Substance Use Disorder Counselor

The Substance Use Disorder Counselor is part of a multi-disciplinary team rendering care and services to persons receiving substance use disorder treatment. The Counselor conducts assessments(QSUD, LSUD, QMHP), identifies needs and goals for the person in the assessment process and indicates the most appropriate level of care for the person. The Counselor will provide direct service to consumers, crisis assistance, and/or refer consumers for appropriate services. All services are provided in compliance with the requirements of the Department of Mental Health. Work is performed under the administrative supervision of the Program Manager and reviewed through direct observation, reports, and staff conferences.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Work may include, but is not limited to the following:

• Conducts assessments for referred clients and documents findings.
• Completes initial consumer treatment plans based upon the assessed need of the consumer.
• Attends periodic meetings with designated team members to assist in the development of a consumer's treatment plan.
• Provides direct services, including individual counseling, group counseling, group education, family education/therapy.
• Responsible for managing a caseload of consumers consistent with state standards and regulatory requirements as assigned
• Maintains timely, clear, concise and well-organized information in the electronic health record of services provided.
• May record qualifying diagnosis for review and approval of Licensed Counselor if Qualified Mental Health Professional Criteria are met.
• Assesses, monitors, evaluates and records consumer participation, progress, and adjustment against measurable recorded treatment goals in a timely manner.
• Provides services at multiple sites, as required.

EXAMPLES OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of social work, behavioral sciences and allied disciplines involved in the evaluation, care and rehabilitation of persons suffering from mental illness or emotional disturbance
• Knowledge of individual, group and family psychodynamics as they relate to addiction
• Considerable knowledge of the social bases of behavior, such as the psychology of interpersonal relationships, group processes, and organizational and systems theory
• Considerable knowledge of individual differences, such as personality theory, human development, and abnormal psychology
• Thorough knowledge of diagnostic criteria and application of the DSM IV-R
• Knowledge of community resources used in the provision of services
• Knowledge of State regulatory requirements as it relates to practice of social work and substance use disorder
• Ability to collect and analyze information in making diagnostic decisions concerning a consumer's treatment
• Ability to establish a professional and therapeutic rapport with consumers; to assist, and exercise tact, patience, respect and understanding of others
• Ability to recognize symptoms of substance use disorder and to elicit information from individuals necessary for therapeutic interventions
• Ability to work effectively with persons from diverse cultures and backgrounds and to respect individual differences
• Ability to maintain organized consumer records in accordance with certification requirements

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

Certified or registered as a substance use professional by the Missouri Credentialing Board, Inc.,

OR

Is an LPC, PLPC, LMSW, LCSW, physician, psychologist, or nurse practitioner licensed in the state of Missouri.

AND

Has at least one year of full time equivalent experience in the treatment or rehabilitation of substance use disorder.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATION

HCBC reserves the right to follow the employment guidelines put forth by the state and each programs contractual agreements.

Driving may be required for this position. The successful candidate must have and remain in possession of a valid current driver's license, automobile insurance, and be insurable under the agency's motor vehicle insurance policy.

All candidates for employment must meet the established minimum qualifications for employment as identified by the applicable regulatory agencies.