Substance Abuse Counselor

About the role

The role requires a Counselor to assist patients in identifying, maximizing, and relating their strengths to appropriate social, educational (academic and vocational), and occupational goals. They also help patients prepare and adjust to a drug-free existence and offer emotional and physical support for problematic issues.

Responsibilities

• Conduct alcohol and drug abuse counseling sessions on a regular basis per state regulation, or as part of the individual treatment plan
• Mental health counseling may be provided 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
• 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
• Avoidance of 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
• 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
• Report any work-related injury or illness, or workplace hazards or security issues immediately to supervisor
• Other duties as assigned by supervisory team

Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelors or Masters in Human Services or related field
• CSAC-S, CSAC, Resident in Counseling, or Supervisee in Social Work required
• One of the following 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 (License 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
• The ideal candidate will embody the following characteristics and possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below: High integrity, Excellent verbal and written communication skills, Sound judgment, Efficient, 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, Have 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

Benefits

Starting Pay Range: $23-$25 per hour