Job Description Summary:

The Substance Use Counselor is a member of New Directions professional staff and is responsible for providing substance use services for individuals and families impacted by a variety of behavioral health (addiction/substance use and mental health) issues. They provide services to individuals impacted by a variety of behavioral health (addiction/substance use and mental health) issues, recognizing that the individuals we serve often have experienced trauma that affects their development and adjustment. They will be trained in trauma-informed care and will work to help provide services in an environment that is sensitive and responsive which will prevent victimization, abuse, or trauma as a result of the care received. They demonstrate welcoming, empathic, hopeful attitude, conveys a philosophy of dual recovery and is trained and/or experienced in working with severe mental illness and/or substance using diagnosed individuals to assess, plan, develop, coordinate, and provide substance use support services. Substance Use Counselor reports directly to Clinical Supervisor.

Education:

• Master’s degree in psychology or social work field with ability for state licensure.
• Or, met the criteria for Certification as a Certified Reciprocal Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CRAADC), Certified Reciprocal Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CRADC), or Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC).

Work Experiences:

• Prior work experiences with addiction and mental health populations are preferred, whether through employment history or higher education internships.

Responsibilities:

• Substance Use Counselor is primarily responsible for:
  • Conducting intake interviews, identifying presenting problems, screening for presence of co-occurring disorders and generating treatment plans
  • Assess acute mental health risks and arrange appropriate intervention
  • Refer for mental health diagnosis and mental health treatment recommendations.
  • Support mental illness medication and treatment adherence.
  • Identify and document stage of change for each disorder.
  • Help client advocate/educate with mental health providers regarding managing mental illness.
  • Help client advocate/educate with mental health providers regarding their addictions and addiction treatments.
  • Communicate and collaborate with mental health providers.
  • Participate and present case studies in staffing meetings.
  • Conduct individual and group counseling.
  • Provide follow-up.
  • Promote access to dual recovery meetings.

• Facilitate continuity of care between New Directions and other area programs, also within programs across the agency, through modalities of consultation, referral, education, and emergency services.
• Provide treatment services within Modified Medical Detoxification, Residential Component, Outpatient/CSTAR, SATOP, and aftercare through continuing care with effective use of consultation, case management, counseling and follow up.
• Provide program and staff consultation and education to appropriate community groups and institutions on topics involving alcoholism and drug addiction when such is approved by the Clinical Supervisor and/or Clinical Director.
• Available as an emergency back-up to the Modified Medical Detoxification/Residential Component nursing staff.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Physical Requirements:

• Normal office environment either on site or from home setting by provided telehealth equipment.
• Typical physical demands include prolonged sitting, frequent standing, bending, and stooping.
• Requires normal range of hearing and manual dexterity sufficient to operate keyboard, telephone, photocopier, calculator, and other office equipment as needed.
• Requires ability to work under stressful conditions and to work irregular hours and deal with irate individuals.
• TB test upon hire.