POSITION PURPOSE:

The Primary Therapist is responsible for performing client care activities as directed by the attending physician, Medical Director, Clinical Director & Clinical Supervisor. He/she will provide group therapy as ordered by the Clinical Director. Collaborates with the Treatment Team in the formulation of the Master Treatment Plan and assists in coordinating discharge planning.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:

Preferred graduate from an accredited college or university with a minimum of bachelors degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or health-related field. Experience may substitute for bachelors

EXPERIENCE:

A minimum of 2 years experience in chemical dependency - psychiatric setting

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

Florida Requirement:

CRSS certification and above (preferred or willing/able to obtain). CAC, CAP, LMHC, LCSW or Registered Intern with active clear license or certification in good standing. Experience may substitute except where license or certification is required by licensing standards.

Maine Requirement:

CMR5 14-118 9.2.1.1 A Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) or a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC); or CMR5 14-118 9.2.1.2 - a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), or a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT): when any listed in this section [9.2.1.2] has completed one (1) year clinical experience in substance abuse treatment and a minimum of sixty (60) hours of alcohol and drug education within the last five (5) years. Education accepted by the licensing authority includes, but is not limited to, training and continuing education approved by the Maine State Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors, 2-384 Code of Maine Rules [C.M.R.] Chapters 1-9.CPR certification preferred

New Jersey Requirement:

.Each substance abuse counselor shall be either an LCADC or CADC or another licensed health professional doing work of an alcohol and drug counseling nature within their scope of practice. i.A CADC must work under the supervision of an LCADC or another New Jersey licensed clinical professional designated as a qualified clinical supervisor per N.J.A.C. 13:34C-6.2. ii.A CADC cannot diagnose substance abuse. 2.Substance abuse counseling staff without an LCADC or CADC status or who do not possess another New Jersey clinical professional license that includes work of an alcohol or drug counseling nature within their scope of practice shall function as alcohol and drug counselor-interns or credential-interns and shall: i.Be enrolled in a course of study leading to a CADC or LCADC, or another New Jersey clinical professional license that includes work of an alcohol and drug counseling nature within its scope of practice, without regard to changes in N.J.A.C. 10:161A-1.9 employment, with progress towards certification or licensing on file, reviewed by the facility at least semi-annually and documented; and ii.Be trained, evaluated and receive continuing formal clinical supervision by the director of substance abuse counseling or designee, pursuant to the clinical supervision rules of the State health professional licensing board for the course of study in which they are enrolled:

(1)The State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners' for licensed marriage and family therapists;

(2)The State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners' Professional Counselor Examiners Committee for licensed professional counselors and licensed associate counselors;

(3)The State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee for LCADCs and CADCs;

(4)The State Board of Psychological Examiners for licensed psychologists; and

(5)The State Board of Social Work Examiners for licensed clinical social workers and licensed social workers.

(b)Counseling staff employed in a residential substance use disorders treatment facility subsequent to July 15, 2013 shall have three years from the date of employment to become certified as an LCADC or CADC, or another clinical licensed professional that includes the work of an alcohol and drug counseling nature within its scope of practice.

(c)Only staff possessing the appropriate clinical background and educational qualifications from the appropriate clinical discipline may provide the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of clients with co-occurring disorders. 

KNOWLEDGE AND TRAINING REQUIRED AT TIME OF HIRE:

• Knowledge of the Principles and Practices of the discipline. 
• Knowledge of Joint Commission Standards.
• Demonstrates Proficiency in Communication & Written skills.
• Knowledge of State & Federal Statutes Regarding Client Confidentiality laws.
• Knowledge of Drug-Free Workplace Policies.
• Knowledge of Workplace Violence.

AGE SPECIFIC INDIVIDUALS SERVED/ RESPONSIBILITY:

Adults

SPECIFIC AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY TO POSITION

1. Actively participates in Interdisciplinary Treatment Plan meetings.

2. Shares pertinent information with team as obtained from clients family, or others as indicated throughout

program.

3. Attends daily and weekly staffing meetings per schedule.

4. Evaluates the impact of therapeutic interventions upon the therapeutic milieu.

5. Facilitates group therapy.

6. Performs individual therapy with client/family.

7. Documents the assessment of client progress/regress and interventions provided in the medical record, on

an ongoing basis.

8. Recognizes, responds to and assists in psychiatric crisis situations and provide the intervention necessary.

9. Responds and assists in medical emergency situations as directed and needed.

10. Communicates effectively with client, staff and physician.

11. Provides clients with education and instruction on Advance Directives.

12. Attends and participates in monthly Program Staff meeting as scheduled.

13. Adheres to policies and procedures.

14. Performs other duties assigned.