Substance Abuse Specialist-54533701

JOB SUMMARY:This clinical position exists primarily in programs that serve mentally ill consumers/residents who have co-existing substance abuse disorder and who may also have histories of homelessness and/or HIV infection. Counsels and aids residents/consumers with multiple service needs who require assistance dealing with chemical abuse problems, such as alcohol and/or drug abuse in residential and/or non-residential programs. Functions as the team member on a multi-disciplinary team that has particular expertise in the area of substance abuse disorders. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:Conducts symptom assessment and provides supportive services on a schedule established by the program.Helps the consumer/resident modify attitudes and patterns of behavior in regard to the abuse of substances by increasing understanding of self and others.Interviews residents/consumers, reviews records, makes appropriate entries in residents'/consumers' charts and confers with other professionals to evaluate the condition of the residents/consumers.Formulates treatment program and rehabilitation of resident/consumer caseload using knowledge of drug and alcohol abuse problems and counseling and treatment techniques.Counsels residents/consumers individually and in group sessions to assist the residents/consumers in overcoming alcohol and drug dependency. Aids the consumer/resident to mobilize inner capabilities and environmental resources to improve social functioning.Refers the resident/consumer to other support services as needed, such as medical evaluation and treatment, social services, and employment services.Conducts monitoring of urine testing, collecting urine, tracking urine test results, performing on-site urine tests, and training staff in urine testing.Conducts monitoring of alcohol testing, tracking alcohol test results, performing on-site alcohol tests, and training staff in alcohol testing.Monitors condition of the resident/consumer to evaluate the success of the therapy and adapts treatment as needed. Prepares and maintains reports and case histories.Trains staff or members of multi-disciplinary team on recovery methodology and specific group and class elements.Performs verbal and non-verbal intervention when necessary.Develops and maintains working relationship with alcohol and substance abuse detoxification, rehabilitation, and treatment centers.Explains the types of clinical services, recreational activities, and ICL programs available to consumers/residents; instructs the consumers/residents in daily living skills, socialization skill enhancement, and conflict resolution.Executes emergency plans as outlined in the policy and procedure manual. Provides Standard First Aid to consumers/residents when required.Immediately reports incidents, serious incidents, serious incident allegations, or sensitive situations to supervisors. Completes incident reports in accordance with ICL policy. Accounts for consumers/residents and files missing person reports on consumers/residents not accounted for in accordance with ICL policy and procedure.Reviews the staff communication log and makes entries in the staff communication log concerning essential elements of information designated by program management.Assists in orientation of new personnel when requested.Complies with attendance rules and demonstrates ability to work on a regular basis.Complies with agency infection control policies.Attends regularly scheduled clinical meetings and supervision.Has on-call responsibilities.Willingness and ability to use ICL supplied communication tools (e.g., computers, beepers, telephone, fax, etc.) regularly in the course of conducting business.Ability to comply with the agency infection control policies.Performs other related duties as assigned. ADDITIONAL TASKS:May provide monitoring of medications and/or monitored medications and make appropriate medication administration form entries in strict accordance with the medication protocol. May assist consumers/residents who are on a monitored medication regime.May formulate and conduct programs to promote prevention of alcohol and substance abuse.May serve as a member of a committee(s) that: conducts MICA strategic planning, reviews MICA treatment programs, and discusses expanding MICA services and activities. May formulate program designs related to MICA services.May be involved in planning, escorting, and/or arranging social or recreational activities for residents/consumers.May supervise resident/consumer funds and savings accounts in accordance with ICL policy.May provide MICA clinical knowledge to other staff or being directly involved in counseling individuals or groups.May prepare documents for presentation in court and accompany residents/consumers as needed.May administer urinalysis and breathalyzer tests.May serve as house manager ensuring that consumers adhere to program structure and rules.ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:Knowledge of substance abuse counseling concepts, principles and practices.Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, and societal trends and influence, cultures, their history, migrations, ethnicity, religion and other cultural dimensions of target recipients.Ability to secure the cooperation of and work effectively with others.Ability to react appropriately in emergency situations.Ability to work and collaborate as part of a multi-disciplinary team.Ability to serve as a role model to residents/consumers.Ability to communicate effectively with clientele including bilingual skills if needed to provide services.Knowledge of human behavior and performance, mental processes, and familiarity with assessment and treatment of behavioral, medical and substance disorders.Knowledge of laws, legal codes, regulations and agency policies, etc., that govern the work of the program.Ability to prepare accurate and timely documentation, reports and other written material as assigned meeting all deadlines and productivity standards.QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:Current CASAC or CASAC-T with a full CASAC credential within one year of appointment to position. At least 2 years’ experience providing direct services to people with co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse. Equivalent training and experience will be considered. Valid NYS driver’s license required.#ICLOTHERJob SummaryRequisition Number: SUBST007543Job Category: Human/Social ServicesSchedule: Full-Time