The Substance Abuse Counselor acts as mediator between patients, relatives, medical staff, and outside agencies if needed. Runs individual, family, and group counseling for patients in chemical dependency programs. Being a Substance Abuse Counselor typically requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent; meets the standards for Chemical Dependency Counselor Certification Board, or other appropriate certification. Tracks patient progress and dispensation of treatment services. In addition, Substance Abuse Counselor typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Substance Abuse Counselor’s years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position’s specialty is the main requirement.
Substance Abuse Counselor Job Description Template
Our company is looking for a Substance Abuse Counselor to join our team.
Responsibilities:
- Other duties as assigned;
- Intervenes as an advocate for Participants to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations;
- Case management and effective scheduling and rescheduling of clients on caseload daily;
- Provide assistance with the oversight in helping participants with their medication and accurately document in the Medication Log;
- The counselor will perform individual one-on-one sessions at least once per week for all assigned Participants;
- Track clients recovery process to identify the need for treatment plan adjustment i.e. referral policy;
- Maintain clinical documentation on all services rendered to clients;
- Monitor and review all outcomes of client’s random urine drug screens;
- Develop person-centered treatment plans, specific to the individual assessment/need;
- Refer Participants to other sources of help, as appropriate;
- Aids in implementing Participants’ treatment plans and thirty (30) day Orientation period;
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
- Maintain the confidentiality of the client and all data (PHI) associated with the client at all times;
- Effectively initiates referrals specific to individual needs and abilities;
- And conducting group therapy sessions.
Requirements:
- The individual must possess a valid CPR Certificate, First Aid Certificate, current Negative TB Results and must have valid Driver’s License;
- An individual must possess an understanding of the nature of the disease concept and its respective recovery processes;
- Ability to collaborate with compassionate and knowledgeable counseling team members;
- CAC I, CACII, CADTP, CAODC or higher preferred;
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or related field;
- Must meet professional staff qualifications as required by 77 Illinois Administrative Code 2060.309 within two years of employment;
- Experience or expertise with offender populations preferred;
- effectively provides individual counseling related to substance use;
- Bilingual is a plus;
- proficient in NJ SAMS;
- presents cases in a coherent manner that demonstrates appropriate clinical judgement and clinical technique;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
- High level of patience and a non-judgmental attitude;
- Computer proficiency required;
- Independent or Associate level license in Behavioral Health (i.e. LASAC, LISAC, LAC, LPC, LAMFT, LMSW, LCSW) preferred.