Job Description – Counselor, Substance Use Disorder

Supervised by: Residential Director

Hours: 40 per week

 

Qualifications:

  • Minimum credential of a CADC, LADC preferred.
  • Knowledge of substance abuse and co-occurring disorders – characteristics, assessment, and treatment.
  • Personal characteristics of maturity and professionalism with a sincere desire to work with recovering individuals.
  • Basic computer skills in word processing, e-mail, and Internet use.
  • Access to transportation.

 

General Description:  Wellspring utilizes trauma-informed  approaches to client treatment and in our organizational model. Our day to day work is informed by the Sanctuary model, an inclusive model that guides leaders, staff, clients, and families to share the same language.  In the course of their assigned work Counselors also help clients in their recovery from substance use disorder through role modeling, and empathetic trauma-informed support using Sanctuary framework.

 

Key Result Areas:

  • Provides comprehensive services for clients through competencies (knowledge and skills) in the 12 core functions and Sanctuary Model.
  • Has a therapeutic approach of being empathetic, respectful, and motivational, while encouraging clients to take responsibility for their lives.
  • Is able to work well with others and actively participates as part of the treatment team.
  • Demonstrates high professional and ethical standards.
  • Acts as a positive role model, providing clients with guidance and support.
  • Demonstrates a working understanding of the Sanctuary Model as evidenced by the utilization of the Four Pillars and the 7 Commitments.

 

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Screening – Conduct interviews and assessments for residential applicants.
  • Intake – Conduct initial assessment and complete required documentation at admission.
  • Orientation – Describe the residential program and treatment to new clients.
  • Assessment – Gather data from the client and other sources; analyze and interpret the data to identify client strengths, weaknesses, and needs.
  • Treatment Planning – Collaborate with the client to develop treatment plans, identifying and prioritizing problems, goals, and treatment methods.
  • Counseling – Provide individual, family, and group counseling.
  • Education – Provide clients and their families with information about substance abuse, co-occurring disorders, treatment, recovery, and resources.
  • Crisis management – Respond to client needs during extreme distress or emergencies including after hours on-call coverage.
  • Case Management – Coordinate with clients and resources to focus on identified needs and goals.
  • Referral – Identify client needs that can’t be met at Wellspring and assist client to use community resources and support systems.
  • Consultation – Relate with professionals on client treatment and services to assure comprehensive care.
  • Record Keeping – Maintain accurate and up-to-date counseling records.
  • Monitor the self-administration of medications in accordance with doctors’ orders and established policies.
  • Facilitate the maintenance of a group living atmosphere conducive to rehabilitation.
  • Monitor the safety and security of clients and the facility.
  • Maintain client confidentiality and high ethical and professional standards.
  • Prepare for and participate in individual and group supervision, case review, and clinical staff meetings
  • Report to work promptly at assigned hours and submit accurate time sheets to the program director.
  • Meet continuing education and other requirements to maintain professional licenses related to the position. This education requirement includes continual education with the Sanctuary Model of Care.
  • Perform other duties as delegated by the program, clinical, or executive director.

 

PERFORMANCE FACTORS:

 

  1. Attendance and Dependability: Demonstrates Social Responsibility by reporting to work promptly at assigned hours and is seldom absent from work; submits accurate time sheets to the supervisor.  Employee can be depended upon to complete work in a timely, accurate, and thorough manner and is conscientious, about assignments.

 

  1. Communication and Contact: Demonstrates open communication by the employee’s  ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with clients, colleagues, and other individuals inside and outside the company while maintaining confidentiality of all client related information.

 

  1. Relationships with Others:  Conveys a welcoming, empathic, hopeful attitude towards people with co-occurring conditions and supports a philosophy of dual recovery.  Engages and welcomes people in ways that convey respect for diversity in a culturally appropriate way.  Demonstrates high professional/ethical standards and works well with others as part of the treatment team.  Has a therapeutic trauma-informed approach of being empathetic, respectful, and motivational, while encouraging clients to take responsibility for their lives.

 

  1. Participates in the Sanctuary Model and incorporates Sanctuary values, principles, and tools in building a trauma informed treatment program.

 

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

 

(This position is classified as non-exempt from the pay provisions of the Fair Labor and Standards Act.)