POSITION STATEMENT: The Alcohol and Drug Counselor main function is to provide substance abuse counseling services for assigned clients. Provides a wide range of case management services, performs assessment interviews, assesses special needs and/or services for clients. Uses ASAM placement criteria, establishes treatment plans with realistic goals, and refers to other treatment providers based on clients’ needs and prepares discharge summaries under the supervision of a qualified supervisor. Maintains confidential client file and other records and performs other case management duties as needed. Follows agency and program policies and participates in quality improvement activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE JOB AND ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:

• Direct Duties: The Alcohol and Drug Counselor shall be responsible for the clinical services and clinical documentation for assigned clients including the following:
  • Provide timely and accurate written and verbal reports as required by referral sources
  • Displays written and verbal clinical reporting skills. Develops and completes clinical documentation in a timely fashion based on best practice standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Enters data on required software, (NJSAMS, Electronic Health Record., etc.), to ensure client’s file documentation and other reports are up to date.
  • Provides comprehensive bio-psychosocial assessments, mental health status examination.
  • Able to determine severity and diagnose substance abuse disorders using DSM diagnosis and ASAM placement criteria.
  • Displays a competent knowledge of the assessment and referral process. Keeps current with available resources and applies appropriate treatment interventions to clients.
  • Provides individual, family and group counseling displaying knowledge of the addictive process, mental health issues, and best practices treatment techniques in the Behavioral Services and Addiction field
  • Engages family or collateral person in treatment; assess and evaluate client’s issues and concerns helping clients identify appropriate solutions in a timely fashion to develop appropriate and realistic treatment plan.
  • Applies the appropriate interventions and treatment processes based on best practices to assist the patient in attaining the goals of treatment.
  • Provides comprehensive case management services, which entails the facilitation of timely and effective intakes, admissions, treatment, ancillary services, and discharge plans
  • Demonstrates the ability to problem solve with clients and co-workers
  • Displays the ability to work with difficult clients. Uses crisis intervention skills, as needed
  • Maintains Client's confidentiality accordingly to Company’s policies and all applicable regulations in the Behavioral Services field
  • Maintains appropriate ethical relations accordingly to Company’s policies and all applicable regulations and guidelines in the Behavioral Services field.
  • Brings to the attention of assigned supervisor any significant issues related to the program operation, client issues or functioning.
  • Maintains current knowledge of community agencies, facilities, and services pertinent to mental health and addiction services.
  • Provides advocacy for clients with local agencies helping them receive the needed resources and services.
  • Maintains and creates a safe and calm environment when dealing with all clients.

Other Responsibilities:

• Displays a competent knowledge of Agency policy and procedures as well as Federal and State Regulations. Keeps current with available resources.
• Encourages staff/clients while demonstrating self-initiative in problem solving.
• Assist in the development of data collection and analysis of the quality improvement projects.
• Maintains confidentiality, proper boundaries and an ethical relationship with clients and co-workers accordingly to Company’s policies and as their New Jersey Professional Board regulations.
• Ensures all client records are maintained according to agency standards, policies and procedures.
• Engages in professional development. Responsible for keeping current in the field. Completes seminars and/or continuing education programs, as appropriate to update knowledge about addiction and mental health services.
• Able to evaluate the client’s financial status to determine sliding fee and/or proper financial assistance. Complete necessary document for third party billing and enforce fee collection.
• Ensure client’s file documentation and other reports are up to date.
• Completes annual educational program as required.
• Acts as liaison with outside agencies
• Prepares and submits routine and special reports, inclusive of accurate data, payroll, etc., to supervisor via computer within specified time frames.
• Participates in the development of quality improvement activities designed to enhance agency and program services
• Engages in professional development. Responsible for keeping current in the field by attending formal and agency trainings.
• Maintain active a New Jersey Alcohol and Drug Counselor certification, (CADC), or License, (LCADC)
• Performs Other Duties as Needed

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Three years’ experience in the substance abuse treatment field.
• Excellent communication skills and organizational skills
• Excellent ability to work with clients with substance abuse, co-occurring and/or mental health disorders
• Excellent writing skills and record keeping skills
• Detail oriented
• Knowledge of addiction, substance abuse treatment services and counseling skills and theory
• Preferred Education
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Addiction, Social Work, Professional Counseling or Psychology.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Ability to deal with diverse populations
• Ability to route patient's problems and concerns to appropriate sources
• Ability to stay within boundaries of the role and function of position
• Critical thinking skills
• Organizational skills
• Communication skills
• Ability to evaluate and comprehend techniques, procedures and changes to meet variable situations
• Able to effectively communicate with supervisors and directors to improve his/her skills and adapt to Agency culture and policies.

NETWORK FUNCTIONS:

• Maintain and abides by OSHA requirements and guidelines
• Observes all Fire and Safety Policies and Procedures
• Observes all Personnel Policies and Procedures
• Observes all Agency’s Policies and Procedures
• Observes all NJDOH-DMHAS, CARF and NJSAMS Regulations.
• Observes all HIPAA Policies and Procedures and maintains confidentiality
• Completes and returns all paperwork distributed by the Human Resource Department
• Attends all required and scheduled trainings and meetings
• Always maintain a professional demeanor and exercise good professional judgment in all areas of employment duties
• Documents time worked accurately

EQUIPMENT/MACHINES:

• EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS:
  • Telephone, cellular telephone, copier, fax, computer, calculator
• COMPUTER SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS:
  • Computer literacy in MS Office products; Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point.
  • Agency Electronic Medical Record and other software programs

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Individual must be able to meet physical requirements of the job:
  • Sitting at a meeting table or desk - Reaching - Lifting - Bending - Standing - Stooping - Twisting - Climbing steps - Driving a vehicle

ACCIDENT, HEALTH HAZARD AND SECURITY KNOWLEDGE:

• Blood borne Pathogens, Right- To- Know, HIPAA, Security Acts, Fire & Safety

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Office environment.
• Multiple levels of stairs.

ADHERE TO AND FOLLOW:

• The By-Laws of the Corporation and as set forth in the Articles of Incorporation

The statements on these pages reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified. These statements shall not be considered as the detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position. We rely on good judgement, common sense and Teamwork.

From time-to-time you may be requested to perform other duties essential in the effective management of this facility. Although these duties may not be identified in this written job description, you will be required to perform such tasks, providing the proper training of such duties has been given to you. A well-trained and cross-trained staff is essential in this organization. Your job knowledge in all areas of your field will benefit both you and this organization.

The more you know and the more areas you can work in this office will add value to you, as a person, as well as value and continued success of IRON