New Hanover Therapist-Substance Use & Mental Health Services

COASTAL HORIZONS CENTER, INC. - JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: THERAPIST – SUBSTANCE USE & MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

SUPERVISED BY: Program Director

***Requires evening and weekend hours-Additional compensation will be provided for this request.

REQUIRED EDUCATIONAL/EXPERIENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduation from a four-year college or university in human services or related field and two years of progressive substance use counseling experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Graduation from a Master’s degree program in clinical or substance use treatment psychology
• LCSW preferred, or NCSAPPB Licensure as a LCAS; or LPA, or LPC, P-LCSW; or Possession of NCSAPPB certification as a CSAC, or registration with NCSAPPB

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Provides independent diagnostic, psycho-social and professional counseling for clients (adult & adolescents) with complicated substance use, addiction problems, Mental Health and co-occurring disorders- with an appropriate level of supervision. This position is meant to reduce barriers to accessing treatment through offering an expansion of services during non-traditional hours, to include evenings and weekends.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASSIFICATION:

• Provides independent diagnostic and psycho-social evaluations and counseling which focus on complicated substance use and addiction as well as the issues generated from its impact on daily living and individual and family relationships.
• Evaluate the client's situation and their ability to deal with their problem; conduct an in-depth clinical interview to determine psycho-social and drug history, formulate a psycho-social assessment and initial treatment plan; provide in-depth counseling which can range from crisis intervention to dealing with personality disorders which are associated with their addictive and/or abusive behavior, and follow-up.
• The caseload is characterized as complex with a preponderance of adults, adolescents, and families with substance use, Mental Health and co-occurring disorder patients.
• The counseling methods are best characterized as individual and group utilizing reality, cognitive-behavioral, family, and supportive modalities. It is individualized depending on the needs of the clients.
• In providing counseling services, the employees may deal with a variety of collateral issues such as finances, medical, vocational, health, and behavior.
• Provide information to and confer with schools, employers, and families on treatment plans, behavior management, and other problems and needs.
• Work with emergency referrals, conduct community educational workshops, provide professional services to referrals from the judicial system and statewide institutions.
• May be subject to inside environmental conditions and exposed to fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gasses or poor ventilation and subject to work in close quarters. Employees may be exposed to human body fluids and are covered by the OSHA rules and regulations on blood borne pathogens.

THERAPIST – Substance Use & Mental Health Services

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• Provides independent diagnostic, psycho-social and substance use evaluations and counseling which focus on complicated substance use and addiction as well as the issues generated from its impact on daily living and individual and family relationships.
• Provide in-depth counseling which can range from crisis intervention to dealing with personality disorders which are associated with their addictive and/or abusive behavior, and follow-up.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND TASKS: APPROX % OF TIME

50% Direct Services:

Counseling - Independently conducts individual, group, and family counseling and education using a variety of approaches. Conducts in-depth clinical interviews to assess substance use diagnosis, social history and mental status.

Case Management - Assists in providing supportive services related to housing, food, employment, education, and transportation if appropriate. Monitors client attendance, behavior, payment status and test results. Collects specimens for drug testing. Assists clients in accessing other services when needed.

20% Record Keeping: Maintains program and client records, monthly TASC reports, etc. completing paperwork in a timely, accurate and efficient manner in accordance with agency standards.

10% Indirect Services: Coordinates services with other agencies such as TASC, SEC, DSS, schools etc. through collateral contacts and correspondence. Planning and preparing for group sessions and activities for clients.

15% Staff Development: Actively participates in assigned activities such as supervision meetings, trainings, etc.. Attends weekly case staffings and OSAS team meetings.

5% Other: Tasks and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor and consistent with employees skills and knowledge.

THERAPIST – Substance use & Mental Health Services

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RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION GUIDELINES:

• Considerable knowledge of the practical application of different therapeutic approaches, group dynamics, crisis intervention, and family therapy.
• Considerable knowledge of community resources.
• Knowledge of the psycho-social, socioeconomic and behavioral problems and their treatment.
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and policies which govern the program.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, disease processes and psycho-pharmacy.
• Skill in establishing rapport with a client and/or family and applying techniques of assessing psycho-social, behavioral, and psychological aspects of the client.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and members of civic, medical, social, and religious organizations.
• Ability to formulate treatment goals and to record concisely required documentation.

• Knowledge of various methods of psychological evaluation, including, but not limited to, conducting semi-structured diagnostic clinical interviews.
• Ability to communicate effective in oral and written forms.

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of stooping, reaching, and walking, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, and performing repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform sedentary work exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force constantly or frequently to move objects.
• Must possess the visual acuity to perform extensive reading.

CATEGORY II OSHA STANDARDS
EXEMPT EMPLOYEE

Employee:__________________________________________

Date:_______________________

Supervisor’s Signature: ___________________________

Date: ______________

Job description THERAPIST – Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services