Substance Abuse Counselor

Job TitleThis position provides substance use disorder services to the inmate population, to include formal and informal behavioral health evaluations, diagnostic assessments, and clinical interventions.Job DescriptionResponsibilities include, but are not limited to:Provides substance use and co-occurring disorder treatment services under clinical supervision;Collaborates with other mental health professionals to ensure co-occurring issues;Serves as consultant for unit staff regarding assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning;Monitors inmate treatment and documentation to assure compliance with standards and to assure continuity of care;Assures accurate Information System behavioral health needs levels, and provides group, brief, and individual treatment;Provides clinical direction to non-clinical staff in behavioral health care and treatment of inmates.Assures continuity of care for inmates by making appropriate referral and providing necessary information and documentation for receiving units, facilities, or agencies;Provides crisis intervention in conjunction with clinical standards regarding mental health professional privilege level;Documents both handwritten and electronically in an accurate and timely manner to provide comprehensive inmate behavioral health records;Communicates directly with inmates regarding their behavioral health care such as consequences of maladaptive behavior and desired and undesirable effects of prescribed behavioral health medication;Listens to inmate concerns and provides counseling and direction;Communicates to advise, counsel, inform and/or guide staff within the clinical unit, the facility, clinical and administrative supervisors and outside agencies to ensure continuity and direction of behavioral health care;Communicates and responds to complaints, problems, transfers, classifications, and inmate behavioral management issues;Responsible for maintaining standards of the program or work unit through compliance with all applicable professional, departmental, organizational and unit standards;Promotes and is accountable for the safety and security of the clinical and correctional environment through conscientious observations, and sensitive item contraband control.Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal RightsMinimum Qualifications:Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience: Applicant must possess a current, valid license from the State of Colorado as:A Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) or Addiction Counselor Candidate (ADDC)ORApplicant must possess a certification as a Certified Addiction Specialist (CAT) and a license as Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (CSW), or Licensed Psychologist (PSY).Conditions of Employment:Must be 21 years of age;Possess a valid driver's license. Drivers must maintain a valid, non-restricted Colorado driver license, obey traffic laws, and be able to safely operate a motor vehicle. State drivers are expected to maintain a safe driving record consistent with Colorado Division of Human Resources Universal Policy Driving Standards.Possess a high school diploma or GED;Have NO felony convictions, to include any actions defined in 5 U.S.C. 301; U.S.C. 509, 510; 42 U.S.C. 15601-15609.Applicants must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application; DOC cannot provide H-1B sponsorship at this time.Successfully pass all modules of the six-week Colorado Department of Corrections Basic Training, to include English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments and written/practical exams in Defensive TacticsPossess the physical ability to successfully complete Defensive Tactics.Will be exposed to Oleoresin Capsicum during Basic Training and will be exposed while on assignment.Must be able to see and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety and securitySeize, hold, control or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury;Demonstrate body agility, strength of all four limbs and the ability to walk and climb stairs consistently;Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person and/or restraint situations;Deal with individuals with a range of moods and behaviors, utilizing tactfulness and a congenial, personable manner;Work with people of the opposite sex, diverse racial ethnic groups, mentally ill and emotionally disturbed inmates;Communicate by talking, listening and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information, assignments;Work in an environment with fluctuating noise and temperature (hot and cold) which may include working outdoors in inclement weather and/or concrete floor/wall work settings;Willing and able to travel;Willing and able to work various shifts, days, afternoons, graveyards (nights) which includes a rotating shift schedule;TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire.The CDOC is committed to a work environment free from illegal drugs and alcohol. Employees (see exception below) may use marijuana in their personal time but are prohibited from working while under the influence of any substance, including marijuana. A drug test will be administered to all new employees; employees must successfully pass. Random drug screening will occur throughout employment.Exception: Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified employees are prohibited from the use of marijuana. Health care professionals must check their licensing requirements regarding marijuana use.Appeal Rights: If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director. An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email (View email address on click.appcast.io), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or faxed View phone number on click.appcast.io) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department's action. For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to spb.colorado.gov; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at View phone number on click.appcast.io; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.