SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR 1 - UNDERFILL

Job Duties

• Perform initial screenings and assessments of clients;
• Review personal history files and court documents and conduct personal interviews;
• Gather pertinent information with the use of screening and assessment instruments such as Nevada Risk Assessment System (NRAS), American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) standards;
• Determine classification, level of care, treatment needs and continuity of care;
• Prepare written treatment plans;
• Monitor and document client progress in relation to treatment plans, goals and objectives and adjust level of care accordingly;
• Document contacts and services;
• Prepare assessment, discharge, and progress reports and summaries as required.
• Plan, develop, organize and conduct alcohol and drug abuse cessation and prevention classes;
• Prepare course curriculum based upon the goals and objectives set by the facility;
• Conduct orientation and individual and/or group counseling, intervention, education and referral;
• Facilitate crisis and behavior intervention to include referral for mental health services and/or other resources;
• Consult with and utilize other services, agencies, resources and professionals as needed.
• Provide in-service training regarding counseling programs, education and services related to alcohol and drug abuse.
• Maintain ethics and confidentiality standards according to regulation.

  Essential Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a field of social science approved by the Nevada Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Counselors;
  • Eligibility for certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor Intern as established by State law and the Board.

    Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

    • General knowledge of: federal and State alcohol and drug abuse laws, rules and regulations; illegal substances, drug classifications and psychiatric medications used to treat abusers of alcohol and/or drugs; concepts, principles and techniques used in the screening, assessment and evaluation of abusers of alcohol and/or drugs; counseling and treatment of substance abusers in group and individual settings; American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) levels of service and the current edition of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM).
    • Ability to: read technical, legal and scientific documents; interact and communicate effectively with persons of various social, cultural, economic and educational backgrounds; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others; write concise, logical and grammatically correct reports; explain policies, procedures, theories, and concepts to clients and families; make oral group presentations; follow through on assignments as directed.

      Benefits

      • Health Insurance: Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance programs for employees and their dependents/family are offered through the Public Employees’ Benefits Program (PEBP).
      • Vacation: Accrual of three weeks of annual leave each year.
      • Sick Leave: Accrual of three weeks of sick leave each year.
      • Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.
      • Retail: Participation in the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).
      • Deferred Compensation: The State offers a voluntary Deferred Compensation Program.
      • No Nevada state income tax.
      • Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Eligible due to public sector employment.
      • Longevity Payments Eligibility: Employees who have received a performance rating of “standard” or better and have completed eight (8) or more years of continuous service are eligible for longevity pay.
      • Additional benefits may apply to employees covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), depending on their designated bargaining unit.
      • For more information, visit the Labor Relations Unit (LRU).
      • For more details about your rights and responsibilities as a State of Nevada employee, please review the State of Nevada Employee Handbook (PDF).
      • State Holidays: The holiday schedule for State employees is established by the Legislature.