Drug and Alcohol Counselor

Position Summary 

The Certified Counselor is an integral part of the Residential Treatment Program Team, providing addiction and recovery education, relapse prevention counseling, and continuing care coordination. The primary objective of the Certified Counselor is to enhance clients’ comprehension of the addiction and recovery process and to assist clients in developing sustainable recovery plans that meet their individual needs post-discharge. The Certified Counselor achieves this goal through working individually and in group settings with clients and by collaborating with the multidisciplinary Residential Treatment team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Conduct comprehensive client admission processes while adhering to standard operating procedures that ensure client and facility safety.
• Complete initial biopsychosocial/ASAM assessment with clients at admission and complete individual progress notes for each assessment.
• Complete additional client assessments (e.g., outcome measurements).
• Conduct weekly individual counseling sessions and document client progress in progress notes.
• Facilitate scheduled evidenced-based groups, completing group notes within the specified time frame.
• Enter and maintain all Electronic Health Record Information (KIPU) relevant to your job the job description.
• Document detailed shift notes for each individual client and distribute them to appropriate staff at end of shift.
• Provide constant support/engagement in recovery dialogue and behaviors with clients.
• Enforce client rules and regulations for physical, emotional, and spiritual safety.
• Remain alert and awake at all times during shifts.
• Maintain a business casual dress code.
• Assist with detoxification observations (as needed), client rounds, and client monitoring.
• Transport clients to scheduled offsite appointments using the company vehicle only.
• Collaborate with Clients to develop individualized treatment plans.
• Contribute to team discussions on aftercare plans, and when finalized, send a Residential Staff email update.
• Complete Client Discharge Plan, document in KIPU, and communicate with the Client’s family and loved ones when appropriate.
• Conduct meetings with clients to discuss continuing care.
• Ensure all clients complete an Exit Survey prior to discharge.
• Collaborate with Admissions Team/CEO to keep an updated After Care Referral list/database.
• Assist team with restocking beverages, snacks, and general maintenance tasks.
• When needed, assist with meal prep, presentation, and service.
• Scheduled hours are subject to change based on census and company needs.
• Complete all required training, including in-house and third-party trainings, within the specified timeframe.
  

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) 

The Drug and Alcohol Counselor will demonstrate the following:

• Knowledge in the domain of substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders.
• Effective engagement and communication skills.
• Basic understanding of treatment and rehabilitation techniques.
• General knowledge of community resources.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and respond calmly in emergent situations.
• Capability to work within a program structure.
• Knowledge and skill to monitor and support developmental growth and the recovery process of the population we serve.
• Ability to work effectively with people of differing value systems, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, linguistics, and capabilities.
  

Qualifications:

• Certified AOD counselor (CADC, CATC, SUDRC). Must maintain active certification and continuing education as required by licensing board in accordance with Agency policy and procedure.
• Bachelor's degree in a Social Services related field is preferred but not required.
• Experience facilitating groups and providing individual relapse prevention counseling with adult populations experiencing substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders.
• Maintain a professional, punctual, flexible, and reliable presentation.
• Exhibit patience and decorum, in an intensive, client-centered environment. 
• Adhere to State and The Joint Commission regulations and statutes regarding the provision of ethically oriented and clinically sound services within the scope of practice.
• Maintain attention to the required elements of the treatment plan for persons served.
• Utilize basic computer knowledge/skills and the ability to maintain an electronic client records system.
• Must maintain a valid California driver's license, current auto liability insurance, and a clean driving record.
• Must have or plan to obtain current CPR and First Aid certifications.
• Must have or plan to obtain a current Tuberculosis test result clearance.