Substance Abuse Counselor

Sign on bonus eligible! Wexford Health Sources, Inc. is one of the nation’s largest correctional health care providers. Over the past 30 years, our team of dedicated clinical professionals has helped literally millions of justice‑involved patients receive life‑changing medical and mental health services. Position Summary The Substance Use Counselor is responsible and accountable for the delivery of contracted substance use disorder services in the Western New Mexico Correctional Facility South. Primary duties include screening and assessment of psychiatric, medical, social, employment and residential needs, as well as risk factors for re‑incarceration as soon as possible after the individual’s admission to jail. The Counselor will also work with designated NMCD staff to coordinate aftercare services in the community. Duties/Responsibilities Assesses booking information on each new arrival to determine if there is a clinically significant problem with alcohol and/or other drugs of abuse. Screen new arrivals with a substance use disorder to determine severity of need. Review referrals received from healthcare providers, medical staff, programs staff and security staff to determine severity of need. Effectively triage patients for addiction severity assessment, medical and/or psychiatric care focused on continuity of care and stabilization of condition. Provide brief supportive interactions with individuals undergoing medically supervised withdrawal. Complete screening tools for particular substance use disorders. Conduct assessment with referred patients to gauge the severity of an individual’s substance use and provide a comprehensive overview of an individual’s addiction‑related issues. Provide psychoeducational group therapy services focused on identification of addiction‑related issues and the development of relapse prevention planning. Coordinate care with community providers and community supervision agencies, including the exchange of treatment records, communication of treatment needs and linkage of individuals with available services and support options upon release in concert with NMCD staff. Connect patients with any on‑site services and programs available to assist with meeting needs. Generate detainee passes for clinic visits and medication orders, collect patient signature and submit to the medical department staff responsible. Obtain patient signatures on any refusals for medications and services. Complete patient requests for health records in an effort to retrieve prior health records. Communicate with individuals via request, triage the requests and schedule tasks within the electronic health record. Coordinate discharge planning with designated NMCD staff. Ensure and maintain the confidentiality of all medical records information and patient care information. Validate and ensure that forms for the release of information are current, accurate and complete as defined by HIPAA. Release information at the direction of the Psychiatric Provider, Mental Health Professional, Medical Director or Health Services Administrator. Refer to supervisor any requests of a questionable nature. Ensure the security of all active and inactive medical records. Assist in preparing periodic statistical reports and other management information system requirements. Maintain logs for appropriate medical unit onsite staff. Understand and comply with all state, facility and company policies, procedures and protocols related to the medical and mental health departments. Meet timelines related to case management and departmental productivity guidelines. Job Requirements Licensing: Currently licensed as Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor (LISAC), Licensed Associate Substance Abuse Counselor (LASAC), or Licensed Substance Abuse Technician (LSAT). LISAC preferred. Certification: Current CPR certification. Education: Master’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling or related field. Preferred Experience: Minimum of two (2) years addictions treatment counseling. Minimum of one (1) year correctional experience. Benefits Annual review with performance increase. Generous paid‑time off program that combines vacation and sick leave. Paid holidays. Comprehensive health insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield. Dental and vision insurance. 401(k) retirement saving plans with company match. Company‑paid short‑term disability. Healthcare and dependent care spending account. Equal Opportunity Employer Wexford Health Sources, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin or protected veteran or disability status. #J-18808-Ljbffr