Substance Use Counselor

Job Description Summary: 

The Substance Use Counselor is a member of New Directions professional staff and is responsible for providing substance use services for individuals and families impacted by a variety of behavioral health (addiction/substance use and mental health) issues. They provide services to individuals impacted by a variety of behavioral health (addiction/substance use and mental health) issues, recognizing that the individuals we serve often have experienced trauma that affects their development and adjustment. They will be trained in trauma-informed care and will work to help provide services in an environment that is sensitive and responsive which will prevent victimization, abuse, or trauma as a result of the care received. They demonstrate welcoming, empathic, hopeful attitude, conveys a philosophy of dual recovery and is trained and/or experienced in working with severe mental illness and/or substance using diagnosed individuals to assess, plan, develop, coordinate, and provide substance use support services. Substance Use Counselor reports directly to Clinical Supervisor.

Education:

• Master’s degree in psychology or social work field with ability for state licensure.
• Or, met the criteria for Certification as a Certified Reciprocal Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CRAADC), Certified Reciprocal Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CRADC), or Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC).

Work Experiences:

• Prior work experiences with addiction and mental health populations are preferred, whether through employment history or higher education internships. 

Responsibilities:

• Provide group counseling services to assigned clients.
• Provide individual counseling services to assigned clients.
• As assigned assist in the review and evaluations of intakes and assessments.
• As assigned assist in the formulation of individualized rehabilitation plans for clients.
• As assigned, serve as a member of the client’s interdisciplinary team.
• Provide group education services to the clients as assigned.
• Attend staff meetings as scheduled.
• Provide information and education services to individuals, civic and professional groups as assigned.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records.
• Complete written reports to referral sources as needed and in a timely manner.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.
• Maintain and improve professional competencies through in-services training and other educational activities.
• Follow agency policies and procedures as outlined in the Policy and Procedures Manual.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications

Physical Requirements:

• Normal office environment either on site or from home setting by provided telehealth equipment.
• Typical physical demands include prolonged sitting, frequent standing, bending, and stooping.
• Requires normal range of hearing and manual dexterity sufficient to operate keyboard, telephone, photocopier, calculator, and other office equipment as needed. 
• Requires ability to work under stressful conditions and to work irregular hours and deal with irate individuals.
• TB test upon hire.