Chemical Dependency Counselor

MAIN FUNCTION:

Functions as part of the inpatient chemical dependency rehabilitation program, working directly with assigned patients as primary guide through treatment. Conducts individual and group counseling, and family and referral contact as needed. Conducts discharge planning.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 1. Functions as primary therapist/counselor for patients and their families including the following:

a) Develops the patient’s comprehensive, individualized treatment plan within seven (7) days of admission based on needs identified through the psychosocial assessment and evaluation.

b) Regularly updates comprehensive treatment plan with patient input at least weekly.

c) In treatment plan review, is consistent in completion dates, appropriate signatures, and treatment planning progress notes.

d) Presents cases in clinical team for treatment planning and review in an understandable format related to the treatment plan, which includes a summary of patient’s progress, or lack there of.

e) Enters pertinent information into the progress notes in a manner which is accurate and timely.

f) Implements treatment plans and monitors patient progress.

g) Contacts referral source upon admission for status update, collateral information, and discharge planning; maintains weekly contact with the referring source during the course of treatment and in development of the discharge/continuing care plan.

h) Arranges the aftercare appointment within seven (7) days of patient admission based upon the estimated length of stay; forwards psychosocial summary.

i) Develops discharge plan, enters planning information into the chart.

j) Communicates with assigned patient’s family when deemed advisable by the clinical team, and with the patient’s consent; conducts family conferences in person or by phone when deemed appropriate, and documents the results.

k) Initiates discharge planning with patients in an understandable format, and clearly communicates this through completion of the aftercare meeting worksheet for the staff who conducts the discharge meeting.

2. Conducts clinical therapies for the patients in a manner rated as meeting expectations in this performance appraisal, particularly

a) Individual therapy/counseling

b) Group therapy

c) Lifeline

3. Provides the psycho-social-educational program including, but not limited to: theme-oriented process groups, and patient orientation to Alcoholics Anonymous and/or other appropriate 12-step Programs, therapeutic activity, step workshops.

Participates in crisis management of patients, providing coping skills to insure the health and welfare of patients, team members, and facility. Provides for additional program coverage which may include weekends, holidays, etc. May also have assigned responsibilities in one or more of the following areas: patient education, staff inservice education, Quality Improvement Teams, or other related areas. May complete pre-admission and admission procedures including initial contact, intake interview and psychosocial assessment, and dictation of psychosocial and treatment recommendations. Will adhere to the Canon of Ethical Principles for Credentialed Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Counselors, whether or not credentialed, or whether covered under any other Canon of Ethics. This Canon is covered in Part 853 of title 14 of the Mental Hygiene Law [Reference (2) (I-xvii)]. Promotes and fosters the mission and philosophy of the Hospital during the performance of job duties and community activities. Actively supports and participates in Hospital’s Performance Improvement endeavors. Performs other related activities as required. Is responsible for attending all annual mandatory educational programs as required by position. Employee understands and demonstrates the importance of satisfying the needs of the customer/patient by interacting with him/her in a friendly and caring way, being attentive to the customer’s needs, both psychologically and physically, and by taking the initiative to maintain communication with the customer in order to provide a secure and pleasant experience with the Arnot Health. It is understood that this job description lists typical duties for the classification and is not to be considered inclusive of all duties which may be assigned.

EDUCATION:

Associates Degree with concentration in Alcoholism/Substance abuse or related field is required: Bachelor’s Degree preferred. Current CASAC-T or CASAC in good standing MAY be substituted for Associate’s Degree in the judgment of Director.

EXPERIENCE:

One to two years experience in the treatment of alcoholic/chemically dependent patients is preferred. If Registered Nurse, one to two years experience in treatment of alcoholic or chemically dependent patients is required. Registered Nurse with advanced counseling experience in appropriate related mental health field would be considered.

If less than Bachelors Degree, will obtain CASAC within three (3) years of hire in full-time capacity. If not attained by three (3) years from date of hire, employee must submit written plan for completion no later than four (4) years from date of hire. If Bachelors Degree, will obtain CASAC within two (2) years of hire in full-time capacity. If not attained by two (2) years from date of hire, employee must submit written plan for completion no later than three (3) years from date of hire.

Must have one year experience in the care and treatment of patients diagnosed with alcoholism and/or chemical dependency.

CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) REQUIREMENTS:

Basic Life Support (BLS) required within 90 days of hire date.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

No extraordinary physical demands in this position.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Trustworthy in safeguarding confidential information in keeping with Title 42, Part 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (Title 42 CFR, Part 2). Ability to work effectively with and relate well to a wide cross-section of people.

EXPOSURE CATEGORY:

Category I. Tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues.

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