ASUD Counselor

JOB SUMMARY

This is a responsible training position leading to certification as a substance use counselor. Work involves offering counseling and guidance to clients who suffer from substance use problems in an outpatient treatment setting(s) or correctional institution. Work assignment may be at a single location or at multiple treatment sites and involve travel.

The Associate Substance Use Counselor provides services that assist clients in their personal recovery process including addressing such clinical issues as overcoming denial, recognizing feelings and behavior, encouraging personal responsibility, and constructively using leisure time. Services are delivered under the professional guidance of Qualified Substance Use Professional and are in accordance with a training plan that includes the core functions of substance use counseling: screening, intake, orientation, assessment, treatment planning, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, client education, referral, reporting and record keeping, and consultation. All work is performed pursuant to the clinical supervisor’s control, oversight, guidance, and full professional responsibility. Work is reviewed through direct observation, reports, and staff conferences.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES 

Work may include, but is not limited to the following examples:

1. Remains alert during working hours; attends work as scheduled and complies with attendance policies.

1. In face-to-face interviews with clients, conducts intake, orientation, screening, evaluation, and assessment of client problems and needs, and develops consultation with other staff, individualized treatment goals and objectives. Determines an appropriate course of action.

1. Provides culturally sensitive, effective therapeutic services directed at treatment plan goals that include individual and group counseling, case management assistance, and information and education directed at addressing problems related to substance Use. Assists clients who are in crisis.

1. Assesses, monitors, evaluates and records of client participation, progress, and adjustment against measurable recorded treatment goals in a timely manner.

1. Coordinates the delivery of needed services to clients with state and local contractors, public assistance organizations, and social service organizations. Makes appropriate referrals and appointments.

1. Maintains timely, legible, clear, concise, and well-organized records of services provided as identified in employee’s individualized training plan with review and counter-signature of assigned supervisor. Charts the results of assessment and treatment plans; writes reports, progress notes, discharge summaries and other client related data.

1. Attends multi-disciplinary treatment team meetings and provides information regarding client problems, progress, plans. Attends staff meetings, administrative meetings, and training, as required.

1. Develops and maintains effective professional rapport and therapeutic relationships with clients.

1. Maintains the confidentiality of client information.

1. Develops and maintains professional, cooperative working relationships within the agency, and with state and local contractors, public assistance, and social service organizations.

1. Adheres to established professional ethical and behavioral standards of conduct and continuing professional development. Attends weekly supervision meetings and completes requirements leading to RASAC certification.

1. May transport clients to therapeutic activities, as required.

1. Provides services at multiple sites, as required.

1. Dresses in appropriate business attire; is well groomed and professional in appearance.

1. Performs other related work, as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of recovery processes and ability to apply principles in assisting others.
• Skill in resolving conflicts and negotiating with others.
• Ability to motivate clients in the recovery process.
• Ability to complete requirements leading to recognition as a RASAC and obtain appropriate continuing professional education.
• Ability to understand and apply addiction counseling models.
• Ability to accept constructive criticism and positive feedback.
• Ability to work effectively with persons from diverse cultures and backgrounds and to respect individual differences.
• Ability to manage a caseload of persons suffering from substance use problems.
• Ability to collect and analyze information in making decisions concerning a client’s treatment.
• Ability to act decisively when necessary to protect clients; to make judgments about crisis and carry out appropriate course of action.
• Ability to establish a professional and therapeutic rapport with clients; to assist, and exercise tact, patience, respect and understanding of others.
• Ability to work harmoniously and professionally with employees, clients, client families, guardians, public agencies, and the general public.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and through legible and clear writing.
• Ability to maintain organized records.
• Ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• Ability to recognize potential ethical problems and address in ethical manner.

• Ability to plan and organize working time effectively.
• Ability to work with autonomy or with minimum direction

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

The following education and experience qualifications are the minimum requirement used to admit or reject applicants for consideration.

• Possession of a high school diploma or GED certificate
  AND
• Two (2) years of successful work experience
  AND
• Understanding of recovery processes through academic training, relevant work, or personal recovery experience.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• All candidates will be required to submit to a background screening. No candidate may be considered for employment who is under the supervision of the Federal, State, County or Municipal Corrections Department nor have any pending felony or misdemeanor charges other than minor traffic charges.
• All candidates for employment must meet the established minimum qualifications for employment as identified by the applicable regulatory agencies.
• Driving may be required for this position. The successful candidate must have and remain in possession of a valid current driver’s license, automobile insurance, and be insurable under the agency’s motor vehicle insurance policy.

This position is classified as at-will, meaning employment may be ended by either party at any time, with or without cause or notice, as allowed by law.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.