Substance Abuse Counselor – CADC

Major Responsibilities:
1) Responsibility for the case management of addiction patients and families.

• Completes biopsychosocial assessment of patients.
• Formulates a comprehensive diagnostic summary evaluating clinical needs and conditions and identifying strengths and limitations.
• Formulates individualized treatment plans based on clinical needs identified in the diagnostic summary.
• Coordinates team input, family and patient goals in formulating treatment plans. Incorporate family when appropriate.
• Continually revises treatment plans based on progress and/or new information.
• Introduces patient and family to 12-step recovery.
• Prepares achievable discharge plans, working with patient, team, and family when appropriate.
• Facilitated positive changes in the patient’s attitudes, feelings, thoughts, behaviors and decision-making alternatives.

2)Conduct of addiction focused group counseling.

• Uses a peer-centered process so that the group needs and individual treatment goals are met.
• Conducts daily group therapy using skills of group dynamics: defense mechanisms, transference, opening and closing, group goal setting, and other curative techniques.
• Keeps focus on addictions while identifying and responding to related issues.
• Utilizes students and interns as co-facilitators as appropriate.

3) Clinical supervision to students under supervision of Substance Use Service.

• Clinically supervises the case management of assigned counselors with regard to psychosocial assessments, diagnostic summary, treatment planning, progress reporting and discharge planning.
• Provides timely input to Supervisor or Substance Use Service of supervisee’s clinical abilities with regard to strengths and areas of needed improvement for evaluation purposes.
• Teaches new staff and students the principles of the disease concept and the philosophy of addiction treatment and recovery.

4) Delivery of addiction/recovery education.

• Develops and delivers clear, concise, relevant information on addiction and recovery in a lecture/discussion format.
• Presents information in a manner that communicates dignity and respect.
• Motivates patients to learn and understand necessary facts about addiction and the process of recovery.
• Demonstrates a personal-professional style that is effective with patients.

5) Participation in the Quality Improvement Performance Plan and other program development activities.

• Serves on committees and projects as assigned.
• Carries out program improvements as assigned.

Education/Experience Required:

• Associates Degree in Behavioral Health or equivalent, Bachelors Degree preferred
• 2 year experience in the field. This position will need to recognize the needs and behaviors of a variety of age groups of patients treated.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• IAODAPCA – CADC
• Has experienced in counseling and supervision skills but requires adaptation to current role.
• Ability to use dictation service. Legible handwriting. Knowledge re: diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorders.
• Working knowledge and support of 12 step recovery.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Hours may vary dependent on patient acuity and census, program needs and staff composition.
• Able to communicate effectively.
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment with established time constraints.
• Ability to demonstrate a commitment to patient-focused care.
• May be exposed to hazardous materials and life-threatening diseases.
• Ability to perform lifting/transfer activities related to patients (up to 50 lbs.) may be required.
• Ability to work designated shifts, including holidays.
• Ability to transport objects from one location to another.
• This position needs to recognize needs and behaviors of specific age groups of patients treated
• If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.