SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR 2

Responsibilities

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; diagnose and/or classify substance abusers, extent of alcohol and drug abuse and personality traits; 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.

Prepare statistical documentation and reports on caseload activities and services.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Working 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; psychological and physiological effects of substance abuse; concepts, principles and techniques used in the screening, assessment and evaluation of abusers of alcohol and/or drugs; counseling and treatment of alcohol and/or drug abusers in group and individual settings; facilities, programs, and related resources available for rehabilitation, education, discharge planning for continuity of care, and training in the field of substance abuse; American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) levels of service and the current edition of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM).
• Ability to: write concise, logical and grammatically correct analytical reports assessing the progress of clients in alcohol and drug treatment programs; provide in-service training; evaluate and document client progress towards treatment goals and plan, coordinate, and facilitate appropriate follow-up activities; foster a stimulating, accepting learning environment; work independently and as a team member; provide group treatment and individual substance abuse counseling using accepted treatment modalities.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

• Certification as an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor by the State of Nevada Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Counselors.

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.

Retirement: Participation in the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Employees do not contribute to Social Security but will contribute to PERS if their position is at 50% or more full-time equivalency.

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:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday
• Washington’s Birthday
• Memorial Day
• Nevada Day
• Family Day
• Christmas Day