process when they are completing the intake procedures
- Maintain records for insurance and client tracking, along with personal files in the company's EMR computer program for your use as you work with the client and create the treatment plan
- Conduct research as needed to develop new treatment methods and to stay up-to-date on changes within the field
- Agree to and comply with all company policies and procedures as outlined in the employee handbook, including how to handle patient grievances, proper intake procedures, staff meeting requirements and general code of conduct
- Assist with general monitoring of clients as needed based upon availability and staffing needs