SUBSTANCE ABUSE WORKER BEHAVIORAL HEALTH EVERGREEN SERVICES| Full Time Flex| (24364)

About the role

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center is seeking a Substance Abuse Worker to join our dedicated team. This position offers a supportive and inclusive work environment and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Responsibilities

• Assessing the counseling needs of the clients.
• Absessing clients using ASI or other standardized assessment tools for adolescents using CASI or other validated assessment tools, and diagnosing clients for substance disorders using DSM-IV-TR.
• Determining the appropriate level of care based on ASAM PPC-2R.
• Obtaining previous records relevant to the current treatment episode.
• Collaborating with the client to develop a written treatment plan that is client-centered and recovery-oriented, including goals and measurable objectives.
• The director of substance abuse counseling shall develop, monitor, and provide clients and the treatment team with written schedules to update each client's treatment plan(s) to ensure treatment needs are addressed.
• Providing substance abuse counseling services specified in the client treatment plan; N.J.A.C. 10:161A-1.9.
• Reviewing clients throughout the treatment episode according to ASAM PPC-2R to determine the need for continued services or discharge/transfer.
• Reviewing and, where necessary, revising the substance abuse counseling portion of the client treatment plan to address emerging problems.
• Developing the client discharge/transfer plans to ensure movement to the appropriate levels of care.
• Contacting referral sources, providing case consultation, and coordinating with referral sources (e.g., mental health treatment providers, criminal justice agencies, schools, employers, the Division of Youth and Family Services).
• Participating as a member of a multidisciplinary team for assigned clients.
• Providing active case consultation.
• Documenting all counseling and education services, assessments, reassessments, referrals, and follow-up in the client's clinical record, providing appropriate signatures and dating of such entries, including those made in electronic records.
• Performing all duties with respect, dignity, and impunity according to the ethics of the hospital, adductions field, and training, NJ state laws, and as an advocate for the patients within NBMC, with other facilities establishing positive working relationships within the hospital and the broader community.
• Dedication to patients' rights and commitment to confidentiality are expected.
• Makes all required appointments for patients regarding treatment.
• Works with staff to ensure the best treatment recovery outcomes and quality services for patients served.
• Sends signed release to other providers and reports findings to staff once collateral info is received.
• Fills collateral information properly according to each patient.
• Makes recommendations regarding the needs of the patient from an addiction and recovery perspective.
• Completes chart audits under senior staff's guidance.
• Notifies Security Department when/if the need arises to ensure the safety of the patient, community, staff, and/or property.
• Informs Emergency Room staff that an immediate evaluation may need to be performed.
• Attends scheduled supervisory sessions.
• Makes recommendations to Program Director/Senior Staff regarding improvement needs and suggests resolutions which may enhance quality of treatment and delivery of services.
• Participates in same gender urine screenings.
• Accepts the policy and needs random staff drug testing.
• Understands and adheres to the Medical Center's Code of Conduct, Dress Codes, and Ethical Standards.
• Familiar with the Medical Center's Mission, Vision, and Values Statements.
• Actively participates in all required department meetings.
• Attends related in-services, workshops, and conferences, as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the overall objectives of the department and organization.

Qualifications

• At least completion of a minimum of 72 educational hours issued by the New Jersey Addictions Professionals Certification Board (APCBNJ).
• Minimal counseling experience required.
• An understanding of addiction treatments, including pharmacology.
• Assessment and Counseling skills.
• Reporting and Record Keeping Experience Preferred.
• Cultural competency.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Speaks, reads, and writes English to the extent required by the position.
• Bilingual skills are a plus (Spanish, etc.).
• Heartsaver/CPR certification required.
• BLS Certification preferred.
• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• A Counselor Intern (Substance Abuse Worker) is in training, working under the clinical supervision of a qualified clinical supervisor and can demonstrate the completion of a minimum of 72 educational hours issued by the New Jersey Addictions Professionals Certification Board (APCBNJ), or its documented equivalent from an accredited college or university before being assigned counseling responsibilities and with the understanding that the s/he will obtain the necessary credentials to advance to a fully credentialed alcohol and drug counselor.
• A Counselor Intern (Substance Abuse Worker) must demonstrate their active pursuit of the CADC/LCADC by completing the required continuing education classroom hours and registration for the IC&RC written examination with 24 months of hire & have 3 years from the date of hire to become certified as an LCADC or CADC, or another clinical licensed professional that includes the work of an alcohol and drug counseling nature within its scope of practice.
• Within 60 days of completion of coursework, the employee must submit application in requesting written examination requirements to: The Addiction Professional Certification Board of New Jersey.
• Within 60 days of satisfactory completion of written examination, clinician will submit written case presentation and request for oral examination process to: The Addiction Professionals Certification Board of New Jersey.
• Within 60 days of notification of successful completion of oral examination, clinician must submit to: New Jersey Department of Consumer Affairs, Division of Consumer Affairs, Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee, an application for (CADC) Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor or an (LCADC) Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor.

Benefits

We provide a comprehensive benefits package, including a competitive medical, dental, and vision plans. We prioritize work-life balance with a generous time off policy that includes ample vacation days, personal time, sick leave, and nine paid holidays. Additionally, we are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees, offering robust tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs to help support our employees ongoing development.