Substance Abuse Counselor I

Job Purpose

The primary responsibility for this position is to provide consultation and coordination for individuals detained in the Alamance County Detention Center with a history or current problematic substance use concern; prioritizing those with opiate addiction and identify treatment and resource needs in the community to maximize opportunities for success in recovery. This position serves as an advocate for the person supported. Performs a wide range of tasks to assist with successful community reentry post-incarceration. Work involves providing assessment, case management, and supportive counseling to people in the detention center making appropriate referrals and connections, processing and maintaining forms and records, and arranging for the provision of services per existing laws, rules, and regulations. This position will utilize interventions that are individualized and strength-based while focusing on promoting recovery, symptom reduction, increased coping skills, and achievement of the highest level of functioning in the community. This position functions as a role model of competency in recovery and ongoing coping skills.

Responsibilities

Engage with individuals while in jail, detention center, or engaged in treatment, as early as possible and maintain a professional relationship throughout the provision of services.

Establish and maintain contact with individuals within 7 days of release-by telephone and in-person visits to understand and assist with connection to community services.

Assist individuals in scheduling and getting to initial inpatient or outpatient appointments to establish the individual in treatment services.

Provide interventions that promote the individual's personal safety, self-worth, confidence, growth, connection to the community, boundary setting and planning, self-advocacy, personal fulfillment and development of social supports, and effective communication skills.

Provide intervention strategies to individuals and their families per the individual's service plan, agency treatment philosophy, and governing standards.

Engage individuals in activities aimed to assist in a wide range of skill development, symptom management, wellness, education, and work readiness when appropriate.

Document the provision of services in the appropriate form.

Monitor and help manage the presenting psychiatric and/or addiction symptoms.

Maintain and submit accurate and timely documentation including all medical record requirements and assist with service authorizations as instructed.

Maintain confidentiality and comply with governmental laws and regulations, as well as county policies and procedures.

Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

Participates in:

• Jail Mental Health team
• Pre-Trial team meetings
• Other committees or councils as recommended by immediate supervisor

This position will also be required to staff emergency shelters as mandated by the State Public Health Office, assist with Public Health outbreak investigations and response, and perform additional duties as required by the Nursing Supervisor, Nursing Director, Medical Director and Health Director.

Qualifications

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and four years of experience working in a criminal justice environment within a correctional facility, jail-based substance abuse treatment program, or a community-based substance treatment program that serves offenders adjudicated through the criminal justice system after credentialing has been obtained.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS: Valid N.C. driver's license and have access to a personal vehicle. Credentialed as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), or an equivalent credential from a governing authority, recognized by the NC Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Fluent in Spanish and English both oral and written is preferred but not required.

Skills & Abilities

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES :

Working knowledge and application of the substance use disorder processes, including psychological and physical withdrawal.

Working knowledge of psycho pharmacy and drug interactions.

Working knowledge of medical terminology, disease processes, and treatment related to decisions regarding clinical interventions and appropriate therapies based on medical and psychological diagnoses.

Thorough knowledge and application of therapeutic approaches including group dynamics, crisis interventions, and family therapy, and behavioral intervention therapy for substance use disorders.

Through knowledge of community support groups and resources for individuals with substance use disorders.

Skill in evaluating and screening clients for appropriate treatment and referrals.

Skill in formulating clear, goal-oriented treatment plans, and concise record documentation.

Skill in developing and maintaining interpersonal relationships to include effective oral and written communication with team members, clients and other healthcare providers.

Ability to recognize co-occurring disorders and make appropriate mental health referrals while actively continues providing substance use disorder counseling.

Ability to serve as a resource/peer consultant.

Individuals need to possess and meet the following agency essential values:

• Accountability - Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.
• Accuracy - Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
• Communication, Oral - Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.
• Communication, Written - Ability to communicate in writing clearly and concisely.
• Compassion - Ability to show kindness, empathy and genuine care.
• Honesty - Ability to be truthful, maintain high level of confidentiality and be seen as credible in the workplace.
• Integrity – Trustworthiness to a degree that one is incapable of being false to a trust, responsibility or pledge
• Judgment – Ability to use good judgment and discretion as it relates to following policies and procedures.
• Safety-Minded – Creating a safe work environment; managing risks; reducing exposure liabilities.
• Teamwork – Ability to work with others successfully and productively for the common cause and desired end goal.

Benefits

Health Insurance - Full-time employees are eligible for medical/health (Cigna Insurance) benefits upon the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment. Alamance County Government currently offers three plans of medical/pharmacy benefit options including 2 Standard PPO plans and a High-Deductible Health Plan with HSA. Dental Benefit - Alamance County offers one dental insurance (Delta Dental) plan for FT employees at no cost. The plan, if elected, would be effective the first of the month following 30 days of FT employment. Vision Insurance - A voluntary vision program (Superior Vision) is available to FT employees. The current PPO style plan allows employees to seek treatment and hardware from any vision care provider of their choice. The plan, if elected, would be effective the first of the month following 30 days of FT employment. Coverage must be elected within your first 30 days of FT employment or upon a qualifying event. Voluntary Benefits: Alamance County Government provides a variety of voluntary health related benefits (Voya) to allow employees to purchase protection from what life may bring. A sampling of voluntary benefits includes Flexible Spending Accounts with dependent care opportunities, Health Saving Account with an employer contribution, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Cancer Protection Plan, Group Critical Care Insurance and more. Life Insurance – Basic term life insurance is the amount of one times the annual salary (no greater than $70,000) is provided for all FT employees. Additional coverage is available for purchase through payroll deductions for employee and eligible dependents. Retirement Benefits - Membership in the NC Local Government Employees Retirement System (NCLGERS) is a requirement for all full-time and regular part-time employees (working more than 1,000 hours annually). Employees contribute six percent (6%) of their annual compensation before it is taxed. Time Off Accruals: Vacation Time – Annual Leave is accrued based on years of service. Employees can accrue from 10-25 days per year. Sick Time – All County full time employees earn 12 days of sick leave per year. County Observed Holidays – Alamance County will observe the State of North Carolina Holiday Schedule. Wellness Benefits & Programming: Employee Assistance Program: There are times when everyone needs a little help or advice. The confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through a local provider can help you with things like stress, anxiety, depression, chemical dependency, relationship issues, legal issues, parenting questions, financial counseling and dependent care resources. Best of all it's free for County employees and available for your household to utilize. Utilization of the EAP is completely confidential and participation isn't recorded. Help is available 24/7/365 by telephone. Alamance County Employee Health Center: Available to employees and spouses who are covered under the Alamance County Insurance Plan and their covered dependents, 18 years of age and older. Retired employees under age 65 are also eligible to use the health center. Depending on insurance coverage elected, care at the clinic ranges from free to a fair market value cost. Services Available: Treatment of injuries or illnesses such as flu, sinus Infection, pink eye, sprains, strains or fever. Monitor chronic conditions (Diabetes, Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia, Health Disease