SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR 2

The Department of Public Safety is recruiting to fill a Substance Abuse Counselor 2 position within the Parole and Probation Division in Las Vegas. The incumbent performs clinical assessments and screenings of offenders; conducts substance abuse assessments of offenders in accordance with Nevada guidelines; develops treatment plans for offenders that include individual and group therapy sessions; and prepares discharge plans. The counselor educates and coordinates educational opportunities with providers. The incumbent maintains schedules and chronological entries for offenders being treated, updates all records in OTIS, and documents progress of counseling sessions with offenders. They will also maintain clinical files and provide supervising officers with inmates' treatment status. Certification as an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor by the State of Nevada Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Counselors.

Perform initial screenings and assessments of clients; review personal history files and court documents and conduct personal interviews; gather pertinent information with the use of screening and assessment instruments such as Nevada Risk Assessment System (NRAS), American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) standards; diagnose and/or classify substance abusers, extent of alcohol and drug abuse and personality traits; determine classification, level of care, treatment needs and continuity of care. Prepare written treatment plans; monitor and document client progress in relation to treatment plans, goals and objectives and adjust level of care accordingly; document contacts and services; prepare assessment, discharge, and progress reports and summaries as required. Plan, develop, organize and conduct alcohol and drug abuse cessation and prevention classes; prepare course curriculum based upon the goals and objectives set by the facility; conduct orientation and individual and/or group counseling, intervention, education and referral; facilitate crisis and behavior intervention to include referral for mental health services and/or other resources; consult with and utilize other services, agencies, resources and professionals as needed. Provide in-service training regarding counseling programs, education and services related to alcohol and drug abuse. Prepare statistical documentation and reports on caseload activities and services. Maintain ethics and confidentiality standards according to regulation. Perform related duties as assigned. Under general supervision, incumbents perform the full range of duties described in the series concept. This is the journey level in the series and is distinguished from the lower level by greater independence, judgment and decision-making required, and completion of a Board-approved internship. This job specification lists the major knowledge, skills and abilities of the job and is not all inclusive. Incumbent(s) will be expected to have knowledge, skills and abilities from a previous level.

Working knowledge of:

federal and State alcohol and drug abuse laws, rules and regulations; illegal substances, drug classifications, and psychiatric medications used to treat abusers of alcohol and/or drugs; psychological and physiological effects of substance abuse; concepts, principles and techniques used in the screening, assessment and evaluation of abusers of alcohol and/or drugs; counseling and treatment of alcohol and/or drug abusers in group and individual settings; facilities, programs, and related resources available for rehabilitation, education, discharge planning for continuity of care, and training in the field of substance abuse; American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) levels of service and treatment and the current edition of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM).

Ability to:

write concise, logical and grammatically correct analytical reports assessing the progress of clients in alcohol and drug treatment programs; provide in-service training; evaluate and document client progress towards treatment goals and plan, coordinate, and facilitate appropriate follow-up activities; foster a stimulating, accepting learning environment; work independently and as a team member; provide group treatment and individual substance abuse counseling using accepted treatment modalities.