Chemical Dependency Counselor

Position Summary:

The Chemical Dependency Counselor III position involves completing diagnostic assessments, developing treatment plans, facilitating individual and group counseling sessions, and monitoring client progress with follow-up contact and urine drug screens. Counselors coordinate care by consulting with clients, referral sources, and community partners, ensuring continuity of care and facilitating therapeutic discharges. The role requires adherence to professional standards, including maintaining licensure, attending supervision, completing required training, and upholding confidentiality and ethical guidelines, while participating in the SUD treatment team and meeting agency expectations. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct Service Provision:
  • Complete diagnostic assessments which include clinical impressions, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations based on ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine) levels of care to include type, frequency, and duration of recommended services.
  • Identify additional services needed and make appropriate referrals[BT1] 
  • Formulate, review, and update treatment plans in collaboration with the client.
  • Facilitate individual and group counseling sessions in accordance with identified treatment goals and objectives.
  • Provide urine drug screen monitoring.
  • Provide follow-up contact/sessions to promote client engagement in the treatment process.
  • Provide only those services in your scope of practice authorized by Utilization Management.
  • Provide the above services within the authorized frequency and duration of services. Request additional services when initial authorization has been met.
  • Other clinical duties as assigned.
• Coordination of Care Services:
  • Consult with referral sources and family members/significant others as needed and as allowed by written permission (ROI) of the client to obtain additional information helpful in making treatment recommendations.
  • Provide referral sources with treatment recommendations and treatment progress/areas of concern promptly.
  • Coordinate information dissemination which promotes continuity of care when transferring primary client care responsibilities to other agency providers.
  • Consult with multi-disciplinary team, client, and referral sources prior to therapeutic discharge.
  • Develop and maintain positive collaboration with other social services agencies and community partners serving clients. Provide consultation as needed.
• Professional Growth, Ethics, and Agency Standards:
  • Demonstrates and supports the company core values TCN C.A.R.E.S. “Commitment, Accountability, Respect, Empathy, Service.”
  • Adheres to all organizational and departmental policies, complying with all behavioral and ethical expectations.
  • Completes all agency-required training, including client rights and grievances, safety training, infection control, etc.
  • Attending and engage in regular supervision. This will include evaluation of documentation, case review and discussion of administrative tasks. This may include participation in group problem solving and sharing information on resources in the community. 
  • Maintain agency-required annual training including client rights and grievances, safety training, infection control, and others as required by accrediting bodies. 
  • Maintain licensure. 
  • Maintain client confidentiality as outlined by HIPAA[BT2]  standards.
  • Abide by and follow the agency Code of Ethics. 
  • Maintain constructive, non-judgmental working relationships with clients, agency staff, and community partners. 
  • Participate in the SUD (substance use disorders) treatment team to ensure services are available for access and by covering for others when necessary. 
  • Ensure that Client Care Hours are at expected levels. 
  • Maintain prompt and regular attendance.  
  • Be willing to work on a flexible schedule to meet the needs of clients and the agency.
  • Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies, including compliance with all behavioral and ethical expectations. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: A bachelor's degree in the social services field is required, with a preference for candidates holding a master's degree in Addiction Counseling.
• Certification: minimum of CDCA; prefer higher licensed.  
• Experience: Minimum of two years’ experience in substance abuse counseling; prefer 3 or more years
• Other:
• All positions require:  
  • CPR; First Aid; De-escalation which will be provided if necessary.
  • Meets all standards and regulations of the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board
  • Must meet all requirements associated with the completion of a Medicaid application and receiving approval to bill for services rendered.  
  • Demonstrated competencies for working with the populations served.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Knowledge of:
  • Various therapeutic modalities, developing a safe environment conducive to therapy.
• Skills:
  • Capacity to perform duties effectively under potential emotional stress and conflict situations.
  • Proficiency in utilizing basic computer skills and office equipment for documentation and communication purposes.
  • Practice of a client-focused approach, demonstrating active listening skills, reading comprehension, and critical thinking.
• Abilities:
  • Proficiency in written and verbal communication with diverse populations is essential, along with the capability to work autonomously.