Substance Use Disorder Counselor

ABOUT US

Loretto Hospital is a safety-net hospital that serves more than 33,000 patients each year from Chicago’s Austin and surrounding communities. Established in 1923 as a not-for-profit community-focused healthcare provider, Loretto offers its community a unique patient-centered healthcare delivery system that promotes general wellness and education. The hospital staff are committed to providing the best possible medical care in a holistic, safe and comfortable resident environment. By empowering patients with knowledge and resources, Loretto Hospital strives to cultivate a culture of proactive medical management within the community, with the goal of increasing the quality of life for patients and community residents.

SUMMARY 

We are seeking a dedicated Substance User Disorder Counselor to join our Behavioral Health Department.  Reporting to the Manager, Substance Use Disorder Services, you will provide individual services to adult, substance-using men and women; assists clients in building recovery resources; and develops individual Recovery Plans that help clients enhance self-efficacy, maintain abstinence in treatment, and continue recovery post-treatment. Responsible for all assessments, treatment, discharge planning; including securing wrap around services, and case management activities for assigned clients.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Complete initial screenings and assessments for each patient in all levels of care in the organization with a history of or current substance use and documents in the electronic medical record
• Facilitates education groups, didactic seminars, and lead discussion groups; document in the electronic medical record for each patient
• Work with clients to develop a Treatment Plan that addresses their comprehensive needs; documents and updates in the electronic medical record; Manage, track, and update individual recovery plans
• Use client-centered approaches to recovery planning
• Meet with clients at least once a week to ensure implementation of the Treatment Plan; revise treatment plan accordingly based on client’s progress and/or needs; updates in electronic medical record 
• Assist clients in accessing other services, both on and off site, to meet their additional needs additional needs met by client and team member; provide case management services to ensure these needs are met
• Link clients to recovery support services consistent with best practice standards and organization policy
• Participates in weekly ASAM staffing with multi-disciplinary team when needed
• Demonstrates awareness of regulatory requirements, including but not limited to SUPR, HFAP, IDPH and CMS
• Collaborate with clients to engage family members in recovery planning
• Execute crisis intervention strategies in areas of threatened suicide or violence.
• Submit records to law enforcement, courts, employers, or government entities with required releases in a timely manner
• Have strong documentation skills; this position requires extensive documentation of required activities; strong data entry skills are also required.
• Attend all monthly staff meetings unless excused by immediate supervisor in advance.
• Adhere to organizations time and attendance policies.
• Completes a minimum of 20 CEU’s or contact hours annually to maintain any existing certification

COMPLIANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Understands and adheres to Loretto Hospital’s compliance standards as they appear in the Compliance Policy, Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy.
• Keeps abreast of all pertinent federal, state and Hospital regulations, laws, and policies as they presently exist and as they change or are modified including HFAP, SUPR, IDPH, etc.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the personnel so classified.   For purposes of the American with Disabilities Act, “Job Duties” are essential job functions.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• CADC License Preferred.  If not certified, must become certified within 2 years
• Able to empathize with clients, focusing on and reinforcing positive strengths and behaviors
• May be required to travel and provide off site services:
  1. If the team member utilizes their own vehicle they will be required to show proof of vehicle insurance with $100,000/$300,000 coverage and will be reimbursed for mileage at the allowable Federal rate
  2. If the team member so chooses, the hospital will provide transportation to the off-site location 
• Able to work with diverse populations and cultural backgrounds
• Comfortable working independently in community settings
• Able to work flexible hours, including weekends
• Able to connect clients who have various needs to a range of community resources
• Good foundation in recovery skills and knowledge.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand and walk as well as occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Using proper body mechanics, the employee may be expected to lift, pull, push or move patients and/or equipment.  Fine motor skills are required when using hands and fingers to handle, feel or reach.  Normal or corrected vision, hearing and ability to speak are necessary.  Specific vision abilities required include close vision, sharp eye focus and ability to distinguish colors.  There will be periods of stressful intense concentration with more than average pressure used in a variety of problem-solving situations.

WHY LORETTO

Competitive Compensation: Along with a competitive salary, Loretto Hospital offers a comprehensive, competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement savings plans, and paid time off.

Career Development: Loretto Hospital is a vibrant community of professionals dedicated to administering excellent patient care. Whether you are pursuing a career in allied health, support services, clinical or nursing support, or professional administration, Loretto Hospital is a tremendous place to grow as a health care professional.

Work Environment: As a not-for-profit, community-focused hospital, Loretto Hospital is truly a place where patients come first. We are seeking team members who not only support our mission, but who are customer service-driven and who desire to enhance the patient experience.

Salary : $100,000 - $300,000