Substance Abuse Counselor

Substance Abuse Counselor—Halfway House

Description: The responsibility of the Substance Abuse Counselor is to provide direct resident care and programming, including individual and group counseling.  The Substance Abuse Counselor will participate in staff supervision and training.  This position reports directly to the Halfway House Director and may be assigned other projects and tasks as required.

Job Classification:  PLADC = Professional non-exempt

                                  LADC = Professional exempt

Qualifications: 

• It is not a prerequisite to employment at the Friendship House to be a recovering alcoholic or drug addicted person. A minimum of two consecutive years of sobriety and being free of all chemicals, if previously chemically dependent, is a requirement.
• Minimum Associates Degree in Human Services-related field and a minimum of two years of experience in an alcohol treatment setting is preferred.
• An applicant must be a Provisionally Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor or Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, on Active Status.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain CPR and First Aid certification).
• Possess a valid driver’s license; possess insured and reliable transportation.
• Be certified to conduct Addiction Severity Index (ASI) assessment tool.
• Possess knowledge of the dynamics of chemical dependency treatment and a strong understanding and sensitivity to diverse cultures and lifestyles.
• Have above average communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to accurately follow written and verbal instructions.
• Possess strong organizational and decision-making skills.
• Pass a series of background checks and licensure verification.

Position Responsibilities: 

• The Substance Abuse Counselor reports directly to the Halfway House Director.
• Ensures that the Halfway House Director are informed of relevant topics concerning residents of the Friendship House and Fellowship House.
• Is available on-call 24/7 in the event of emergencies.
• Attends weekly Clinical Staffing meetings to review clinical and disciplinary issues pertaining to resident care.
• Interviews prospective clients to ensure that all prospects meet the prerequisites for admission.
• Maintains all clinical documentation in accordance with program guidelines.
• Ensure confidentiality according to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and 42 C.F.R. part 2.
• Identifies problems and actively works to find and implement solutions.
• Conducts individual and group counseling sessions for assigned caseload and provides additional coverage for the counseling team as needed.
• Assumes responsibility for ensuring the implementation of treatment plans for each person served.
• Ensures that persons served are oriented to services provided by the Friendship House, Inc.
• Promote the participation of the person served, on an ongoing basis, in discussions of his or her plans, goals, and status.
• Identify and address gaps in service provision.
• Contribute to fostering a trauma-informed, culturally competent environment.
• Share information with persons served on how to access community resources relevant to his/her needs.
• Advocate for the person served, when applicable.
• Tracks responsibilities and resident compliance with program guidelines, including investigating potential violations.
• Directs or conducts room and person searches as needed.
• Directs or collects urinalysis specimens as needed.
• Transports and supervises residents when necessary, following vehicle operation and safety procedures at all times.
• Prepares written continuing care plans in cooperation with referral agencies and other community members and agencies for clients in accordance with confidentiality laws.
• Prepares discharge summaries and distributes to authorized individuals and agencies in compliance with confidentiality laws.
• Participates as a member of the multidisciplinary treatment team and attends all clinical staffing and consultations.
• Knowledgeable about accreditation standards and stays in compliance with standards.
• Assists to ensure the completion of capacity reports, treatment authorizations, and associated tracking documentation (TAD reports, Therapeutic Leave Tracker, etc.).
• Provides regular progress reports to referring agencies and/or others in accordance with confidentiality laws.
• Provides case management services and referrals for services not offered on site for clients.
• Responsible for maintaining a positive therapeutic environment for clients who are experiencing emotional, behavioral and addictive disorders.
• Attends all staff meetings, staff training and in-service training.
• Maintain CPR/First Aid training as required by certification timelines.