ADDICTIONS COUNSELOR

Job Description

Job Description

About Us: 

Tuerk House is a non-profit behavioral health system that serves nearly 300 patients a day, regardless of their ability to pay, through an innovative, integrative model of care that encompasses all aspects of recovery. It opened its doors in 1970 in Baltimore, providing lifelong healing and recovery, transforming lives and giving hope to individuals, families, and communities. Tuerk House has also been awarded Joint Commission Accreditation, the gold standard of health care. Patients and families can have peace of mind knowing that we deliver quality, safe care!

Join Tuerk House and make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families seeking recovery and support! 

JOB SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE:

The Substance Use Disorder Counselor will plan and conduct activities, including counseling clients on an individual and group basis. This individual must be capable of performing independent and advanced work with clients within the program. He/she must demonstrate a working knowledge of the full continuum of care. In addition, this person must have a broad understanding of how a program operates and how each client moves along in the treatment system. 

 

Work is performed in accordance with established regulations, policies and procedures, but employees are expected to exercise significant initiative and independent judgment in discharging duties. Work is reviewed by the Clinical Director through an evaluation of the completion of assignments, and individual and group supervision. 

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Keep records such as TAP/ bio-psychohistory and assessments, evaluation and keep client case records current according to the established guidelines. 
• Coordinate collection of urine samples ensuring that all protocols and chain of custody guidelines are followed.
• Work with social agencies and managed care organizations, hospitals, clinics, courts and gatekeepers in carrying out tasks of persons with chemical dependency and /or mental health problems.
• Provide substance use counseling, assessment, and education to clients in individual and group sessions as scheduled. 
• Select and provide appropriate educational materials for clients concerning substance use.
• Maintain client charts with all relevant program forms and reports.
• Work collaboratively with Program Director to develop and execute treatments plan for each client’s care. (Includes assessing and advising on client status in program).
• Refer clients to other additional support services as needed.
• Responsible for a full client caseload.
• Support and demonstrate adherence to Tuerk House Code of Ethics, Code of Conduct, and all personnel policies and procedures.
• Continue special training in areas designated by Supervisor.
• All other duties assigned

** Candidates must be flexible to work some daytime and evening hours dependent on business needs 

 

REQUIRED EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Maryland Board of Professional Counselors certification as a LMSW, LGPC, and CAC-AD required
• Minimum of two (2) years' experience in field or related field
• Copy of licensure certificate will be required
• Must be able to maintain a valid driver’s license and all appropriate professional certificates and credentials
• Must successfully complete annual training requirements of 25 hours per year

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated ability to use entire MS Office (Outlook, Word, and Excel). Ability to learn in-house software; (SMART and Beacon Health).
• Proficient knowledge of the TAP, bio-psycho-social characteristics and manifestations of chemical dependency and/or mental illness, preferred. 
• Significant knowledge of individual and group behavior and the effective way of working with people to produce ongoing recovery. 
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with clients and aid them in achieving goals and objectives identified in treatment. 
• Demonstrated ability to identify the needs of the clients and to gain their confidence and cooperation in assisting them to obtain their goals.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, other members of staff, outside agencies, institutions and the general public.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully work with others from various cultures and backgrounds. 
• Knowledge and experience in running groups (house meetings and general meetings if applicable).
• Personal belief in recovery and the recovery process.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with staff, clients, and the public.
• High energy, flexibility, and strong interpersonal skills to work effectively within a team.
• Ability to engage clients flexibly based on their individual needs.
• Respect for and maintenance of professional boundaries with all individuals.

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Proficiency in reading, understanding, and speaking English.

Background: This position requires successful background and drug test completion

 

Physical Requirements: 

• Prolonged periods