Substance Abuse Counselor

Purpose Statement

Provide treatment and support to assist patients in their recovery from substance use, eating disorders or other behavioral problems.

Essential Functions

• Conduct individual counseling sessions and group or family sessions, under supervision, as scheduled and document as required.
• May co-facilitate assigned group or family sessions and assist with modifying problem behaviors.
• May be responsible for initial assessments, as well as follow up assessment for patients.
• Prepare individual treatment plan for each assigned patient.
• Ensure all documentation regarding patient care, treatment and incidents are completed timely and in a clear concise manner.
• Aid in modifying problem behaviors and may also provide counseling services to families of patients.
• Act as a liaison between referral sources and patient.
• Provide crisis intervention to patient, as needed.
• May plan for aftercare for assigned patient.
• May act as a liaison with insurance carriers, as requested.
• May provide case management duties for patient, ensuring individualized quality care.
• Evaluate the needs of the patient and determine if referrals to other programs or facilities is needed.
• Demonstrate a positive, empathetic and professional attitude towards customers always.
• When patient needs are not met, acknowledge and work to resolve complaints.
• Recognize that patient safety is a top priority.

Other Functions

Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.

Education/Experience/Skill Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in social or health services field from an accredited college or university preferred.
• Two or more years’ experience in counseling field is required; OR
• Bachelor's degree in other field required and four or more years’ experience in the counseling field; OR
• Master's degree in social or health services field required and one or more years’ professional work experience.

Licenses/Designations/Certifications

• Licensure or certification for counseling may be required by the state in which the facility operates.
• CPR and de-escalation/restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).
• First aid may be required based on state or facility.

Additional Regulatory Requirements

• Complete or ongoing education and training, as required by the state in which the facility operates and applicable accrediting body.