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Substance Abuse Therapist
Career Insights for Substance Abuse Counselor
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Based on Texas 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.
$26,789 / year median in Texas
+20% projected growth
Job Description
Schedule:
Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Benefits include healthcare stipend and gym membership.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assesses client's strengths, needs, abilities and preferences; formulates a diagnostic impression based on current DSM criteria; and in conjunction with the client/family develops a workable plan for treatment.
- Investigates case situations and presents information to members of the clinical team, on client's family and social background pertinent to diagnosis and treatment.
- Complete treatment plans, discharge summaries and other chart related documents and correspondence for assigned clients in a timely manner.
- Provide individual counseling and facilitate educational and counseling groups assigned and promptly chart these activities in the client's records.
- Selects approach to use in individual therapy such as directive, non directive, and supportive therapy and plans frequency, intensity, and duration of therapy.
- Provide skill building psycho-educational and/or support groups.
- Work cooperatively with other community resources and referral sources to coordinate services to clients.
- Strive to increase professional growth and effectiveness through training and by keeping abreast of current trends and theories in relevant areas.
- Provide direct behavioral health services including mental health and substance abuse services (i.e., psycho/social assessments, consultation, individual/group/family therapy, professional in-service training and community education services, etc.) at a rate that achieves or exceeds the minimum direct service standard as established annually.
- Provides crisis intervention services when authorized and necessary.
- Maintains appropriate state license/registration/certification for scope of practice.
- Carry out other responsibilities as delegated by the Clinical Director.
Education/Experience:
- Minimum of two years experience working in the substance abuse field is preferred.
Certificates and Licenses:
- LMFT, LCSW, LPC, LCDC or similar
Valid Driver's License or Valid Government Issued Identification Knowledge, Skills and Other Abilities:
- Oral and written communication skills preferred
- Specific knowledge of mental health issues and chemical dependency preferred
- Ability to handle stress and crisis, and interact with clients of varied temperaments with a professional demeanor preferred
- 12-step recovery knowledge preferred