ACT Substance Abuse Specialist

Begin your career with us. Build your career with us. Stay with us for the duration of your career. We have an amazing pattern of longevity among our staff. We have career ladders to keep you moving up!

The MLADC or LADC Substance Abuse Specialist provides outpatient assessment, treatment, referral and consultation and education services for adolescents / families and adults with alcohol or other drug problems, as well as clients with dual issues of substance abuse and mental health problems.

We are looking for people to join our team who are seeking :

• a purpose-driven career
• meaningful work
• work-life-balance
• to be a part of something BIGGER

Our benefits

Requirements

RESPONSIBILITIES :

1. Admission / Intake Conducts comprehensive assessments of clients referred to the program to determine needs for services and makes treatment recommendations or referrals to other programs to ensure appropriate care.

a. Provides a regular schedule of Intake appointments to be used by the Central Intake Team for scheduling clients for initial assessment and evaluation.

b. Completes a thorough psychosocial history, substance abuse history, clinical formulation, multiaxial DSM-IV diagnosis and documents according to the MFS Adult Assessment (SA version) by the completion of the 3rd session. Uses standardized, evidenced based instruments as appropriate to assist in completing these evaluations (SASSI, SASSI-A2, MAST)

c. Contacts referral sources and any other appropriate providers to follow up on referrals and to coordinate and plan care. Documents such contacts in the client's record.

d. Completes steps necessary to refer clients to other service providers outside the program or the agency when appropriate and documents those actions in the client's record.

2. Treatment. Provides appropriate treatment approaches to help clients attain mutually

determined goals.

a. Develops appropriately empathic and supportive relationships with clients as evidenced by data in client files, direct observation, and review of clinical work in supervision.

collaboration with the client, and family when appropriate, an Initial Service Plan, outlining identified key problem areas, goals, individualized, measurable objectives towards goal achievement, and planned interventions according to MFS Initial Service Planning template by the completion of the 3rd session.

c. Selects appropriate treatment modality based on clinical needs of clients, personal expertise and program needs, including providing services for couples and families when appropriate, referral to medical services / psychiatry and / or referral to group treatment options. Incorporates evidenced-based, best practice approaches in work with clients (ie- stages of change, motivational interviewing, 12 step as an adjunct)

d. Documents client status in relation to attainment of stated goals in progress notes written in designated Agency format (DSRs). Completes DSRs within 48 working hours according to program policy / procedures.

e. Responds to clinical crises as needed in accordance with agency and program policies and procedures.

f. Provides collateral service to assist in implementation of treatment goals when requested by other caregivers or as clinically indicated. Uses agency and community resources to enhance client treatment.

g. Communicates and negotiates transfer of client services appropriately and completes necessary associated documentation .

3. Professional Conduct. Exhibits conduct and ethics that enhance quality of client care, contribute to productive interaction among MFS staff and promote a positive image of MFS in the community.

a. Adheres to agency standards of confidentiality as evidenced by the absence of substantiated complaints.

b. Seeks supervision appropriately when faced with ethical or legal dilemmas within clinical care.

c. Is, at all times, respectful and professional in interactions with clients, support staff, and clinical colleagues; assuming a strong customer service attitude. Develops and maintains positive professional relationships with MFS staff as evidenced by adherence to policies and procedures governing interactions and the absence of substantiated complaints.

d. Is punctual in arriving on time to scheduled meetings and client sessions.

e. Presents a positive image of MFS when consulting with other caregivers or representing the agency in the community as evidenced by positive feedback from others and the absence of substantiated complaints.

f. Provides community outreach services, for example, consultation and education with schools, correctional facilities and other agencies and organizations as needed. Available to provide liaison / public relations to community agencies / networks

4. Professional Development. Continues to increase clinical knowledge and skills in the field of addictions treatment, to enhance clinical care, personal development and agency services.

a. Attends clinical supervision as required and provides clinical data and materials as expected by

clinical supervisor.

b. With input from clinical supervisor and program director, prepares and carries out written

learning plan to address continuing education and professional development needs

and documents all related activities.

c. Attends and actively participates in administrative and clinical team meetings; attends relevant agency inservices and other staff development programs.

d. Shares with other staff at appropriate opportunities new knowledge and skills acquired.

e. Provides consultation and education services to other community groups upon request when feasible.

5. Administrative / Fiscal : Demonstrates a solid fiscal consciousness and adheres to designated procedures relating to MFS Fiscal Policy and Procedure.

a. Meets or exceeds established goals for billable service units.

b. Assists Program Director, Support Staff Team Leader and Billing Department in collecting fees, copayments or reconciling past due balances from specified clients.

c. CEDDS : Completes monthly CEDD / Admissions and client activity reports on all eligible clients, as required by the Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Recovery (DADAPR)

QUALIFICATIONS :