Treatment Advocate (FT Days)

AAC offers a progressive culture that values work/life balance, invests in education, and fosters trust and respect for all individuals. Exceptional compensation and strong benefits include 401K, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. Join a team dedicated to providing quality, compassionate, and innovative care to adults struggling with addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.

About the role

The Treatment Advocate (TA) observes clients’ daily activities and assists in their recovery by collaborating with the treatment team and providing service coordination. The TA also operates a company vehicle to transport clients and facility visitors, ensuring comprehensive care for all patients.

Responsibilities

• Welcome new patients and assist with orientation of programming schedule and rules.
• Conduct patient belongings searches upon admission.
• Complete safety rounds and security checks.
• Coordinate patients’ daily schedules, including treatment meetings, behavior interventions, and general observation of behavior and participation.
• Provide support and encouragement to patients, promoting participation in group, individual, and family counseling services.
• Support clinical and nursing services as assigned.
• Participate in weekly treatment team and program staff meetings.
• Ensure timely and compliant documentation per AAC’s policy guidelines, meeting contract, licensure, accreditation, and service standards.
• Communicate efficiently with other departments to ensure optimal patient care.
• Provide supportive services to outpatient and inpatient adult populations.
• Identify and report potentially harmful situations to the Clinical Manager and/or CEO.
• Understand and abide by State Department standards, facility accreditation, and AAC’s policies and procedures.
• Adhere to the company code of ethics and maintain professional boundaries with patients.
• Respect patient rights and address unique recovery needs.
• Communicate professionally with staff, patients, and families both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrate dependability and adaptability with patients and staff.
• Maintain confidentiality of patient and company information in compliance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 guidelines.
• Assist in monitoring and managing the patient community as a therapeutic milieu.
• Intervene in crisis situations to de-escalate and resolve conflicts.
• Comply with local traffic regulations and report delays or accidents.
• Load and unload passenger baggage.
• Perform miscellaneous errands such as store runs and mail delivery.
• Make overnight drives and extended trips requiring irregular hours.
• Maintain vehicle cleanliness, polish, and operating condition.
• Greet clients professionally during transport, ensuring comfort and addressing questions to orient them before arrival at the facility.
• Assist passengers in entering and exiting the vehicle.
• Complete other tasks as assigned by a direct supervisor within the scope of practice.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED from an accredited institution.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Sciences (social sciences, human services, counseling, or psychology) preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License with an insurable driving record.
• Working knowledge of vehicle safety and control systems.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a behavioral healthcare field preferred.
• Knowledge of electronic health record software and documentation preferred.
• Ability to read, write, interpret written information, type documentation, present information to groups, and participate in meetings.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and flexible hours.

Skills

• Excellent professional written and verbal communication.
• Dependability and adaptability with patients and staff.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a focus on patient support and encouragement.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards.
• Crisis intervention and de-escalation skills.

Benefits

• 401K retirement plan.
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, use hands and fingers, talk or hear, and smell continually.
• Ability to stand, walk, and reach frequently.
• Ability to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch occasionally.
• Ability to frequently lift and carry up to 10 lbs. and occasionally lift and carry up to 25 lbs.
• Close vision required for computer work, reading documents, and operating office equipment.
• Distance vision required for driving.
• Work environment is primarily indoors and climate-controlled, with occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions.
• Moderate noise levels typical of an office, household, or light traffic environment.