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75 - Supervising Counselor
Career Insights for Substance Abuse Counselor
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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.
$27,078 / year median in New York
+16% projected growth
Job Description
JOB SUMMARY
This position Supervises and coordinates Substance Use Counselors and Peer Recovery Specialists in the delivery of high-quality counseling services. Ensures adherence to applicable regulations and standards.ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Primary Responsibilities:
Analyzes counseling methods, procedures, and techniques to improve quality of service.- Identifies program areas for improvement and provides necessary training and staff development.
- Coordinates the flow of information to appropriate sources (medical providers, regulatory agencies, etc.)
- Assigns cases to counselors and ensures appropriate caseloads. Ensures that counselors are spending most of their time providing direct services to patients and meeting organizational targets.
- Approves treatment plans and works with counselors to ensure services are provided in line with treatment plans.
- Conducts in-service training for counseling staff.
- Reviews counselor's documentation.
- Chairs treatment team meetings and case review sessions.
- Prepares monthly reports on initial assessments and case conferences.
- Directly provides counseling and crisis intervention services as needed.
- Additional duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- Supervises counseling and staff.
- Interviews, hires, and trains employees, Plans, assigns, and directs work; prepares appraisal performances, rewards and disciplines employees.
- Addresses any complaints and resolves problems.
- Carries out all other supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
C QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
Master's degree in behavioral health, Social Science of Psychology fields with emphasis on counseling.- Credential in Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC-M) or (CASAC-A), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
- Two (2) years' experience providing direct care
- One (1) year of supervisory experience. OR
- Bachelor's degree in one of the above majors
- NYS Maser Credential in Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC-M), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
- Four (4) years' experience providing direct care services
- Two (2) years' supervisory experience.
Skills and Abilities:
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals and regulatory documents.
- Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the community.
- Ability to write reports and correspondence.
- Ability to effectively present information to management, public groups, and interested healthcare professionals, and to establish and maintain rapport with clients.
- Ability to calculate figures and amounts.
- Knowledge of statistical methods.
- Ability to define problems, collect data, and draw valid conclusions.
- Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
- Ability to perform research according to professional format and standards.
- Knowledge of the basic principles, practices, and techniques used in substance use counseling,
- Demonstrated ability to develop and carry out treatment plans in a clinical setting.
- Tact, good judgment, strong initiative, resourcefulness, and understanding the principles of medical confidentiality.
Physical Demands:
- Ability to hear and listen.
- Must be able to sit and stand for prolonged periods of time.
- Use of hands is required for tasks such as typing, writing, handling documents, and using office equipment.
- Ability to speak Spanish when delivering services is desired
- Must have observation skills, mental alertness, and emotional stability.