Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Assessor

Normal Work Hours/Days: 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p. m.

Location: Crisis Care Center

The Crisis Care Center is designed to provide crisis stabilization to individuals experiencing a behavioral health and/or substance use crisis and reduce pressure on law enforcement and local emergency departments. Once the crisis has been resolved and the individual has been stabilized, they will be linked with a community mental health provider for on-going services. The individual hired for this position is responsible for the assessment, admission, and/or referral of clients presenting to the Crisis Care Center for substance use services. In addition, the individual hired will be responsible for development of treatment plans, implementation of direct clinical services such as individual and/or group therapy, and initiation of discharge plans for clients admitted to the Crisis Care Center.

PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS:

Responsible for the overall planning and coordination of admissions to the Crisis Care Center.

Work directly and harmoniously with the Crisis Care Center psychiatrist, Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners (CRNPs), Clinician, Case Manager, and all members of the nursing staff.

Responsible for conducting initial intake assessments such as but not limited to substance use assessments, telehealth services with law enforcement/hospitals, and other individualized assessments, creating recovery-oriented treatment plans and the initiation of discharge planning.

Responsible for provision of direct clinical services, including brief crisis intervention and group counseling as indicated by individual need.

Coordinate ongoing care with emergency departments, hospitals, community health/mental health/substance use providers as needed.

Develop contacts and refer clients on as needed basis to other community mental health/substance use providers for ongoing treatment

Provide accurate documentation in debriefing for daily/weekly reports and/or treatment team meetings as stipulated by program demands.

Other duties and tasks as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education Masters Degree from an accredited college or university in a human or social services field (i.e., Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy).

Current certification as an Addiction Counselor preferred by an accredited organization recognized by the Alabama Department of Mental Health to provide substance use assessments and services.

Licensure not required for hire but preferred (i.e., LMSW, LAPC, LAMFT, LICSW, LPC, LMFT).

If not licensed or certified, must be willing to work towards obtaining certification and or licensure per ADMH guidelines to provide mental health and substance use services in the state of Alabama.

Valid Alabama drivers license and driving record acceptable to agency automobile insurance carrier for inclusion on agency policy.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

Demonstrable knowledge of sound mental health and substance use practices and procedures.

Demonstrable knowledge of therapeutic techniques used in social, group and family treatment programs.

Demonstrated ability to obtain information about and interpret information in terms of the clients substance use history and dependence

Knowledge of and ability to address trauma related issues.

Knowledge of and ability to address substance use related issues.

Trained in or willing to be trained in crisis intervention, specifically Therapeutic Options

Demonstrable organizational skills as well as the ability to clearly and effectively communicate both orally and in writing.

Accurate and effective documentation.

Knowledge of the special needs and behavioral characteristics of individuals who are dually diagnosed with mental illness and substance use disorders.

Ability to organize, coordinate and manage admissions to the Crisis Care Center in a timely and expedient manner.

Ability to provide psychoeducation trainings/presentations (preferred)