Substance Abuse Counselor

Job Description

SUMMARY: National Capital Treatment & Recovery, formerly Phoenix House in Arlington, VA is hiring a full-time Counselor to work in our Adult Women's 3.1 Residential Program for adults with substance use disorders. This position is responsible for providing direct quality counseling services on an individual and group basis for a 20 bed program. This is a full-time, salaried position with full benefits. *A 60 credit Master's Degree is REQUIRED and the ability to become a Resident in Counselor or Supervisee in Social Work upon hire*

Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday 12pm-8pm. Saturdays can be 9am-5pm.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

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• Conducts individual and group counseling sessions for clients enrolled in residential treatment
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• Serves as primary counselor to clients, responsible for coordinating all elements of client’s treatment
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• Review pre-admission data, notes and medical history
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• Complete psychosocial assessment and entrance review on each client
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• Maintain client records and document all changes and progress in client’s behavior in accurate, chronological progress notes
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• Initiate and document contact with all referral sources, family members, and other relevant parties
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• Ensure all documentation is maintained according to state licensure regulations
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• Document progression through the level system and in accordance to the level system
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• Complete monthly and quarterly reports on all assigned clients
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• Develop an individualized service plan for each client and for each new identified treatment issue
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• Conduct individual and group treatment planning sessions to review and revise treatment plans weekly
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• Facilitate individual and group counseling sessions to identify and assess issues, goals and measurable objectives
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• Provide didactic and experiential education for clients and facilitates group process
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• Develop and present educational lectures
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• Facilitate treatment groups as scheduled
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• Conduct the family program/group as scheduled
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• Act as advocate for clients within the residential structure
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• Monitor client activity throughout groups and lectures assigned
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• Attend weekly staffing, clinical meetings and other meetings as necessary
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• Read and record observations in the daily shift log and communication log
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• Work with the multidisciplinary team to ensure that the program in delivering a high quality treatment experience
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• Maintain ethical standards and continued professional growth, including:
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a. Abide by Program and NCTR policy and procedures

b. Ensure all CARF standards are instituted and maintained

c. Promote, in public and private contacts, the quality standards and ethical practices of NCTR staff

d. Continue professional growth by attending workshops, trainings and staff in-service trainings to increase skill and knowledge and to set appropriate example for staff

e. Maintain current licensure/certification including CES, CPR, First Aid

f. Maintain professional boundaries with staff and clients

g. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

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• Master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, or a related field required (60 credit Masters / Able to be a Resident in Counseling or Supervisee in Social Work in Virginia
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• Licensure as a professional counselor, clinical social worker, or substance abuse treatment practitioner preferred
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• Minimum of one year experience working in a human service/substance abuse treatment setting
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• Knowledge of ASAM Criteria
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• Fluent proficiency in Spanish preferred
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KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

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• Knowledge of chemical addiction treatment and of 12 Step recovery process
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• Experience with appropriate population for position (i.e. adults, adolescents, Spanish-speakers) in social services or treatment, if applicable
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• Demonstrates empathy, compassion, and respect for clients in group, individual counseling, and daily interactions
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• Maintains objectivity towards all clients and make clinical decisions based on accurate information.
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• Administers behavior management of clients effectively and with appropriate frequency, using a variety of privileges and sanctions per policy
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• Demonstrates appropriate boundaries between self and clients
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• Tracks progress of clients assigned to caseload
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• Works cooperatively with others and supervisors
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• Demonstrates patience and consideration in dealing with others
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• Demonstrates thoughtful decision-making
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• Ensures client confidentiality in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations
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PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. In the course of performing this job, one typically spends time sitting, walking, standing, carrying, climbing stairs, lifting up to 10 pounds, listening, speaking, typing, reading, and writing.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities .

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary.

NCTR is an equal employment organization