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.
We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated substance abuse counselor to provide direction and support to our clients. This individual will be responsible for developing treatment and recovery plans and identifying behaviors that impede an individual's recovery. The counselor will be required to maintain a caseload and facilitate individual and group therapy sessions. The substance abuse counselors must have prior education, training, and experience in helping people overcome alcohol, substance, drug, and behavioral addictions. Treatment provided must be delivered in a Trauma Informed approach. This person will perform the work in accordance with established regulations, policies, and procedures; but, is expected to exercise initiative and independent judgement while performing the duties as a counselor.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
1). Be proficient in the twelve core functions of drug and alcohol counseling. 2). Demonstrate proficiency in areas such as: engagement; coaching; linking; advocacy and use of recovery support services. 3). Understand the addiction process and recovery process. Understand the addictions and the negative affects it has on the family dynamic. 4). Manage all aspects of a case from date of entry to date of discharge. 5). Confers with clients' referral agency concerning progress and additional treatment. 6). Must have a working knowledge of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5). 7). As appropriate and in concert with the individual's treatment, assist the individual to address non-treatment needs as part of the individual's recovery process. 8). Must be proficient in remaining current and up to date with all forms of required documentation including bio-psych-social, progress notes, treatment plan, case consults, release of information forms and discharge summaries. 9). Must have working knowledge of conducting individual sessions and group dynamics. 10). Must know how to monitor a client's treatment progress and relay the success and barriers while conducting utilization reviews. 11). Must know how to professionally collaborate with doctors, other professional staff along with internal and external departments. 12). Be able to manage one's time to ensure that all duties and responsibilities are completed in a timely fashion in accordance with treatment guidelines. 13). Confers with immediate supervisor for guidance. 14). Keeps accurate records and ensure that these records are completed within the specified time. 15). Ensures that all client information is protected by ensuring client confidentiality. 16). Any other duties deemed necessary.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Develop and adhere to the annual training activity plan in collaboration with supervisor. Ability to work with individuals who have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities or who are economically disadvantaged or involved with the criminal justice system. Knowledge of the current social, economic and health problems and available resources. Practice progressive disengagement as individual's knowledge base grows. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing Ability to plan and organize work, prepare records and reports, set priorities, and maintain timeliness with assigned tasks with minimal supervision. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other members of the staff, outside agencies and institutions, and the public. Ability to interpret all associated regulations, policies and procedures and apply them accordingly. Understand and adhere to all state and federal drug & alcohol confidentiality laws and regulations.
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
A Master's Degree or above from an accredited college in a relevant field and 6 months of clinical experience in a health or human service agency. A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college in a relevant field and 1 year of clinical experience in a health or human service agency. Current licensure in this Commonwealth as a registered nurse and a degree from an accredited school of nursing and 1 year of counseling experience in a health or human service agency. Full certification as an addiction counselor by a statewide certification body which is a member of a National certification body or certification by another state government's substance abuse counseling certification board.
QUALIFICATIONS
Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Check Must not be excluded from participation in Medicare, Medicaid, or any other federal health care program.
Job Type:
Full-time Pay:
From $40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Vision insurance
