SUD Counselor

SUD COUNSELOR - JOB DESCRIPTION

HOURS: Hours may vary

Certification(Required)

POSITION SUMMARY: The SUD Counselor reports to the Lead Counselor and under the supervision of Lead Counselor, the SUD Counselor is responsible for:

• Planning and evaluating program needs with Lead Counselor & Clinical Manager
• Individual counseling
• Facilitating discharge planning
• Establish and maintain confidential records and files on progress and activities of assigned clients.
• Facilitate group sessions and conduct discussion and lectures following approved curriculum.
• Become proficient with Cerner, Smart Care and other EHR platforms

The Counselor serves as a principal member of the treatment team, communicating family and interdepartmental dynamics. The Counselor collaborates with staff around milieu development and management. The Counselor may also serve on educational and community awareness programs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Conducts or assists with educational or supportive groups for clients in an outpatient and residential setting. Maintains safety of clients and staff. Maintains ongoing consultation with the treatment team. Communicates pertinent client information to team members daily. Shares relevant information with community agencies to facilitate continuity of care. Provides leadership and consultation pertaining to treatment dynamics. Performs other duties as assigned by Lead Counselor and Clinical Manager.
• Evaluates effectiveness of SUD interventions provided to clients and families. Leads discussion of client and family responses to these interventions making revisions as needed. Documents evaluations/assessments in the medical record.
• Demonstrates a commitment to a high level of professional performance through the balance of client care, organizational and personal responsibilities. Arranges and organizes work schedules according to needs of clients and organization.
• Utilizes assessment skills to identify the needs, goals, and readiness for group therapists and appropriate aftercare plans. Assesses client response to group dynamics considering individual needs. Contacts referral sources, human service personnel and social service agencies connected with clients (with written consent for release of information). All interactions are appropriate for the age of the client being served.
• Plans for implementation of group and family education. Adjusts group structure, composition, and leadership style based upon assessment data. Develops a strategy for family education based on assessment data. Contributes to discharge plans or recommendations including plans for aftercare.
• Plans for discharge and aftercare including contact with outpatient therapists, sober living, residential facilities, and other appropriate social services. Documents and communicates discharge planning needs and activities with an interdisciplinary team.
• Provides therapeutic activities when scheduled. Maintains a safe environment while encouraging group cohesiveness and individual participation. Provides family education as indicated by assessments and orders. Maintains a safe environment encouraging individual participation.
• Provides opportunities for learning and change. Implements discharge and aftercare plans. Follows through with actualization of discharge plans including written or verbal communication. Provides evaluative data regarding effectiveness of discharge and aftercare plans where applicable. Responds to psychiatric and/or medical emergencies.
• In collaboration with the treatment team, ensures implementation of standards which promote maintenance of client rights, including, but not limited to:
• Special client rights as applicable to mental health services.
• Identification and reporting of any suspected client abuse.
• Informed consent.
• Clarification of client expectations.
• Explanation of treatment processes.
• Maintenance of all HIPAA standards.
• Adaptation of care to all ages of clients served.
• Ethical considerations.
• Understanding of client complaints policies (refer to Administrative Team).
• Maintains own professional growth through the utilization of professional organizations, seminars, Inservice programs, and other self-directed learning activities. Maintains awareness of current Bakersfield Recovery Services developments and trends in the provision of substance use disorder services as applicable to position responsibilities. Determines appropriate priorities for activities based on work demands. Maintains awareness of current Bakersfield Recovery Services operational policies and procedures, which impact on position relationships. Ensures that problems/concerns regarding activities in the treatment center are communicated with the Administrative Team. Participates in ongoing performance improvement activities within the facility as assigned. Actively participates in staff meetings with a focus on providing input regarding improving the quality of client care services in the facility.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Certification by a DHCS approved entity (CCAPP, CAADE, CADTP).
• Minimum of one year experience in clinical setting preferred, which may include field practicums.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Physical Activity - Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 15 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 5 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Working Hazards or Risks - Potential exposure to infectious processes during client interactions.
• OSHA Blood Borne Risk Category I.

TRAINING:

• CPR
• 1 Aid
• Crisis prevention training
• Harassment training
• Training courses as assigned

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $23.00 - $25.00 per hour

Experience:

• clinical /filed practicums: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• Certification by a DHCS approved entity CCAPP, CAADE, CADTP? (Required)

Work Location: In person