Substance Abuse Counselor

The Counselor role involves assisting patients in identifying, maximizing, and relating their strengths to appropriate social, educational (academic and vocational), and occupational goals. The counselor helps patients prepare and adjust to a drug‑free existence, and offers emotional and physical assistance with problematic issues. The candidate reports to the Counselor Supervisor or Program Director and provides services in accordance with the program policies, schedules, and all applicable federal, state, local, and accrediting agency regulatory requirements. Requirements Bachelor's or Master's in human services or related field. LPC, LCSW, LMFT, LSATP, CSAC‑S, CSAC, Resident in Counseling or Social Work Supervisee required. Pay and Schedule Pay: $22‑$29/hr + Bonus Structure Schedule: 5:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Monday–Friday. Summary of Essential Job Functions Duties and Responsibilities Conduct alcohol and drug abuse counseling sessions on a regular basis per state regulation, or as part of the individual treatment plan. Mental health counseling may be provided based on program and qualifications of clinician. Provide services according to the required hours, which may vary depending on services. Conduct group counseling sessions as required. Orient patients to the treatment program’s operation and procedures. Collect available social, educational, economic, and vocational information to be used as part of the assessment process. Implement or revise patient treatment plans with the patient as required by state regulation and record a review of the patient’s progress according to BHG policy. Develop within (10) days of entry or as required by state guidelines, whichever is more stringent, a formal treatment plan documenting patient goals and update utilizing the same guidelines. Maintain patient records that are complete, comprehensive and well‑organized. Submit records for periodic review as requested by supervisory team. Document all patient contacts. If other team members provide services to the patient, the assigned counselor is responsible for ensuring such contacts are documented in the patient’s chart. Make appropriate referrals through case‑management services and perform necessary follow‑up. Assist the Program Director in implementing new programs into patient treatment. Advise the Program Director of problems encountered with caseload management and schedules. Attend weekly treatment team meetings prepared to both lead the discussion where appropriate and discuss his/her assigned individual patient caseload. Provide in‑service training to counselors and other treatment center team members as needed. Maintain a basic understanding of alcohol/drug abuse and addiction. Additionally, stay up to date on current drug abuse and treatment information, especially current trends in Opioid Maintenance Treatment. Provide intake/readmission services, including several weeks of supportive follow‑up counseling for new patients until their assignment to a primary counselor. Provide, monitor, and document follow‑up calls/contact to all discharging patients for at least 30 days. Provide crisis intervention/support services to patients assigned to other counselors when their primary counselor is unavailable. Provide inter‑agency reports/documentation required for third‑party reimbursement, criminal justice proceedings, supplemental income assessments, emergency services, and other specialized treatment needs of patients as applicable. Coordinate care with other community providers as needed. Meet BHG attendance standards and be present and ready for work at the beginning of the established work schedule. Perform OBOT services as required. Report any work‑related injury or illness, or workplace hazards or security issues immediately to supervisor. Other duties as assigned by supervisory team. Regulatory Responsible for complying with all federal, state and local regulatory agency requirements. Responsible for complying with all accrediting agencies. Marketing and Outreach Participate in community and public relations activities as assigned. Professional Development Responsible for the achievement of assigned specific goals, objectives, and metrics. Responsible for mentoring and training counseling team members regarding best practices in counseling and skills necessary to engage patients in treatment. Demonstrate the belief that addiction is a brain disease, not a moral failing. Demonstrate hope, respect, and caring in all interactions with patients and fellow team members. Establish and maintain positive relationships in the workplace. Can work independently and under pressure while handling multiple tasks simultaneously. Make decisions and use good judgment with confidential and sensitive issues. Deal appropriately with others in stressful or other undesirable situations. Training Participate in and provide in‑service training as required by federal, state, local, and accrediting agencies. Attend conferences, meetings and training programs as directed. Participate in and/or schedule and attend regular in‑service training. Minimum Requirements The Counselor must comply with federal and state regulations regarding certification, licensure, and degree. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in a related field. Master’s degree in a related field may be required with expanded job duties. CSAC (Certified Substance Abuse Counselor). CSAC‑S (Certified Substance Abuse Counselor – Supervisor). LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor). LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker). LMFT (License Marriage and Family Therapist). If not adequately licensed, the counselor must be enrolled in, or willing to begin, a formal course of study or track toward licensure at the date of hire. Ideal Candidate Characteristics and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities High integrity. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Sound judgment. Efficient. Self‑starter. Ability to work independently and under pressure while handling multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to make decisions and use proper judgment with confidential and sensitive issues. Must be able to react quickly and make effective decisions. Demonstrate basic computer/word‑processing skills. Demonstrate basic knowledge and skill in the use of typical office equipment such as calculator, fax machine, copier, computer, telephone, and computer programs. Ability to demonstrate sufficient knowledge and understanding of human behavior to show potential for rehabilitating drug‑dependent patients. Must have sufficient knowledge of the substance‑abuse population, treatment planning and the field of human social services to work toward the rehabilitation of the patient community. Physical Requirements And Working Conditions Speaking and hearing ability sufficient to communicate effectively by phone or in person at normal volumes. Vision adequate to read correspondence, computer screen, forms, etc. Prolonged sitting, bending, stooping, or stretching. Variable workload, periodic high stress and activity level. Standard medical office conditions and environments. Interactions with patients who may be ill, have infectious diseases, have mental health diagnoses and/or are involved in the criminal justice system. Keyboarding for long periods of time. Why Join BHG Work‑Life Balance: Enjoy generous paid time off, holidays, and personal needs. Benefit from flexible schedules with early in/early out hours, no nights, and no Sundays. Investment in Your Growth: Prioritize your development with role‑based training and advancement opportunities. Comprehensive Benefits: Choose from three benefits programs, including health, life, vision, and dental insurance. Enjoy tuition reimbursement and 401(k) plan with discretionary match. Recognition and Rewards: Experience competitive pay, quarterly bonuses, and incentives for certifications or licenses. Employee Perks: Access exclusive discounts on various services and entertainment options, and benefit from our Employee Assistance Program and self‑care series. BHG is an equal‑opportunity, affirmative‑action employer providing equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr