SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Treatment Supervisor, provides unit leadership and may provide direction to staff. Assists supervisor with the coordination of treatment team in providing chemical dependency counseling services to patients and their families/collaterals through assessment and design, implementation, and revision of treatment plan.

Responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Effectively uses written, verbal, and non-verbal communication to communicate ideas, direction, and treatment-to-treatment team and patients.
• Creates a positive and productive work environment for staff through organization, assessment, and feedback.
• Identifies opportunities for program improvement, uses appropriate improvement tools and techniques to address potential quality issues within the facility, and participates in quality improvement initiatives/activities.
• Interacts with other agencies, professionals, and referral sources and presents a positive image of him/herself, the facility, and the organization.
• Obtains information from patients and others and uses appropriate tools to make assessment; prepares summary and makes recommendations regarding treatment; communicates patient information to treatment team; maintains knowledge of the pharmacological effects of drugs and alcohol on patient health; uses ASAM patient placement criteria for appropriate placement and continuing care.
• Develops service and continuing care plans; prioritizes problems and plans appropriate methods of addressing problems; incorporates appropriate use of community-based support groups.
• Develops therapeutic relationships with patients and significant others and uses communication skills to engage them in treatment; identifies obstacles to counseling and minimizes their impact.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and thirty (30) credit hours of college education or accredited training program in substance abuse counseling and/or other human services area.
  • Higher education given preference

• Required certification or license:

Minimum experience required:

• IAODAPCA certification CADC (CRADC/MISA I preferred), LSW, LCSW, LPC or LCPC.
• No Degree: Five years paid work experience in substance abuse correctional, or other human service counseling position.

OR

• Associate Degree: Four years paid work experience in substance abuse, correctional, or other human service counseling position.

OR

• Bachelors Degree: Three years paid work experience in substance abuse, correctional, or other human services counseling position.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license.
• At least twenty-one (21) years of age.
• Criminal clearances (Act 33 and 34, specific State & child clearances and, if necessary, FBI).
• Non-communicable diseases physical exam, drug screen.
• Ability to work with computers and the necessary software typically used by the department.

Why Should You Consider Abraxas?

• At Abraxas, we celebrate the richness of our diverse employees and the communities we serve. We are actively committed to building a culture of awareness and belonging, as we strive to ensure we are a welcoming, inclusive, and culturally competent organization.

• As we work to make a difference in people’s lives, we are dedicated to respect, equity, and the engagement of those we serve and our employees.

• As a provider of trauma-informed care, we firmly believe in recovery and that our clients can lead fulfilling and meaningful lives, and we consider it an honor and a privilege to assist them in their journey.

• Whether you’re looking to begin a rewarding career or you’re a seasoned professional wanting a new challenge, we have a place for you and opportunities for development at all levels.

• At Abraxas, everything we do centers around people. That is why we are committed to providing you with competitive pay and comprehensive benefit options that help make your life easier and healthier, with a focus on providing choice when it comes to physical, emotional and financial wellness. Our benefit options meet you where you are in your life and set you up for success both in and outside of work.

• If you want to have a positive impact in the lives of others, come join us!