Job Overview
Our Substance Abuse Counselor provides direct service care to meet the needs of the patients with co-occurring mental, emotional, and substance abuse issues. The position works with the treatment team to plan and deliver integrated substance abuse and mental illness services. The Substance Abuse Counselor assesses patients; participates in the development and implementation of the Recovery Plan; develops, organizes, and conducts program activities to provide education and treatment for issues related to substance abuse; and provides group and individualized sessions for patients.
- Bachelor degree from an accredited college or university in a human services related field.
- Experience in a correctional environment desired.
- Licensed and/or certified in chemical dependency, substance abuse, etc., preferred.
- Related certification may be applicable based on specific state requirements.
- Develops and conducts integrated co-occurring substance abuse and mental illness group and individual substance abuse services for identified patients.
- Assesses and evaluates patients to determine immediate needs and services, along with the level of care needed.
- Completes and maintains necessary documentation in a thorough, accurate, and timely manner.
- Evaluates substance abuse counseling and education classes.
- Monitors twelve-step recovery groups.
- Is knowledgeable about care and treatment needs of patients of different ages. Provides individualized care and treatment that is consistent with/sensitive to the age and life span development needs of each patient.
- Demonstrates knowledge of risk management, infection control, fire/disaster procedures, de- escalation of crisis intervention, and environmental safety measures.
- Continues professional development through in-service education, workshops, conferences and self-study necessary to maintain correct knowledge relevant to the position. Works well with all departments and programs to meet the needs of the patients.
- Is sensitive to cultural diversity issues, treats each patient as an individual, and considers the culture of the patients when providing care and treatment.
- Must be able to apply principles of critical thinking to a variety of practical and emergent situations and accurately follow standardized procedures that may call for deviations.
- Must be able to apply sound judgment beyond a specific set of instructions and apply knowledge to different factual situations.
- Must be alert at all times; pay close attention to details.
- Must be able to work under stress on a regular or continuous basis.
- Perform other duties as assigned.