Substance Abuse Counselor

Duties And Responsibilities

• Conduct regular alcohol and drug abuse counseling sessions and group sessions as required.
• Orient patients to treatment program operations and procedures.
• Collect and assess social, educational, economic, and vocational information.
• Develop and revise patient treatment plans, maintaining comprehensive records.
• Make appropriate referrals and perform necessary follow-ups.
• Aid in implementing new programs and advise on caseload management.
• Provide in-service training to staff and hold a basic understanding of addiction.
• Conduct intake/readmission services and provide supportive follow-up counseling.
• Provide crisis intervention and inter-agency documentation.
• Coordinate care with community providers as needed.
• Participate in and provide in-service training required by federal, state, local, and accrediting agencies.
• Attend conferences, meetings, and training programs.
• Schedule and attend regular in-service training.
• Perform OBOT services and report any work-related issues immediately.

Minimum Requirements

• Experience in behavioral health preferred, not required.
• Must be able to make decisions and use proper judgment with confidential and sensitive issues.
• Must be able to deal appropriately with patient and team members in stressful or other undesirable situations and to seek direction from supervisors when necessary.
• Must be able to react quickly and make effective decisions.
• Must demonstrate sufficient knowledge and understanding of human behavior to show potential for rehabilitating drug dependent patients.
• Must have knowledge of the substance abuse population, treatment planning, and the field of human social services to work toward the rehabilitation of the patient community.
• Must comply with federal and state regulations regarding certification, licensure, and degree.