Counseling Assistant

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for assisting in orientation sessions for clients and documenting appropriate movement between phases
• Maintains client supervision, including taking vitals, urine drug screen and breathalyzers
• Assists primary counselors with documentation and chart compliance
• Affixes to staff and clients in maintaining adherence to posted schedule
• Co-facilitates groups as scheduled or as needed
• Coordinate information communication to ensure smooth transitions and dissemination of appropriate information
• Attend appropriate meetings, assembling information for staff and reporting any issues observed with the milieu
• Oversee communication of client’s medical concerns with the nurse and medical consultants
• Assist counselors in contacting clients, referral sources, and parent (if applicable) about any client change in status
• Present education lectures as assigned and facilitate counseling groups as needed
• Provide crisis intervention as needed
• Responsible for assuring program systems are employed according to Program’s policies and procedures
• Conducts Urine drug screens and random breathalyzes
• Document the Electronic Medical Record, all significant client interactions, changes in behavior, medical or psychiatric interventions
• Complete Incident Reports as needed
• Contact referral sources and document in client medical records in cases of ATAs, AWOLs, and discharges
• Develop, implement and maintain leisure, social and spiritual program goals, objectives and actions to address areas of the whole person affected by addiction
• Affix to Program Manager to develop dynamic leisure, social and spiritual component to treatment
• Maintain activities and education schedule for clients and family
• Ensure that client informational boards are appropriate and current
• Maintain ethical standards and continued professional growth, including Abide by Program and NCTR policy and procedures. Oversees staff understanding and compliance. Ensure all CARF standards are instituted and maintained
• Promote, in public and private contacts, the quality standards and ethical practices of NCTR staff
• Continue professional growth by attending workshops, trainings and staff In-service trainings to increase skill and knowledge and to set appropriate example for staff
• Maintain current licensure/certification including CES, CPR, First Aid, and Medication Management
• Maintain professional boundaries with staff and clients
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

QUALIFICATIONS

• Associates degree in human services field or equivalent years working in addiction treatment field preferred
• Certification as a substance abuse counselor (CSAC-A, CAC, CSAC) or able to obtain within one year
• Certification in CPR, First Aid
• Familiarity with 12-step recovery programs
• Possess valid driver’s license and safe driving record

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Ability to prepare and maintain required documentation
• Ability to comply with state and federal regulations regarding confidentiality
• Knowledge of recreation therapy, family therapy and behavior management techniques
• Ability to work and communicate with others
• Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries with clients
• Possess a thorough knowledge of various treatment methods and experience working with diverse populations
• General computer knowledge and skills, including, but not limited to use of email and basic timekeeping
• Good written and verbal skills

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position.
• In the course of performing this job, one typically spends time sitting, walking, climbing stairs, standing, carrying, climbing stairs, lifting up to 15 pounds, listening, speaking, typing, reading, and writing.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this position.
• In the course of performing this job, one typically spends time sitting, walking, climbing stairs, standing, carrying, climbing stairs, lifting up to 15 pounds, listening, speaking, typing, reading, and writing.