CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY COUNSELOR

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

This is a professional counseling position involving the delivery of therapeutic services to chemically dependent clients and their families. Chemically dependent individuals are defined as persons who abuse or are dependent on alcohol or other psychoactive substances. Therapeutic services include motivational counseling, evaluation, assessment, referral, advocacy, family intervention and community education. Incumbent will maintain a clinical caseload. Clinical and administrative supervision is received from a Clinical Unit Administrator or a Supervising Social Worker. Supervision over the work of others is not a function of this position.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

1. Maintains an individual caseload, providing chemically dependent clients with individual, group, and family therapy;

2. Evaluates and assesses the specific state of chemical abuse or dependence of a client and makes appropriate referrals;

3. Engages in chemical dependence family intervention, basing techniques used on a specific knowledge of chemical dependence defenses;

4. Provides clinical services to mandated clients, i.e., probation, CPS, etc.;

5. Performs advocacy services on behalf of clients to expedite the rehabilitative process;

6. Maintains case records, documenting all client contacts and meeting deadlines for required paperwork, such as case reviews, quarterly summaries, etc.;

7. Keeps abreast of new developments, programs, and techniques in the chemically dependent counseling field;

8. Establishes contact with target population to advise them of services available and to establish a communication link;

9. Performs liaison work with other community based organizations to introduce clients and their families to these programs;

10. Advises police and local community agencies and individuals on available resources to introduce people into treatment;

11. Does related work as required.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Thorough knowledge of the effects of alcohol and other psychoactive substances and of the chemically dependent person, his/her language, and the degree of the disease;

Thorough knowledge of various treatment modalities;

Good knowledge of the factors which contribute to mental, emotional, and social maladjustment and of therapeutic techniques to treat those affected;

Good knowledge of the basic techniques of interviewing and counseling;

Ability to relate sympathetically to a potentially difficult client population;

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;

Ability to establish satisfactory relationships with others;

Good judgment; tact and courtesy; patience;

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Must be Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor by New York State at time of appointment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR APPOINTMENT:

An appointing authority may require possession of a valid New York State driver's license.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,924.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Poughkeepsie, NY 12601: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person