Addiction Counselor

We are seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Substance Abuse Specialist to join our team at First Steps Recovery. As a key member of our treatment team, you will play a vital role in providing comprehensive care to individuals struggling with addiction.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and provide case management services, group sessions, individual sessions, and intake assessments to clients.
• Develop and implement person-centered care plans, including prioritized problem lists, client-reported goals, measurable and achievable objectives, and interventions.
• Provide individual and group counseling sessions utilizing evidence-based practices.
• Document client progress toward treatment plan goals and objectives in master treatment plans.
• Prepare effective level of care assessments and documentation notes.
• Develop solid discharge plans and summaries for assigned caseloads.
• Prepare clinical documentation accurately and within agency time frames, including completion and documentation of groups.
• Intervene during crisis intervention situations, including AMA/ACA blocking.
• Cooperate with health insurance clinical utilization reviews and provide clinical progress notes as requested to assist with UR's.
• Participate in weekly clinical treatment team meetings with other team members.
• Participate in the agency's orientation training, staff meetings, and in-service training.
• Provide accurate assessments and referrals when appropriate, as well as information to probation officers, lawyers, and spouses/family members on the client's behalf.
• Provide appropriate treatment interventions relative to the specific needs of each client.
• Adhere to the code of ethics, legal aspects of clinical practice, professional standards, duty to warn, abuse and neglect reporting policies and procedures, and exercise professionalism at all times.
• Exercise awareness in cultural competency, resident satisfaction, quality of services, client needs, and overall health and safety for staff and clients.

Requirements:

• Competencies: Ability to perform duties as a counselor (12 Core Functions) with respect to screening, assessment, individualized treatment planning, crisis intervention, group and individual counseling, case management, referral, discharge summaries, clinical documentation, and professional ethics.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with supervisors, utilization review, managed health care clinicians, medical and mental health professionals.
• Ability to positively interact and develop rapport with clients and their families.

Education:

• AA or bachelor's degree from an accredited college in the Human Services or Behavioral Health preferred.
• Drug and Alcohol Counseling Certification or Registration (CCAPP, CAADE, CADTP, or Affiliate) required.

Experience:

• 1-2 years of experience in the field of addiction and mental health or equivalent human services work experience preferred.
• Experience in co-occurring disorders treatment a plus.

Computer Skills:

• Strong proficiency in computer literacy in Microsoft, Excel, and email.
• Proficiency in KIPU Systems Resident Management Software.
• Proficient in virtual platforms such as Teams and Zoom.
• Ability to troubleshoot computer or technology issues independently.

Certificates & Licenses:

• Valid Driver's License.
• CPR/First Aid.
• Drug and alcohol counseling credential or internship required.
• Maintenance of compliance with certification agency to remain in good standing with certification or registration.

Other Requirements:

• Negative TB test results within the past year.
• Medical Clearance to work within the past year.
• Ability to pass pre-employment and random drug screenings.

Physical Demands:

• Standing.
• Walking.
• Sitting.
• Handling/Using Fingers.

Occasionally:

• Reach Outward.
• Reach Above Shoulder.
• Squat or Kneel.
• Bend or Twist.

Other Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift/carry 20 lbs.
• Ability to push/pull 20-30 lbs.
• Moderate frequency of computer keyboarding.
• Moderate frequency of viewing a computer monitor.

Work Environment:

Work is performed during day and night shifts primarily in a remote environment. Occasionally, Virtual SUD Counselors are asked to report in-person for trainings or staff meetings.

Blood/Fluid Exposure Risk:

Some job tasks involve exposure to blood, body fluids, and/or tissue. Staff must wear gloves and follow infectious control procedures when interacting with clients in conditions in which exposure is possible, such as handling onsite urinary analysis, conducting first aid, and conducting searches. Staff may be exposed to infectious disease, needles, and illicit substances during searches.

Work Schedule:

As a non-exempt hourly employee, the employee shall work a designated schedule as assigned by management. Employee shall not work over 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week without prior authorization from management but if so, will earn overtime for any work performed in excess of 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week. Employee must also follow company's policies regarding required meals and breaks.