Substance Use Counselor - Detention Center / Jail

About the role

Community Support Services (CSS) transforms lives and community by supporting veterans, ending homelessness, treating substance use, and preventing and intervening in community and domestic violence. As a department in Mecklenburg County’s Health and Human Services Agency, CSS maximizes community partnerships and collaborative opportunities to improve access to services and advocate for the needs of special populations.

Responsibilities

• Provide counseling to individuals with various substance use and mental health issues.
• Provide individual and group counseling.
• Aid in the development of the client’s person-centered plan and monitor progress.
• Complete documentation in accordance with Federal, state and county policies.
• Participate in clinical supervision.
• Generate letters on behalf of clients to verify participation in treatment.
• Conduct random urine drug screens or Breathalyzer tests.
• Complete Incident Reports as needed.
• Maintain client records.
• Work on an interdisciplinary team and communicate daily with the team.
• May be required to staff shelters in the event of a disaster or assist with other mass care duties in the event of an emergency.

Requirements

• Minimum of three years of experience in substance abuse counseling.
• Bachelor's Degree in a human services field.
• License and Certification: Certified as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS), by the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board.
• Valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License.
• Full CADC certification or full LCAS licensure with the NCASPPB preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of three years of experience in substance abuse counseling.
• Education: Bachelor's Degree in a human services field.
• Licenses and Certifications: Certified as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS), by the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board.
• Provisionally certified and associate licensed individual may be considered.
• Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License.
• Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted: Yes.

Skills

• Knowledge of Adult mental health/substance use treatment philosophies and practices, assessments, services, programs and standards/criteria.
• Basic psychopharmacology.
• Person-centered planning treatment modalities.
• Recovery models.
• Motivational interviewing techniques.
• Problem solving techniques.
• Crisis intervention methods.
• Conflict resolution techniques.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines.
• Individual rights.
• Individual choice.
• Case management principles and practices.
• Managing a caseload.
• Determining effective intervention techniques for individuals.
• Using a computer and related software applications.
• Accessing community resources.
• Developing networks with other providers.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, Mecklenburg County offers a generous benefits package which greatly increases your total compensation. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, short term disability, long term disability, accident, cancer, critical illness, medical bridge and pet insurance; dependent care, healthcare and commuter flexible spending accounts; health savings account; paid holiday, vacation and sick days; near site clinics for preventive care and illnesses; an employee assistance program including financial and legal counseling; access to Mecklenburg County fitness and aquatic facilities; paid family leave; tuition reimbursement; a 5% employer match on retirement savings plan contributions and a defined benefit plan for retirement.