Substance Abuse Counselor

Bachelor's or Master's in human services or related field. LPC, LCSW, LMFT, LSATP, CSAC-S, CSAC, Resident in Counseling, or Supervisee in Social Work required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct alcohol and drug abuse counseling sessions on a regular basis per state regulation, or as part of the individual treatment plan.
• Provide mental health counseling based on program and qualifications of clinician.
• Provide services according to the required hours, which may vary depending on services.
• Conduct group counseling sessions as required.
• Orient patients to the treatment program’s operation and procedures.
• Collect available social, educational, economic, and vocational information to be used as part of the assessment process.
• Implement or revise patient treatment plans with the patient as required by state regulation and record a review of the patient’s progress according to BHG policy.
• Develop within (10) days of entry or as required by state guidelines, whichever is more stringent, a formal treatment plan documenting patient goals and update utilizing the same guidelines.
• Maintain patient records that are complete, comprehensive, and well organized.
• Submit records for periodic review as requested by supervisory team.
• Document all patient contacts. If other team members provide services to the patient, the assigned counselor is responsible for seeing that such contacts are documented in the patient’s chart.
• Make appropriate referrals through case-management services and perform necessary follow-up.
• Assist the Program Director in implementing new programs into patient treatment.
• Advise the Program Director of problems encountered with caseload management and schedules.
• Attend weekly treatment team meetings prepared to both lead the discussion where appropriate and discuss his/her assigned individual patient caseload.
• Provide in-service training to counselors and other treatment center team members as needed.
• Maintain a basic understanding of alcohol/drug abuse and addiction. Additionally, stay up to date on current drug abuse and treatment information, especially current trends in Opioid Maintenance Treatment.
• Provide intake/readmission services, including several weeks of supportive follow-up counseling for new patients until their assignment to a primary counselor.
• Provide, monitor, and document follow-up calls/contact to all discharging patients for at least 30 days.
• Provide crisis intervention/support services to patients assigned to other counselors when their primary counselor is unavailable.
• Provide inter-agency reports/documentation required for third party reimbursement, criminal justice proceedings, supplemental income assessments, emergency services, and other specialized treatment needs of patients as applicable.
• Coordinate care with other community providers as needed.
• Meet BHG attendance standards and be present and ready for work at the beginning of established work schedule.
• Perform OBOT services as required.
• Report any work-related injury or illness, or workplace hazards or security issues immediately to supervisor.
• Comply with all federal, state, and local regulatory agency requirements.
• Comply with all accrediting agencies.
• Participate in community and public relations activities as assigned.
• Responsible for the achievement of assigned specific goals, objectives, and metrics.
• Responsible for mentoring and training counseling team members regarding best practices in counseling and skills necessary to engage patients in treatment.
• Demonstrate the belief that addiction is a brain disease, not a moral failing.
• Demonstrates hope, respect, and caring in all interactions with patients and fellow team members.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships in the workplace.
• Participate in and provide in-service training as required by federal, state, local, and accrediting agencies.
• Attend conferences, meetings, and training programs as directed.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisory team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Master’s degree in a related field may be required with expanded job duties.
• CSAC (Certified Substance Abuse Counselor).
• CSAC–S (Certified Substance Abuse Counselor – Supervisor).
• LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor).
• LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker).
• LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist).
• If not adequately licensed, the counselor must be enrolled in, or willing to begin, a formal course of study or track toward licensure at the date of hire.

Skills

• High integrity.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Sound judgment.
• Efficient and self-starter.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure while handling multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to make decisions and use proper judgment with confidential and sensitive issues.
• Must be able to react quickly and make effective decisions.
• Demonstrate basic computer/word processing skills.
• Demonstrate basic knowledge and skill in the use of typical office equipment such as calculator, fax machine, copier, computer, telephone, and computer programs.
• Ability to demonstrate sufficient knowledge and understanding of human behavior to show potential for rehabilitating drug dependent patients.
• Sufficient knowledge of the substance abuse population, treatment planning, and the field of human social services to work toward the rehabilitation of the patient community.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Speaking and hearing ability sufficient to communicate effectively by phone or in person at normal volumes.
• Vision adequate to read correspondence, computer screen, forms, etc.
• Prolonged sitting, bending, stooping, or stretching.
• Variable workload, periodic high stress, and activity level.
• Standard medical office conditions and environments.
• Interactions with patients who may be ill, have infectious diseases, have mental health diagnoses, and/or are involved in the criminal justice system.
• Keyboarding for long periods of time.

Pay

$28/hr + Bonus Structure

Schedule

6:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Mon-Fri.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, holidays, and personal needs.
• Flexible schedules with early in/early out hours, no nights, and no Sundays.
• Role-based training and advancement opportunities.
• Three benefits programs to choose from, including health, life, vision, and dental insurance.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• 401K plan with discretionary match.
• Competitive pay, quarterly bonuses, and incentives for certifications or licenses.
• Exclusive discounts on various services and entertainment options.
• Employee Assistance Program and self-care series.