Substance Abuse Counselor

Job Summary

The Substance Abuse Counselors will work with individuals, families, and groups to provide therapeutic support and education to those affected by substance abuse and addiction in a manner that upholds Unicare Community Health Center’s mission to improve the health status and well-being of underserved segments of the population in the communities we serve through the direct provision or coordination of health care, health education, and services The Substance Abuse Counselors will help clients understand the nature of addiction, develop coping strategies, and work toward maintaining sobriety.

Duties/Responsibilities:

§ Conducts clinical interviews to gather information, assess patient needs, determine the appropriate need, and develop diagnostic information.

§ Develop individualized treatment plans based on assessment results and client needs

§ Provide individual, group, or family counseling to help clients address their addiction.

§ Monitor client progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary

§ Assist clients in accessing additional resources, such as housing, employment, or medical care, to support their recovery.

§ Educate clients and their families about the effects of substance abuse and the importance of recovery.

§ Provide relapse prevention strategies and support during recovery.

§ Maintain accurate records of client interactions, treatment progress, and outcomes.

§ Maintain accuracy, completeness and timeliness with medical charts. All medical charts must be closed with 48 hours of the encounter in order to ensure high standards of care and compliance with regulatory requirements.

§ Comply with legal and ethical standards related to confidentiality and patient privacy

§ Participate in the development of patients' individualized care plans, in a timely and thorough manner.

§ Coordinates and collaborate with Primary Care Providers, Behavioral Health Coordinator, Case managers, Substance Abuse Counselor, Medical Director of Behavioral Health, Chief Medical Officer and other Staff to improve health outcomes.

§ Facilitates referrals to other services and allied agencies as needed.

§ Works closely with Unicare’s Psychiatrists and other Clinicians when needed.

§ Serves as a mandated Child Protective Services (CPS) and Adult/Elder Abuse reporter.

§ Facilitates and participates in chart reviews and audits of behavioral health clinicians.

§ Attends and participates in a variety of internal and external meetings.

§ Performs related duties as assigned.

§ Is engaged and facilitates outreach initiatives

§ Proactively utilize clinical supervision and/or peer consultation

Non-Essential Functions

§ As directed by the Director of Behavioral Health, performs other related and/or necessary tasks to achieve organizational and programmatic goals and objectives

Professional Requirements

§ Adhere to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.

§ Maintain current license, registrations and/or certifications.

§ Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.

§ Report to work on time and as scheduled.

§ Maintain regulatory requirements, including all state, federal and local regulations.

§ Represent the organization in a positive and professional manner at all times.

§ Comply with all organizational policies and standards regarding ethical business practices. Initials

· Communicate the mission, ethics and goals of the organization.

· Participate in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement activities.

Qualifications

• Master degree in counseling, psychology, social work
• Clinic Counselor License
• Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor
• Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

§ Requires a comprehensive knowledge of behavioral health in outpatient settings.

§ General knowledge of behavioral health counseling skills, including the ability to perform biopsychosocial assessments, crisis prevention, supportive therapy, and coping skills development.

§ Knowledge and ability to find resources for patients and the ability to link and refer patients as needed.

§ General understanding of the most recent diagnostic manual.

§ Excellent people skills, with an ability to partner with a dynamic leadership team.

§ Knowledge of providing culturally competent services to a variety of diverse patients.

§ Possess personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and commitment to corporate mission.

§ Flexible and able to multitask; can work within an ambiguous, fast-moving environment, while also driving toward clarity and solutions; demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities.

§ Maintain current knowledge of policies and procedures as they relate to safe work practices.

§ Follow all safety procedures and report unsafe conditions.

§ Ability to work with a diverse population.

§ Willing to work flexible hours, including evening and/or weekends.

§ Must have reliable transportation and valid CA driver-s license and an insurable DMV record.

§ Must be self-directed and work productively with minimal supervision.

§ Ability to work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team

§ Demonstrated proficiency in using Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel, Access, Outlook

§ Knowledge of Electronic Health Records

Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions

§ Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer.

§ Pushing and pulling objects up to 25 lbs.

§ Frequent wrist, hand, and finger dexterity to perform fine motor function.

§ Position requires light to moderate work with 25 lb. maximum weight to lift and carry.

§ Full range of body motion requires twisting body, pushing, pulling, reaching, bending, stooping, and handling objects with hands and/or fingers, listening, talking, and/or hearing, and seeing.

Working Conditions

§ Non-Ionizing Radiation (microwaves)

WORK SCHEDULE

§ Monday – Friday: Starting time at 9:00am and ending at 6:00pm.

§ May travel to all Unicare Community Health Center clinics to work or attend meetings as needed.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Language:

• Spanish (Required)

License/Certification:

• Clinic Counselor License (Required)
• Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (Required)
• Master Degree in counseling, psychology, social work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25 - $35