What are the responsibilities and job description for the Outpatient Addictions Counselor - Heisler position at Volunteers of America, Dakotas?
Department: Behavioral Health CJI/Heisler
Job Status: Full Time
Reports To: Director of Outpatient Addiction Services
Position Supervises: N/A
Work Schedule: Primarily day hours with two evenings per week required.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Outpatient Addictions Counselor provides both virtual and face-to-face substance use counseling and treatment services to individuals and their families, playing a crucial role in our mission to transform lives through dedicated service. With a deep understanding and proficiency in the ASAM Criteria, the counselor tailors their approach to meet the diverse needs of clients. A significant focus of this role is working with justice-impacted and criminally involved individuals, offering specialized care and support to help them overcome substance use challenges and rebuild their lives.
Demonstrating a profound commitment to our values, the Addictions Counselor treats all clients with empathy, dignity, and compassion, understanding their unique circumstances and what can be done to assist them effectively. This position requires a willingness to be trained in new evidence-based treatments to facilitate group sessions, ensuring that the counselor remains at the forefront of innovative practices in addiction treatment.
By creating a positive and supportive environment, the Addictions Counselor empowers clients to realize their strengths and develop the skills and tools needed for successful recovery and reintegration into the community. Their work is integral to fulfilling the organization’s mission of dedicated service, compassionate care, and the empowerment of those we serve, particularly those facing the additional challenges of justice involvement. Through their dedicated and professional service, the Addictions Counselor embodies the organization’s commitment to stewardship and quality, contributing to the positive transformation of lives and communities.
Reasonable Accommodations Statement
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS STATEMENT(S)
Primary Duties
Conduct substance use evaluations as assigned.
Facilitate group sessions, make-up groups, aftercare sessions, individual counseling and educational groups as scheduled.
Document client’s participation in all scheduled groups and counseling sessions.
Develop treatment plans and discharge summaries on all clients.
Complete release/consent forms to all appropriate individuals/agencies.
Attend and participate in all scheduled staff meetings.
Ensure that all documentation is completed in a timely manner and patient records comply with accreditation, contract, state, and federal requirements.
Keep referral agencies informed of client’s progress in treatment.
Attend training required for professional certification and to meet program licensing standards.
Responsible for other duties as assigned.
POSITIONS QUALIFICATIONS SKILLS & ABILITIES
Education & Experience: Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in human service with a focus on substance use, mental health, or criminal justice field and a minimum of two years related work experience, or an equivalent combination.
Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills
Certifications & Licenses: Must be certified or certifiable at ACT, CAC, or LAC level for addiction counseling in the state of South Dakota. MRT and/or CBISA certification preferred.
Other Requirements: Valid drivers license
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Ability to Stand, Walk, sit, manually manipulate, reach outward and above shoulders, speak, climb, crawl, squat, kneel, and bend on a daily basis
Capability to Lift, carry, push or pull up to 25 lbs on a daily basis
