Substance Abuse Counselor

Overview

PURPOSE STATEMENT:

Provide treatment and support to assist patients in their recovery from substance use, eating disorders or other behavioral problems.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct individual counseling sessions and group or family sessions, under supervision, as scheduled and document as required.
• May co-facilitate assigned group or family sessions and assist with modifying problem behaviors.
• May be responsible for initial assessments, as well as follow up assessment for patients.
• Prepare individual treatment plan for each assigned patient.
• Ensure all documentation regarding patient care, treatment and incidents are completed timely and in a clear concise manner.
• Assist with modifying problem behaviors and may also provide counseling services to families of patients.
• Act as a liaison between referral sources and patient.
• Provide crisis intervention to patient, as needed.
• May plan for aftercare for assigned patient.
• May act as a liaison with insurance carriers, as requested.
• May provide case management duties for patient, ensuring individualized quality care.
• Evaluate the needs of the patient and determine if referrals to other programs or facilities is needed.
• Demonstrate a positive, empathetic and professional attitude towards customers always.  When patient needs are not met, acknowledge and work to resolve complaints.  Recognize that patient safety is a top priority.

 

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

· Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• High School diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor's degree in social or health services field from an accredited college or university preferred. Two or more years’ experience in counseling field is required;
• OR Bachelor's degree in other field required and;

Four or more years’ experience in the counseling field;

• OR Master's degree in social or health services field required and

one or more years’ professional work experience.

LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Licensure or certification for counseling may be required by the state in which the facility operates.
• CPR and de-escalation/restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).
• First aid may be required based on state or facility.

ADDITIONAL REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS:                          Complete or ongoing education and training, as required by the state in which the facility operates and applicable accrediting body                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the requirements of the job, management reserves the right to add or remove duties from particular jobs when circumstances (e.g. emergencies, changes in workload, rush jobs or technological developments) dictate.

 

 

 

 

 

We are committed to providing equal  employment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual’s characteristics protected by applicable state, federal and local laws.