Counselor

POSITION SUMMARY

OVERVIEW & RESPONSIBILITIES 

•    Responsible for efficient delivery of services to clients according to approved policies and procedures meeting DMH, CSTAR and COA standards. 

•    Assist clients in establishing treatment plan, goals, objectives, as well as other functional aspects of their personal planning in the recovery process.  

•    Maintain clients' charts, records and files regarding goals, evaluation and updates in accordance with DMH and CSTAR standards.  

•    Assist in communicating with outside agencies, such as treatment centers, AA, Catholic Charities' agencies and other resources to meet client needs.  

•    Provide individual substance use and mental health counseling and evaluation. 

•    Facilitate group counseling and group education sessions. 

•    Assist in intake assessment process as needed. 

•    Pursue continuing professional development, join appropriate professional groups, and attend pertinent meetings. 

•    Attend all staff meetings and keep abreast of program and client status, updates, and changes. 

•    Supervise program and activities in conjunction with or in absence of Program Director. 

•    Supervise general guidelines and hygiene of self, clients and of physical area utilized by agency. 

•    Provide case program consultation and make appropriate referrals. 

•    Assess, update and revise client’s progress and treatment plan per DMH, CSTAR and COA standards, or as needed. 

•    Meet minimum billing and productivity standards. 

•    Some evenings and weekends required. 

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS 

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

• Demonstrates knowledge of addictive behaviors and treatments 

• Demonstrates ability to establish rapport, gather data and determine readiness for change 

• Demonstrates ability to screen for psychoactive substance toxicity, intoxication, and withdrawal symptoms 

• Demonstrates ability to screen for danger for self and others 

• Demonstrates ability to screen for co-occurring mental health issues 

• Demonstrates the ability to analyze and interpret data to determine treatment recommendations and priorities 

• Demonstrates the ability to formulate mutually agreed-upon, measurable treatment goals and objectives with the population served 

• Demonstrates adherence to accepted ethical and behavioral standards of conduct 

• Demonstrates an understanding of and participates in annual training requirements 

• Operates from person-centered, person-driven, recovery-oriented, and stage-wise service delivery approach that promotes health and wellness. 

• Develops cultural competence with the ability to understand, communicate with and effectively interact with people across cultures 

• Delivers services according to key service functions that are evidence-based and best practice 

• Practices in a manner that demonstrates respect and understanding of the unique needs of the client 

• Uses effective strategies for engagement/re-engagement, relationship building and communication 

• Demonstrates understanding of mandated reporting requirements for abuse and neglect of children and abuse, neglect or financial exploitation of senior citizens or disabled individuals 

• Shadowed a peer or supervisor in these functions of the  job at least three time 

• Attends ongoing clinical supervision 

• Completed ASAM training 

• Demonstrates and understanding of co-occurring disorders  

• Demonstrates and understanding of suicide prevention 

• Demonstrates and understanding of trauma-informed care  

• Demonstrates an understanding of ethical behavior 

• Demonstrates an understanding of  HIPAA 

• Demonstrates an understanding of addiction 

• Demonstrates a basic understanding of SUD 

• Demonstrates a basic understanding of medications used to treat SUD 

• Demonstrates an understanding of the signs and symptoms of acute psychiatric crisis