SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

Position : Substance Abuse Counselor

Department : Alcohol & Dependency Unit

Job Summary

The Substance abuse counselor is an integral member of the multidisciplinary treatment team. They provide individual, family, group, and multi-family group therapy in response to identified patient needs. They participate in treatment team meetings, develop psychosocial assessments, and develop treatment and discharge plans based on the goal of treatment. They assist substance abuse patients in identifying, maximizing, and relating their strengths to appropriate social, education, and occupational goals. It is the responsibility of the counselor to undertake assessments, monitor, plan, and link the patient to appropriate medical and support services. Additionally, the counselor will help patients prepare to adjust to substance free existence and to aid in addressing and coping with problematic issues. The Counselor reports to the Director of the program.

Professional Responsibilities :

• Participates as an active member of the treatment team
• Attends treatment team meetings when indicated and reports on and documents on progress, planned goals and objectives as related to the patients
• Collaborates inter / intra disciplines to formulate and provide services which will facilitate patient progress towards goals outlined in master treatment plan
• Provides supportive therapy and psycho-educational therapies for patients, families, and community.
• Provides direct services in accordance with accepted standards of professional practice in a timely fashion and as outlined in mission statements, performance standards, state, and federal regulations.
• Plans, participates, and conducts individual, family, and / or group therapy.
• Counsels patients by listening to their stories, concerns, or issues and providing feedback, including teaching them coping techniques.
• Responds, assesses, and evaluates inquiry calls and executes appropriate interventions
• Participates in discharge and aftercare planning and aids patients in seeking therapeutic resources for follow up in their own community environment and upon physician request
• Acts as a liaison and coordinates with available community resources to ensure continuity of care for patients
• Plans and arranges admission to special care facilities as indicated by the individual patient needs or upon request of patient / physician
• Develops, plans, and provides in-services for inter / intra community and staff as assigned
• Assist in development of a comprehensive individualized treatment plan and modifies based on progress of the patient
• Assist patients on outings as needed
• Facilitates identified support groups and education to meet the needs of the patients / families
• Collaborates with the patient to develop treatment plans, identifying and prioritizing problems, goals, and treatment methods. Mediates and advocates for the patient
• Helps monitor and maintain safety and security of clients and the facility
• Evaluates patient's physical and mental behaviors and identifies behaviors that interfere with treatment and recovery
• Must have sufficient interpersonal skills to establish therapeutic relationships with clients and to communicate and work effectively with others involved in the client's treatment.
• Work effectively with people of diverse cultures and economic backgrounds
• Documents accurately in patient's record and in a timely manner
• Actively participates in staff development, departmental, and other committees as assigned
• Establishes a safe, compassionate, and caring environment for patients and their families
• Establishes a safe supportive work environment that promotes teamwork
• Maintains and enhances knowledge base by attending in-service training
• Performs other duties as requested by Director
• Maintains all HIPPA guidelines / hospital policies
• Adheres to SCRMC performance standards
• Ability to communicate effectively both written and orally
• Ability to handle difficult situations involving patients, physicians, or others in a professional manner
• Ability to work independently, exercise creativity, and be attentive to detail
• Strong organizational skills

Education and Experience

Interaction Skills :

All candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position.

The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that reasonable accommodations be made for qualified individuals to help perform the essential functions of the position.

South Central Regional Medical Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.