Certified Addiction Counselor (DOC)

Certified Addiction Counselor

Under the direction of the (SUD) Program Director, the Certified Addiction Counselor will provide addictions-focused services to individuals within the DOC facilities known as the Central Detention Facility (CDF) and the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF), jointly known as the DC jail. The CAC will maintain a caseload providing strength-based, evidence-based practices, individual and group rehabilitation services to residents within a multi team approach to meet the needs of men and women who experience multiple problems such as addiction, frequent medical and psychiatric hospitalizations, arrests, and homelessness. The Certified Additions Counselor will be a resource for staff within the DOC.

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Provides case management for MAT patients at the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF) in collaboration with peer navigator, social workers, nurses, psychiatrists and discharge planners and other resources within DC jail.
• Provides individually tailored services to each client in the following areas: relapse prevention, housing, entitlements, medication support, training & work opportunities, activities of daily living, health, wellness self-management, self-help & empowerment, problem solving, family life & social relationships and integrated treatment for substance abuse.
• Consults with SUD team in recognizing symptoms of substance use disorder, organizing stage-based treatment, and promoting highly individualized, community-based recovery strategies.
• Provides integrated, addictions-focused services with adults dually diagnosed with mental illness and substance use disorders in a compassionate, responsible and respectful manner.
• Provides individual and group rehabilitation services.
• Leads/co-leads groups, workshops, and in-service meetings on topics relevant to identified areas of client need;
• Ensures that progress notes are comprehensive and completed in a timely manner.
• Provides written documentation for assessments, counseling sessions, groups, interventions, and recommendations in electronic health records.
• Works with discharge planners to complete discharge planning and appropriate referrals to the community prior to discharge.
• Coordinates and monitors referrals to community services upon discharge from CTF
• Participates in team planning and supervision
• Attend training programs offered to enhance effectiveness of role.
• Demonstrates a willingness to learn and have an interest in acquiring new skills.
• Other duties as directed by SUD Program Director, Director of Behavioral Health and/or Assistant Director of Behavioral Health.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Social Work.
• Licensed Professional Counselor or Certified Addiction Counselor I or II from the District of Columbia Department of Health.
• Three years of experience working with Substance Use and Co-Occurring Disorders. Experience working with opiate addicted patients preferred.
• Counselors must have at least 5 years of continuous recovery if currently in recovery.
• CPR/First-Aid.
• Ability to speak Spanish is preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong clinical skills and independent work habits.
• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to work effectively with a wide range of people, teams, managers, supervisors, and vendors.
• Knowledge of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) and harm reduction theory and applications.
• Ability to demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving, organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to respect and uphold patient confidentiality.
• Knowledge of discharge planning and community resources.
• Working knowledge of the drug and alcohol treatment system and a demonstrated commitment to the recovery community.
• Must understand and respect each individual's unique path to recovery.
• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency with business software (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite).
• Knowledge and ability to navigate Electronic Medical Record (EMR).

The position reports to the SUD Program Director.