Substance Abuse Specialist-54533701

JOB SUMMARY:

This clinical position exists primarily in programs that serve mentally ill consumers/residents who have co-existing substance abuse disorder and who may also have histories of homelessness and/or HIV infection.  Counsels and aids residents/consumers with multiple service needs who require assistance dealing with chemical abuse problems, such as alcohol and/or drug abuse in residential and/or non-residential programs.  Functions as the team member on a multi-disciplinary team that has particular expertise in the area of substance abuse disorders.  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Conducts symptom assessment and provides supportive services on a schedule established by the program.
• Helps the consumer/resident modify attitudes and patterns of behavior in regard to the abuse of substances by increasing understanding of self and others.
• Interviews residents/consumers, reviews records, makes appropriate entries in residents'/consumers' charts and confers with other professionals to evaluate the condition of the residents/consumers.
• Formulates treatment program and rehabilitation of resident/consumer caseload using knowledge of drug and alcohol abuse problems and counseling and treatment techniques.
• Counsels residents/consumers individually and in group sessions to assist the residents/consumers in overcoming alcohol and drug dependency. Aids the consumer/resident to mobilize inner capabilities and environmental resources to improve social functioning.
• Refers the resident/consumer to other support services as needed, such as medical evaluation and treatment, social services, and employment services.
• Conducts monitoring of urine testing, collecting urine, tracking urine test results, performing on-site urine tests, and training staff in urine testing.
• Conducts monitoring of alcohol testing, tracking alcohol test results, performing on-site alcohol tests, and training staff in alcohol testing.
• Monitors condition of the resident/consumer to evaluate the success of the therapy and adapts treatment as needed. Prepares and maintains reports and case histories.
• Trains staff or members of multi-disciplinary team on recovery methodology and specific group and class elements.
• Performs verbal and non-verbal intervention when necessary.
• Develops and maintains working relationship with alcohol and substance abuse detoxification, rehabilitation, and treatment centers.
• Explains the types of clinical services, recreational activities, and ICL programs available to consumers/residents; instructs the consumers/residents in daily living skills, socialization skill enhancement, and conflict resolution.
• Executes emergency plans as outlined in the policy and procedure manual. Provides Standard First Aid to consumers/residents when required.
• Immediately reports incidents, serious incidents, serious incident allegations, or sensitive situations to supervisors. Completes incident reports in accordance with ICL policy. Accounts for consumers/residents and files "missing person" reports on consumers/residents not accounted for in accordance with ICL policy and procedure.
• Reviews the staff communication log and makes entries in the staff communication log concerning essential elements of information designated by program management.
• Assists in orientation of new personnel when requested.
• Complies with attendance rules and demonstrates ability to work on a regular basis.
• Complies with agency infection control policies.
• Attends regularly scheduled clinical meetings and supervision.
• Has on-call responsibilities.
• Willingness and ability to use ICL supplied communication tools (e.g., computers, beepers, telephone, fax, etc.) regularly in the course of conducting business.
• Ability to comply with the agency infection control policies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.     

ADDITIONAL TASKS:

• May provide monitoring of medications and/or monitored medications and make appropriate medication administration form entries in strict accordance with the medication protocol. May assist consumers/residents who are on a monitored medication regime.
• May formulate and conduct programs to promote prevention of alcohol and substance abuse.
• May serve as a member of a committee(s) that: conducts MICA strategic planning, reviews MICA treatment programs, and discusses expanding MICA services and activities. May formulate program designs related to MICA services.
• May be involved in planning, escorting, and/or arranging social or recreational activities for residents/consumers.
• May supervise resident/consumer funds and savings accounts in accordance with ICL policy.
• May provide MICA clinical knowledge to other staff or being directly involved in counseling individuals or groups.
• May prepare documents for presentation in court and accompany residents/consumers as needed.
• May administer urinalysis and breathalyzer tests.
• May serve as house manager ensuring that consumers adhere to program structure and rules.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of substance abuse counseling concepts, principles and practices.
• Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, and societal trends and influence, cultures, their history, migrations, ethnicity, religion and other cultural dimensions of target recipients.
• Ability to secure the cooperation of and work effectively with others.
• Ability to react appropriately in emergency situations.
• Ability to work and collaborate as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Ability to serve as a role model to residents/consumers.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clientele including bilingual skills if needed to provide services.
• Knowledge of human behavior and performance, mental processes, and familiarity with assessment and treatment of behavioral, medical and substance disorders.
• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, regulations and agency policies, etc., that govern the work of the program.
• Ability to prepare accurate and timely documentation, reports and other written material as assigned meeting all deadlines and productivity standards.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Current CASAC or CASAC-T with a full CASAC credential within one year of appointment to position.  At least 2 years’ experience providing direct services to people with co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse.  Equivalent training and experience will be considered.  Valid NYS driver’s license required.

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