Counselor

A counselor is responsible for assisting individuals with substance use and mental health disorders to improve their ability to perform tasks in their daily living and working environments.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

1. Deliver treatment services to consumers in a manner that meets certification standards, clinical standards and adheres to Agency Policies and Procedures. Adhere to ethical standards, confidentiality, and set healthy boundaries.
2. Maintain quality assurance audit compliance (including accuracy and chart completeness) of electronic consumer records. Address any identified issues quickly and efficiently.
3. Conduct treatment in an effective, efficient, ethical, and professional manner while following evidence-based practices.
4. Ensure professional qualifications are maintained including but not limited to certifications, licensure, and continuing education requirements.
5. Screen prospective consumers for appropriateness and eligibility through Behavioral Health Consultation or other appropriate agency approved formats.
6. Determine level of treatment services needed for consumers served and make any referrals for treatment support services as needed.
7. Perform 12 Core Functions, i.e., screenings, consumer orientations, assessments, individualized treatment planning, transition planning counseling (individual, group, family conference, and significant others), case management referral, crisis intervention, consumer education, referrals for employment, peer, or other needed services, complete reports and record keeping, and consultation with other professionals.
8. Document each treatment activity or change completely and promptly according to Policies and Procedures.
9. Participate in ongoing supervision and consultation as directed by supervisor. Attend in-service trainings and other professional development as directed.
10. Act as liaison with other agencies such as Probation and Parole, hospitals, psychiatric, vocational rehabilitation, and others as needed.
11. Participate in clinical staffing/treatment meetings and provide feedback on all pertinent cases.
12. Establish and maintain relationships with other agencies, professionals, and referral sources.
13. Continuously assess and evaluate appropriate level of care for consumers.
14. Provide services to consumers of SATOP or other contracted programs through outpatient programming – counseling, groups, etc.
15. Understand and recognize stages of change and other signs of treatment progress.
16. Provide assistance in training of counselors-in-training, intern students, and others as identified.
17. Participate in committees or agency planning activities as assigned by supervisor.
18. Develop and utilize strategies to maintain self-care including physical and mental health.
19. Recommend termination of consumers based on clinical judgment and with adequate documentation, staff those terminations, complete appropriate termination paperwork and notification to referral sources.
20. Maintain adequate caseload to meet productivity expectations.
21. Assist with explaining fees, program requirements, rules, regulations, and expected behaviors to consumers.
22. Prepare and submit required forms/reports related to program activities and consumer care.
23. Keep current on evidence based best practices and emerging best practices in the substance use disorder and mental health field.
24. Conduct drug testing on consumers.
25. Perform other duties as assigned.