Substance Abuse Counselor

Employment Type

Full time

Shift

Day Shift

Description

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Provides the services to adults including: conducting face-to-face assessments, establishing diagnoses, making treatment suggestions; ordering behavior health intervention services (when indicated); and assisting with referrals to behavioral health intervention services providers (if requested); Provides substance abuse, co-occurring trauma, and personal growth-related therapy services to assigned clients and their families. Applies advanced psychosocial theory and methods to individuals as well as families and groups with appropriate regard for the complexity of given problems. Performs tasks and makes decisions that require independent judgment, are complex in nature, involve short and long range planning and require the use of high level problem solving techniques. Applies concepts of client- centered care to improve client outcomes. Coordinates internal/external services to provide as complete a continuum of care as possible.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Establishes rapport and develops a therapeutic relationship with assigned clients.
• Provides therapy and counseling services in individual and group sessions. Maintains appropriate professional boundaries.
• Provides crisis intervention and conflict resolution assistance.
• Demonstrates ability to differentiate between emergency and non-emergency tasks and responds accordingly.
• Provides immediate supportive counseling and necessary assistance to clients dealing with a crisis or emergency situation.
• Assists with referrals to community resources when appropriate. Demonstrates the ability to perform in an accurate and precise manner in situations where time is critical.
• Conducts educational groups providing recovery-related information and instruction.
• Assists with referrals to community resources when appropriate.
• Provides counseling/treatment services to restore clients to optimum social and physical well-being (within their capacity). Provides counseling in individual and group sessions for co-occurring, trauma and personal growth-related concerns.
• MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED :
• Bachelor’s degree in a human services related discipline from an accredited four-year program, required.
• Valid Driver’s/Chauffeurs License required, must meet Mercy’s Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, must be at least 18 years of age and be eligible to drive per Iowa state law.
• Proof of completion of Mandatory Reporter abuse training specific to population served within thirty (30) days of hire.
• Licensed to provide mental health therapy in the State of Iowa (LMHC, LISW, LMFT, etc.) and meets the requirements necessary for an LPHA designation OR
• CADC certification within one (1) year of hire.
• Ability to understand medical terminology and communicate effectively with healthcare professionals.

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.