Substance Abuse Counselor

Position Summary:

The Substance Abuse Counselor schedules and facilitates individual and group counseling activities, completes clinical documentation, develops individual treatment plans, and assesses program participants. Essential Job Functions include those listed below.

Essential Job Functions:

• Utilizes counseling and psychotherapy to evaluate and treat emotional and mental problems and conditions, whether cognitive, behavioral, or affective;
• Conducts interviews and makes assessments of potential clients, in order to determine need and appropriateness for program participation and referrals;
• Conducts individual counseling sessions with assigned program participants;
• Schedules and facilitates group counseling sessions, ensuring that each program participant assigned to his/her caseload participates in scheduled activities;
• Keeps a working knowledge of the treatment progress and behavior(s) of assigned program participant(s) and those of other staff as needed;
• Analyzes situations and takes necessary actions to provide crisis intervention in a manner that is consistent with WestCares Code of Ethics;
• Participates in the decision to refer program participants for ancillary services, (i.e., family support groups, continuing care groups, etc.);
• Completes documentation required for clinical records and other reports as assigned;
• Refers assigned program participants to other staff members, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist as required;
• Assists other WestCare staff as needed to promote cooperation and portray a professional image to the community;
• Embraces and embodies the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision and goals of WestCare Foundation;
• Performs any other duties as assigned.

Certifications/Licensures:

• CADC or similar certification required; Preference will be given certified candidates;
• Valid drivers license and the ability to obtain and maintain WestCares vehicle insurance is required.

Education:

• Graduation from an accredited two-year or four-year college with a degree in Counseling, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology or other field related to the position is required;
• High School Diploma or equivalent is required;
• Graduation from a Doctoral or Masters level program is preferred.

Experience and Competencies:

• Experience working with individuals suffering from mental health and substance abuse disorders required;
• Two (2) years of experience in providing direct counseling services to persons with alcohol and/or drug problems is highly preferred;
• Excellent communication skills are required;
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion required;
• Ability to work well in a team environment required ;
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality required;
• Professional appearance and demeanor required;
• Must be culturally/linguistically sensitive to populations served;
• Intake and assessment experience is highly preferred;
• Bilingual ability is preferred;
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system is preferred;
• Prior experience using office equipment, including phones, scanners, printers, and fax machines, and web cameras is highly desired;

Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily performed in an office or residential treatment setting;
• Some outdoor activities and travel between multiple locations may be required;
• Regular and prompt attendance is required throughout employment.