Substance Abuse Counselor

Role Summary

Pinnacle Treatment Centers is a leading provider of comprehensive addiction treatment services, committed to transforming lives through compassionate care. As a Counselor, you will play a crucial role in the recovery journey of our patients. Our unique approach combines compassionate care with innovative treatment methods to address the diverse needs of individuals seeking help for substance use disorders.

Key Responsibilities

Provides orientation to new patients to the programs' rules, policies, procedures, and patients' rights. Conducts Intakes, Discharge Planning, Initial Assessments, and Initial Treatment Plans professionally and within time guidelines as required by applicable federal and state regulation, CARF guidelines and Pinnacle Policies. Involves patients in the assessment, treatment planning, and intervention aspects of treatment, which provides the patient with a sense of entitlement to their own recovery. Administers the biopsychosocial assessment, which evaluates all areas of patients' lives, including their addictions, medical and mental health history, socioeconomics, legal, etc. at intake and on an ongoing basis. Recognizes and utilizes patients' Strengths, Needs, Ability, and Preferences (SNAP), to develop and implement individualized Treatment Plans that effectively help patients to meet their short & long-term goals. Determines the clinical necessity of counseling services based on the clinical assessment and evaluation of the patients. Monitors closely, and documents any change of circumstances with the patients, especially as it relates to matters that may affect their recovery, identifying and addressing relapse indicators to promote relapse prevention interventions in an early stage. Complies with and implements the Medical Q.A (Quality Assurance) and Clinical Risk Management Policies, including: Evaluates the patients for any high-risk conditions (e.g., liver failure, pregnancy, overdose, bipolar, schizophrenia, etc.), which may endanger the patient (suicidal) or other parties (homicidal). Administers the BAM-R, C-SSRS, GAD-7, and PHQ-9 screening tools to determine the severity of the patient's mental/emotional status. Evaluates the risk factors concerning each such case, considering the appropriateness of, and professionalism in treating such individuals in an OTP in comparison to treatment in a residential facility or other treatment modalities. Reviews and asks about other practitioners' involvement in the treatment of these high-risk conditions. Recommends immediate referral to such a specialist in case of need. Requests the patient sign a waiver for release of information which will allow communication with the other practitioner in case of need (e.g., deterioration of the patient's condition). Flags high-risk patients to the Medical Directors, Physician Extenders, and Regional Clinical Leadership (RCL) and highlights the conditions concerned. Refers such patients to the Medical Directors, Physician Extenders or RCLs (Regional Clinical Leadership) based on the urgency, utilizing the informal Referral Policy or the scheduled Treatment Team/Case Conference session. Reviews physician notes, following the Medical Directors or Physician Extenders' session with the patient, verifying that they noted and addressed the high-risk factor, or otherwise bring it immediately to the attention of the supervising counselor, as well as the clinic manager, until the matter's proper and professional handling by the physician or physician extender. Advises, in writing, other staff members (including the clinic manager, supervising counselor, dispensing nurse and front office) of high-risk patients and their condition. Maintains and circulates minutes from treatment team/case conference sessions to the other staff members.

Requirements

Possesses an associate degree in a relevant field or a majority of approved counselor certification courses, license, or certification necessary to provide counseling services to our patient population. Kern County requires a bachelor's degree or 75% of required counselor certification courses. Possesses counselor registration/certification by a recognized by the Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs. Proof of registration is required immediately once employed with a California Alcohol and Drug Program certifying body. Employees must be registered prior to providing any counseling services per the DHCS (Department of Health Care Services). 0 -2 years of experience

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