Assessment Counselor

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for the administration of the standard risk assessment and diagnostic testing instruments with the participants. Interviews participants, reviews files and testing scores and prepares assessment reports. The Counselor also determines the level of care for the participant. Essential Job Functions are below:

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Administer, score, and interpret all required screening and assessment tools including but not limited to the TCU Drug Screen, Treatment Assignment Protocol and the URICA
• May also use other assessment and substance abuse evaluation tools to support level of care ASAM placement
• Conducts screenings and assessments during the intake process and back-end screenings for standing populations
• Conducts post testing for participants as they go through the program
• Interviews participants to collect additional data not covered by above assessment tools.
• Reviews DOC (Department of Corrections) files.
• Scores and interprets results of assessment and testing tools.
• Prepares written reports based on results of assessment and testing tools.
• Will screen and assess patients for mental, chemical, and other factors to determine next steps.
• Report on interactions and escalate serious cases.
• Identify appropriate resources and connect clients to assistance.
• Work with clients over the phone, virtually or in person to determine the crisis and immediate needs.
• Participate in staffing regarding participants with other team members
• Must Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation; and
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to understand a variety of models including cognitive behavioral therapy, theories of addiction and dynamics related to substance use and other criminogenic risk factors.
• Knowledge of offender populations, criminal subcultures, and cultural differences, substance abuse assessment tools, therapeutic community concepts.
• Ability to know and comply with program documentation requirements, applicable ethical and professional standards of conduct.
• Ability to conduct initial clinical assessments and/or evaluations which serve as the basis for diagnosis and treatment.
• Ability to provide services appropriate to the personal and cultural identity and language of the participant.
• Ability to tailor helping strategies and treatment modalities to the participant's stage of dependence, change or recovery.
• Ability to interact in a professional manner in both individual and group counseling settings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in word processing programs, preferably MS Word, and spreadsheet programs, preferably MS Excel. Internet skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• High level of initiative.
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Bilingual (fluent in English and Spanish) preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain clearance from Maryland Department of Corrections.
• Valid drivers license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCares vehicle insurance is required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain OIG and NSOPW Clearance and
• During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Experience consisting of one (1) year of providing direct substance abuse counseling services to the criminal justice population preferred.
• Must possess at a minimum an associate degree in Human Services or Substance Abuse is required.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

• Alcohol and Drug Trainee (ADT): ADT status is not a certificate or a license. ADT status is of limited duration and is meant to serve as an entry-level position for those pursuing careers in alcohol and drug counseling. Applicants must have a Board approved alcohol and drug supervisor before they can begin training. See COMAR 10.58.07.08. Generally, to be eligible for ADT status, one must have an associate degree from a Board approved regionally accredited educational institution in a health and human services counseling field or a field deemed substantially equivalent by the Board, including coursework in specific areas/topics. See COMAR 10.58.07.08 for specific requirements. OR
• Certified Supervisor Counselor Alcohol and Drug (CSC-AD): To be eligible, one must have a bachelors degree from a Board approved regionally accredited educational institution in a health and human services counseling field or other field deemed substantially equivalent by the Board. In addition, one must have completed specific coursework, an internship, supervised clinical experience under the supervision of a Board-approved alcohol and drug supervisor, and passed the NCAC II and the Maryland law exam. See COMAR 10.58.07.06 OR
• CSC-AD: To be eligible for certification as a CSC-AD, one must have an associate degree from a regionally accredited educational institution approved by the Board, in a health and human services counseling field or a field deemed substantially equivalent by the Board. In addition, one must have completed specific coursework, including an internship, and passed the NCAC I and the Maryland law exam. See COMAR 10.58.07.07 for complete requirements. OR
• Certified Associate Counselor Alcohol and Drug (CAC-AD): To be eligible, one must have a bachelors degree from a Board approved regionally accredited educational institution in a health and human services counseling field or other field deemed substantially equivalent by the Board. In addition, one must have completed specific coursework, an internship, supervised clinical experience under the supervision of a Board-approved alcohol and drug supervisor, and passed the NCAC II and the Maryland law exam. See COMAR 10.58.07.06

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is primarily performed in a correctional institution setting.
• Must be able to de-escalate situations in the program.