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.
Supervising Counselor provides supervision, guidance and training for other counselors. He or she is highly knowledgeable and experienced in all aspects of substance use disorder counseling. He or she is also responsible for the clinical functioning of the substance use disorder service that he or she is supervising.
Essentials Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities:
The following statements reflect the duties considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job as identified and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in this position.
Primary Job Duties:
Conducts individual and group therapy and serves as a primary therapist. Prepares assessments, evaluations, and treatment plans. Presents cases in case conference and periodically re- evaluates client progress and supervises some sessions as assigned. Responsible for supervision, hiring, and termination of department staff with the approval of the Division Director of Patient Care. Responsible for OASAS reviews, budget, Quality Assurance and Utilization Review. Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to clients of all ages including adolescents, adult and geriatric people. The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span. Must possess the ability to assess data reflective of the client's status. Must interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each client's requirements relative to their age and specific needs, and provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures.
Additional Job Duties:
Maintains contact with referral sources and other providers in accordance with New York State and Federal confidentiality regulations.
Professional Expectations:
Maintains professional affiliations and enhances professional growth and development by keeping abreast of the latest developments in appropriate area(s) of expertise through seminars, workshops, conferences, continuing education, etc. Follows established department and organization policies, procedures, objectives, quality management, safety, environmental and infection control. Demonstrates understanding behaviors consistent with the facilities Mission, Vision, Goals and Values. Recognizes the importance of customer satisfaction. Develops appropriate behaviors and attitudes regarding exceeding customer expectations. Works to promote cooperative staff effort to provide and maintain high quality service to patients, physicians, and other hospital personnel to assure quality patient care. Courteously responds to inquiries from same. Maintains a neat, clean, and safe work environment. Performs other duties as requested. Education Required (Minimum) Associates degree and/or current enrollment in four-year degree program in Human Services or related program.
Licensure/Certification Credential:
Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor who has a current, valid credential as issued by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services in accordance with Paragraphs 19.07 (a) (19) and (20) of the Mental Hygiene Law, or other qualified health professional as defined by the New York Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services in 14 NYCRR, part 372. College graduate from programs with a four-year course of study and counseling course work OR other relevant course work beyond the minimum required for New York State Certification and re-certification, or Master of Social Work degree. (Preferred). Experience Required (Minimum): Four years' paid experience in Substance Use Disorder counseling (at least one year of this experience having been acquired at the location of supervising experience.)
Working Conditions:
Office environment, team approach, multiple locations
Mental Demands:
Must be able to work with strict deadlines and highly confidential information. Must be able to deal with sensitive issues and discussions with employees and physicians. Physical Demands Some sitting. Stands and walks most of the day. Lifts, pushes, pulls patients, equipment and furniture. Frequent exposure to disagreeable odors, communicable disease, infections, and injuries from patients/equipment.
Contacts:
Physicians, patients/residents and their families, employees, volunteers, various regulatory agencies, and insurance companies.
