Counselor I

About the Role

Supervises students, interns, and may clinically supervise counseling staff seeking licensure. Provides individual, family, and group sessions for clients and their families who suffer from substance abuse and/or dependency. Implements assessments, treatment plans, and discharge plans for all clients assigned to their caseload. Actively communicates with referral sources to secure ongoing services for clients preparing to discharge from current levels of care.

Responsibilities

• Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs, and consistently demonstrates core values.
• May clinically supervise practicum students, interns, and Counseling I staff seeking credentialing as assigned.
• Establishes and maintains effective therapeutic relationships with clients and/or families experiencing complex substance abuse problems.
• Utilizes skills in individual, family, and group settings as they apply to primary substance abuse issues.
• Conducts chemical dependency assessments and evaluations, including a complete psychosocial assessment process.
• Ensures completeness and timeliness in clinical record keeping.
• Provides educational lectures to clients and their families on substance abuse topics.
• Presents clinical cases to a multidisciplinary team to develop and prioritize client needs, update treatment plans, and plan for appropriate discharge.
• Maintains active communication with current and potential referral sources to ensure continuity of care.
• Clinically communicates with third-party payers to ensure continued stays at appropriate levels of care.
• Provides counseling services requiring specific competencies and/or credentials for reimbursement authorizations.
• Exhibits skills in providing services to clients across all levels of care at the Independence Center.
• Maintains professional growth through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations.
• Participates in meetings, committees, and department projects as assigned.
• Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Knowledge of ethical standards and confidentiality laws in the field of substance abuse.
• Knowledge of the disease process and client care in alcoholism/chemical dependency.
• Knowledge of Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, and other 12 Step recovery programs.
• Knowledge of substance abuse treatment services and techniques.
• Knowledge of the 12 Core Functions of the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselor (ICRC).
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software applications relevant to work functions.
• Ability to administer and interpret substance abuse assessment tools.
• Ability to prioritize work demands and work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to facilitate group and individual counseling sessions.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to provide services across all levels of the continuum of substance abuse treatment (inpatient, residential, intensive outpatient, continuing care, and individual sessions).
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with healthcare team members and diverse patient populations.
• Ability to mentor students, interns, and staff about counseling methods and addiction.
• Ability to problem-solve and engage independent critical thinking.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency required.
• Master’s in Behavioral Health field preferred.
• Licensure as a Provisional Alcohol Drug Counselor, Licensed Alcohol Drug Counselor, Licensed Mental Health Practitioner, or Provisional Licensed Mental Health Practitioner required.
• If prior or current history of alcohol and drug dependency, must provide evidence of sobriety for a minimum of 12 months prior to employment.
• Basic Life Support (CPR) certification required (American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or Military Training Network).

Physical Requirements

Characterized as sedentary work requiring exertion up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body.