Counselor

Qualifications:

1. Must be 18 years of age or older.
2. Documented two years of freedom from problematic substance use.
3. Must pass Applicant Background Check Study Approval.
4. Knowledge of the philosophy of Alcoholics Anonymous.
5. Training and successful experience counseling in the field of substance abuse/dependency.
6. Must be licensed as Minnesota Alcohol and Drug Counselor or granted a temporary license. This includes educational standards and requirements (i.e. bachelors or masters degree).

Professional Qualifications:

1. Knowledge of substance use disorder.
2. Knowledge of client’s rights and staff responsibilities.
3. Knowledge of Maltreatment of Vulnerable Adult Act.
4. Knowledge of Protective Procedures.
5. Alcohol and Drug Counselors licensed under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 148F, must comply with rules adopted under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 148F.
6. Must be competent in screening for and working with clients with mental health problems through education, training, and experience.
7. Counselors exempt under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 148F, must be competent, as evidenced by one of the following:

Must have at least a baccalaureate degree with a major or concentration in social work, nursing, sociology, human services, or psychology, or is a licensed registered nurse; has successfully completed 120 hours of classroom instruction in each of the core functions listed in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 148F, is covered; and successful completion of 440 hours of supervised experience as an alcohol and drug counselor, either as a student or as a staff member;

 Completion of 270 hours of alcohol and drug counselor training in which each of the core functions listed in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 148F, is covered, and successful completion of 880 hours of supervised experience as an alcohol and drug counselor, either as a student , or as a staff member;

 Current certification as an alcohol and drug counselor or alcohol drug counselor reciprocal, through the evaluation process established by the Certification Reciprocity Consortium Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Inc., and published in the Case Presentation Method Trainer’s Manual, copyright 1993;

 Completion of bachelor’s degree including 480 hours of alcohol and drug counseling education from an accredited school or educational program and 880 hours of alcohol and drug counseling practicum and understands the implications of parts9530.6405 to 9530.6505, and Minnesota Statutes, sections 245A, 626.556, and 626.557 and 626.5572.

  Employment in a program formerly licensed under parts 9530.5000 to 9530.6400 as successful completion of 6,000 hours of supervised work experience in a licensed program as an alcohol and drug counselor prior to the effective date of parts 9530.6405 to 9530.6590.

 Job Responsibilities:

1. Functions as a member of a treatment team, comprised of the Counselor, Chemical Health Technician, Treatment Director, other staff and consultants as needed. 
2. Completes Substance Abuse diagnostic assessment and treatment plans written within the ASAM 6 dimensions criteria and outline. 
3. Conducts group activities, individual counseling and family counseling for clients assigned to him/her.
4. Participate in client staff meetings with other members of staff.
5. Prepares and delivers lectures related to alcohol/drug problems to the entire client population as needed.
6. Prepares and delivers lectures related to daily living to the client group.
7. Acts as supervisor, if qualified, for interns or trainees and provides direct supervision for other members of staff, acting as member of the counseling team.
8. Participate in committee work and other appropriate tasks as requested by the Director.
9. Participate in yearly training as required by 245(G).