Substance Abuse Counselor

This position provides a variety of substance abuse recovery services, such as client assessments, development of problems lists, and counseling in a MAT facility. Residential Counselors have demonstrated knowledge of basic counseling and substance rehabilitation principals, practices and techniques and provide services for individuals seeking recovery from alcohol and other drug use and implement services in accordance with federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations.

This full-time position is part of a larger interdisciplinary team that provides substance abuse disorder counseling to clients enrolled in the program.

NOTE: This is an essential services position. The incumbent is required to respond after hours during emergencies and report to work for regular assigned shifts in the event of an emergency corporate closure.

Responsibilities and Duties: (Include, but are not limited to:)

• Delivery treatment services to a caseload of clients, including but not limited to intakes, assessments, problems lists, alcohol/drug tests, and confidentiality/informing activities.
• Assess mental health and detox needs and coordinate detox or MAT services as needed.
• Develop and conduct presentations for the public, community-based organizations, partner agencies, and others to educate on SUD prevention and treatment topics.
• Facilitate daily group counseling and client education sessions for adults and/or families on various substance abuse and other health related topics
• Deliver individual counseling sessions with clients and/or families/loved ones to address personalized goals and develop needed skill sets.
• Assist with case management functions to ensure that clients access vocational, educational, financial (e.g., benefits acquisition), social, medications for addiction treatment (MAT), and other resources to support personal recovery goals post treatment.
• Communicate on behalf of clients with the Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Mental Health, Probation Department, Criminal/Dependency Courts, Department of Social Services, and other community treatment providers and clients’ family and other support persons.
• Conduct recovery support services for clients who discharged from treatment services to maintain recovery goals and reengage in services where required.
• Support maintenance of a positive and safe environment conducive to quality treatment by welcoming, orienting and motivating clients to treatment routines; and when necessary, conduct bed and facility ground checks, direct patients during facility emergencies and natural disasters, and intervene to deescalate or resolve patient-related crises or problems.
• Complete and maintain accurate records and reports regarding the patients’ histories and progress, services provided, and other required information; ad enter information into the electronic medical record (“EMR”) system(s) in the required format and within the required timeline.
• Maintain compliance with certification requirements, including continuing education and training.
• Attends staff meetings as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of High School Diploma or equivalent
• Possess valid licensing as SUD counselor by approved DHCS certifying body (e.g., CAADE, CADTP, or CCAPP).
• Minimum of one (1) year working in a substance abuse treatment environment; experience with women’s issues (e.g., trauma; domestic violence; mental health treatment; parenting and child development; barriers women experience in treatment such as childcare or employment) nice to have.
• Experience documenting clinical interventions according to established policies and procedures
• Experience writing problems lists
• Experience completing ASAM and clinical assessments
• Experience observing, monitoring and/or intervening in drug/alcohol treatment
• Experience providing group and individualized clinical care for adult clients
• Experience using an Electronic Medical Record (“EMR”) or Electronic Health Record (“EHR”)
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution
• Outstanding customer service skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Programs and ability to learn software programs
• Ability to establish boundaries with clients
• Ability to manage difficult behaviors
• Ability to track client progress through the development and updates of problems lists
• Ability to deliver individual and group counseling services
• Ability to apply ethical guidelines of profession
• Ability to be nonjudgmental and respectful of others’ beliefs, values and culture

Special Qualifications:

• Pre-Employment Investigative Background Check and Drug Test is required.
• Progress House, Inc. is a Drug-Free Workplace.
• Post-Hire TB Test is required; a post-hire, pre-employment physical including fitness for duty examination may also be required.