Addictions Counselor- CSCAD, CACAD, LCADC, LGPC, LCPC, LCPC-S

JOB SUMMARY: Serves in the capacity of counselor/case manager for an identified case load, as a member of a multidisciplinary team. Is responsible for provision of group, individual, and family sessions for patients/clients as well as development and review of treatment plans, all required documentation, and the presentation of educational sessions to patients about the various aspects of the disease of chemical dependency and the process of recovery. Provides family education sessions as required concerning the family involvement in the process of recovery. Is capable of providing staff coverage in any counseling area in the event of shortages, including intake, assessment, didactic presentations, family sessions, individual sessions, group sessions, discharge planning, and overall case management.

COUNSELOR JOB DUTIES:

Conducts initial assessments as part of the complete multidisciplinary, biopsychosocial assessment process for the purpose of prioritizing patient treatment needs.
Participates with other members of the treatment team in the development of information to include in the complete, diagnostic summary that combines information from all disciplines.
Participates with other members of the treatment team in the development of initial and on-going treatment plans based upon weekly review of progress, patient identified needs, and ongoing assessment.
Provides group counseling/therapy sessions as required by current treatment schedules.
Provides individual counseling sessions with assigned caseload on a weekly basis or more frequently if needed.
Presents educational sessions to the patient/client community including the use of audio/visual equipment, handouts and exercises. Reviews and updates assigned didactic presentation on an annual basis.
Completes all required chart documentation consistent with Hope House policies and procedures.
Participates in crisis intervention activities with patients as required by the situation.
Consults with the psychiatrist for the Hope House program as required to facilitate effective evaluation of patient needs. Accepts direction and supervision from the psychiatrist as provided.
Meets daily with the multidisciplinary team to facilitate review of status of all assigned patients to update treatment plans and complete discharge planning and other referrals as necessary.
Conducts family education sessions as scheduled.
Conducts family counseling sessions to explain the role of the family in recovery and makes recommendations for discharge planning with the family as required.
Assists and participates in any special patient activities and recreational events including appropriate and required documentation of patient responses.
Accepts on-call counselor responsibilities on a rotating schedule.
Facilitates referral to outside agencies, continuing care agencies, and special counseling agencies based upon patient need to insure continuity of care post-discharge.
Consults and interacts with probation officers, attorneys, protective service workers, etc. to act as a patient advocate and insure comprehensiveness of care.
Attends and participates in all in-services, staff meetings, counselor meetings, and clinical meetings as required by Hope House.
Demonstrates knowledge in and compliance with all emergency and variance reporting requirements.
Demonstrates appropriate knowledge and skill in safety, fire safety, and security procedures at Hope House.
Attends all mandatory, annual training-re-training to insure continued competency in safety and other issues.
Maintains current CPR certification at all times.
Attends a minimum of one counseling related course/workshop per year to maintain certification and competency standards.
Participates in CQI related functions and monitoring as required by Department Supervisor.
Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s preferred) from an accredited college or university in counseling, human services, or related field with course work specific to counseling chemical dependency clients.
Certification as an addiction counselor in the state of Maryland under the Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists or active pursuit thereof: two years of supervised experience providing chemical dependency counseling services in a health or social work setting.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.