Certified Addiction Counselor (40 Hour) Office/On-site #260814-2351FX-001

Introduction Do you want to utilize your skills and make a difference? Are you ready to take the next step in your career? If so, please read on to learn more about this exciting opportunity! The State of Connecticu t , Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services ( DMHAS ) is currently seeking a dedicated and experienced individual for the position of Certified Addiction Counselor to join our team. Connecticut Valley Hospital (CVH) provides specialized inpatient treatment to individuals with complex mental health and substance use needs. The ASD Merritt 2AB Unit is a residential rehabilitation program serving approximately 30 patients with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. The team provides a supportive, structured environment where patients can focus on recovery, develop skills for continued success, and prepare for their return to the community. Addiction Counselors are an important part of this team, building therapeutic relationships with patients and helping them connect their treatment to the resources and supports they will need after discharge. Position Highlights Facility: Connecticut Valley Hospital (CVH) Division: Addiction Services Division (ASD) Merritt 2AB Location: Middletown, CT Schedule: Full -time, 40 hours per week, 1st shift, Tuesday - Saturday 8:00am - 4:30pm

PCN: 114581

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page! Professional growth and development opportunities. A healthy work/life balance to all employees Discover The Opportunity To Engage in a rewarding career; Showcase your talents in a meaningful role; Thrive in an exciting environment; Provide support to a division that is passionate about the work we do; Work together in a collaborative team environment. The Role In this role, you will provide meaningful, hands-on support to patients throughout their treatment and recovery journey. The counselor leads group sessions, meets individually with patients, provides case management, helps patients connect with community resources, assists with discharge planning, supports daily unit activities, and provides transportation to appointments when needed. This is an opportunity to use your counseling skills to build trust, encourage recovery, and help individuals take meaningful steps toward a healthier and more independent future. More About Us DMHAS is a health care agency whose mission is to promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective, and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect, and self-s ufficiency in those we serve. CVH's vision and mission is to promote recovery through collaborative, compassionate, and culturally competent treatment in a safe, healthy, and caring environment. We provide trauma informed gender responsive treatment that empowers individuals to manage recovery, improve quality of life and return to the community. Please Note A comprehensive medical examination, including a drug screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment. All state employees must adhere to Connecticut’s Policy for a Drug Free Workplace .

QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:

Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Julie Barker at View email address on click.appcast.io .

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Departments of Mental Health and Addiction Services and Veterans' Affairs this class is accountable for providing specialized counseling services to clients in a behavioral health treatment program.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Provides counseling services to alcohol and drug dependent clients; Screens clients to determine eligibility for programs; Assesses strengths, weaknesses and treatment needs; Orients clients to treatment program; Participates in treatment planning and individual and/or group counseling; Responsible for case management activities; Provides crisis intervention services in response to emotional and/or physical distress; Makes referrals to outside or other programs for medical and/or psychological intervention; Maintains confidential reports and records of client data; Represents program at community events and seminars; Educates clients on substance abuse issues and availability of resources; Consults with service providers to assure comprehensive integrated care; May escort clients; May provide coverage duties; May collect urine for drug screening; Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Knowledge of physical, psychological, social, family and economic effects of substance abuse; counseling principles and techniques; community resources; confidentiality provisions; infectious diseases; Considerable interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; Ability to gather, analyze and evaluate information pertinent to treatment, diagnosis and rehabilitation of an individual. Minimum Qualifications - General Experience Certification from the Connecticut Department of Public Health as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor and three (3) years of experience involving risk reduction education and counseling to assist alcohol and drug dependent individuals. Minimum Qualifications - Substitutions Allowed Licensure from the Connecticut Department of Public Health as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor may be substituted for the General Experience. For state employees three (3) years of experience as a Certified Addiction Counselor Trainee may be substituted for the General Experience. Preferred Qualifications Experience working with multidisciplinary team in a hospital setting or behavioral health residential setting providing care and treatment to clients with substance use and mental health disorders. Experience with Evidence-Based Practice, focusing on standardized measurable outcomes, and the application of research-supported approaches. Experience utilizing community resources and supports to connect individuals with appropriate services. Experience in case management. CT DPH licensure as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Active driver's license for transporting clients. Special Requirements Incumbents in this class must retain the certification and/or licensure outlined above. Individuals recovering from addiction to alcohol or drugs are required to have two (2) years of substance free time to be considered for a position in a substance abuse program. Incumbents in this class may be required to speak a foreign language or be fluent in American Sign Language. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid driver's license. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel. Physical Requirements A medical and/or psychiatric examination may be required prior to appointment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be required to perform moderate amounts of lifting or restraining of patients and exposed to communicable and/or infectious diseases and risk of injury from assaultive and/or abusive patients.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Connecticut