Recovery Counselor - Substance Abuse Specialist (Recovery Services Aquarius)

Responsibilities

• Assess client’s personal, medical, emotional, social, and environmental situation through home, community, and office visits.
• Cookinate the establishment of an individual recovery plan with the client, client’s support system, and other care providers.
• Facilitate education around substance use, misuse, and risks associated with dual diagnosis of mental health and substance issues to clients and team members.
• Provide one on one services to clients that focus on substance use goals.
• Acquire a SAS credential within 12 months of hire.
• Recognize and act on opportunities to move clients to appropriate levels of care; provide referrals to additional services.
• Assist in linking people to substance use treatments in the community as needed.
• Assist clients in identifying signs and symptoms of de-compensation.
• Work collaboratively with clients to identify coping skills to assist in managing symptoms and stressors experienced.
• Aid clients in learning and improving independent living skills; i.e. personal hygiene, housekeeping skills, nutrition, and shopping for food and personal items.
• Education and assist clients with applying for entitlements; i.e. Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and LINK.
• Accompany clients to important appointments in the community and provide support with issues related to substance use, housing, budgeting, social support, and medication.
• Advocate on client’s behalf and empower clients to advocate on behalf of themselves when appropriate.
• Communicate effectively within the team model for a multi-disciplinary approach to client care.
• Perform other related duties and/or projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must have one of the following requirements: Bachelor’s degree, High School Diploma or GED and two years of supervised clinical experience in a mental health setting, or a combination of education and experience.
• Minimum one year of experience working with clients with substance abuse issues required.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license with daily access to a well-maintained vehicle with $100,000/$300,000 liability insurance.
• Must have a Certified Alcohol and other Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC), Certified Reciprocal Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor (CRADC), Certified Supervisor Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor (CSADC), Certified Associate Addictions Professional (CAAP), or Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Assessment and Referral Specialist (CARS) through the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association (IAODPCA) required or must obtain certification within 6 months of hire.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as directed.
• Experience working with people with mental health diagnoses preferred.
• Experience in community-based services preferred.