Certified Addiction Counselor (DOC)

INTRODUCTION

Under the direction of the (SUD) Program Director (DOC), the Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) will provide addictions-focused services to individuals within the DOC facilities known as the Central Detention Facility (CDF) and the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF), jointly known as the DC jail. The CAC will maintain a caseload providing strength-based, evidence-based practices, individual and group rehabilitation services to residents within a multi team approach to meet the needs of men and women who experience multiple problems such as addiction, frequent medical and psychiatric hospitalizations, arrests, and homelessness. The Certified Additions Counselor will be a resource for staff within the DOC.

MAJOR DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Provides case management for MAT patients at the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF) in collaboration with peer navigator, social workers, nurses, psychiatrists and discharge planners and other resources within DC jail.
• Provides individually tailored services to each client in the following areas: relapse prevention, housing, entitlements, medication support, training & work opportunities, activities of daily living, health, wellness self-management, self-help & empowerment, problem solving, family life & social relationships and integrated treatment for substance abuse.
• Consults with SUD team in recognizing symptoms of substance use disorder, organizing stage-based treatment, and promoting highly individualized, community-based recovery strategies.
• Provides integrated, addictions-focused services with adults dually diagnosed with mental illness and substance use disorders in a compassionate, responsible and respectful manner.
• Provides individual and group rehabilitation services.
• Leads/co-leads groups, workshops, and in-service meetings on topics relevant to identified areas of client need;
• Ensures that progress notes are comprehensive and completed in a timely manner.
• Provides written documentation for assessments, counseling sessions, groups, interventions, and recommendations in electronic health records.
• Works with discharge planners to complete discharge planning and appropriate referrals to the community prior to discharge.
• Coordinates and monitors referrals to community services upon discharge from CTF
• Participates in team planning and supervision
• Attend training programs offered to enhance effectiveness of role.
• Demonstrates a willingness to learn and have an interest in acquiring new skills.
• Other duties as directed by SUD Program Director, Director of Behavioral Health and/or Assistant Director of Behavioral Health.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Licensed Professional Counselor or Certified Addiction Counselor I or II from the Department of Health or neighboring state
• Three years of experience working with Substance Use and Co-Occurring Disorders. Experience working with opiate addicted patients preferred.
• Counselors must have at least 5 years of continuous recovery if currently in recovery.
• CPR/First-Aid.
• Ability to speak Spanish is preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong clinical skills and independent work habits.
• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to work effectively with a wide range of people, teams, managers, supervisors, and vendors.
• Knowledge of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) and harm reduction theory and applications.
• Ability to demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving, organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to respect and uphold patient confidentiality.
• Knowledge of discharge planning and community resources.
• Working knowledge of the drug and alcohol treatment system and a demonstrated commitment to the recovery community.
• Must understand and respect each individual’s unique path to recovery.
• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency with business software (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite).
• Knowledge and ability to navigate Electronic Medical Record (EMR).

SUPERVISORY CONTROL

The position reports to the SUD Program Director.

GUIDELINES

The position abides by all rules and regulations set forth by applicable licensing and regulatory bodies, as well as UHC policies and procedures.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

The position requires contact with staff at all levels throughout the organization. There are also external organization relationships that may be a part of the work of this individual.

PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Refer to the ADA Physical Efforts Checklist for the position.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTORS

The incumbent must be able to balance the needs of diverse constituencies on a daily basis.

RISKS

The position’s work involves everyday risk and discomforts, which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meetings, training rooms, and other UHC sites. The work area is adequately lit, heated, and ventilated. The employee shall provide evidence of a recent (within the past twelve (12) months) health assessment that includes a PPD and/or chest x-ray results.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.