Substance Abuse Counselor

Substance Abuse Counselor

The Substance Abuse Counselor is accountable for assessing and providing treatment to individuals with substance abuse difficulties, including abuse of tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs. The counselor's job role is to provide goal-directed, client centered help to clients with an addiction by educating them on the skills or the mechanics to deal with their addiction.

Essential Position Responsibilities:

• Provides services in order to maintain required productivity/billing standard of 1200 hours per year (Exempt), 70% of hours worked (Non-Exempt)
• Conducts comprehensive assessments through the use of client interviews, review of records, and conferring with other professionals.
• Counsels clients in group or individual sessions to help them to cope with any substance abuse problems.
• Counsels and helps family members to aid them in dealing with, supporting, and understanding the client. Engagement of family in treatment whenever possible.
• Develops and implements treatment plans with client participation. Monitors, evaluates, and records client progress with that of treatment goals.
• Modifies treatment plans depending on the progress in client status.
• Refers patients, clients, or families to community resources available for treatment or other support services.
• Works efficiently and proficiently with the KDADS and MCO systems, ensuring documentation for initial and ongoing treatment. Discharges clients in system per requirements.
• Meets deadlines and ensures accuracy of various report/paperwork, mileage records, and electronic timesheets.
• Maintains accurate and timely documentation of service provision. Completes progress notes in a manner that individualizes each note, reflecting appropriate interventions and progress towards treatment goals.
• Assumes responsibility for the adequate delivery of treatment services to clientele. Including supervising all activities within group, both directly and through appropriate delegation.
• Maintains confidentiality of records relating to client's treatment. Adherence to ethical standards as stipulated in the Kansas SRS Alcohol and other Drug Abuse Counselor Code of Ethics and BSRB Code of Ethics.
• Initiates discharge planning with clients to facilitate termination, appropriately documenting in the record.
• Learns about new developments in the field by reading professional literature, attending courses and seminars, and establishing and maintaining contact with other social service agencies.
• Maintains training and requirements for licensure per the BSRB.
• Reviews notes for peer mentor(s) and signs off on notes. Also provides weekly coaching/staffing with peer mentor(s).

Other Position Requirements:

• Maintains acceptable overall attendance record, to include department staff meetings, agency meetings, and trainings as required. Flexible in work schedule when needed.
• Exhibits appropriate level of technical knowledge for the position.
• Produces quantity of work necessary to meet job requirements.
• Works well with a team, keeps others informed of information needed. Treats others with respect, maintaining a spirit of cooperation.
• Maintains effective and professional verbal and written interactions with peers, customers, supervisors, and other staff. Uses diplomacy and tact in dealing with difficult situations or people. Demonstrates effective listening skills. Is receptive to constructive feedback.
• Demonstrates the ability and willingness to handle new assignments, changes in procedures and business requirements. Identifies what needs to be done and takes appropriate action.
• Completes assigned work, meets deadlines without reminders/follow-up from supervisor or others.
• Performs work conscientiously with a high degree of accuracy.
• Meets goals and objectives as mutually agreed upon during last performance review (if applicable).

Position Requirements:

• The Substance Abuse Counselor must be licensed by the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board, at least 2 years' experience in the substance abuse field or similar field. Must meet eligibility for approval of 3rd party payer systems and apply for a variety of insurance panels. Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. The Counselor will demonstrate an expertise and an active understanding of all components of treatment with accordance with state standards. Must be proficient in different evidence based treatment models and understand best practice information. A valid Kansas drivers license and access to personal vehicle required.

Physical Requirements:

• Sitting for extended periods of time
• Typing/data entry, writing
• Lifting/carrying up to 30 pounds
• Driving for purpose of community mobility
• Bending/stooping

All the above duties and responsibilities are considered essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as a detailed statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related instructions as requested by their supervisors, subject to reasonable accommodation.

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