Treatment Advocate (Full-time 7a-3:30p)
About the Company
American Addiction Centers (AAC) offers a progressive culture that values work/life balance, listens to employee ideas, and invests in education. We provide quality, compassionate, and innovative care to adults struggling with addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. Our mission is to empower patients, their families, and communities by helping individuals achieve recovery and optimal wellness of the mind, body, and spirit.
We offer exceptional compensation and strong benefits, including a 401K, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
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 patient’s daily schedule, 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 all documentation meets contract, licensure, accreditation, and AAC standards in a timely manner.
- Communicate efficiently with other departments to ensure the best care for patients.
- 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 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.
- 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, report delays or accidents, and ensure safe transport of clients.
- Load and unload passenger baggage.
- Perform miscellaneous errands such as store runs and mail handling.
- Make overnight drives and extended trips requiring irregular hours.
- Maintain vehicle cleanliness and operating condition.
- Greet clients professionally during transport, making them feel welcomed and comfortable.
- Answer client questions during transport to help orient them before arrival at the facility.
- Perform other tasks as assigned by a direct supervisor within the scope of practice.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED required; 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.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit, use hands and fingers, talk, 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 indoors and climate-controlled, with occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions.
- Moderate noise levels typical of an office, household, or light traffic environment.
Benefits
- 401K retirement plan.
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.