(Archived) Counselor

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Behavioral Health Supervisor, the Medicaid Assisted Treatment Program Counselor engages the patient in the initial and ongoing treatment processes of the clinic. Conducts a preliminary assessment of eligibility, prepare intake forms, see that the patient is afforded needed services from other disciplines within the agency, and make referrals to outside resources when necessary.

Responsibilities:

• On an ongoing basis, the Counselor holds regularly scheduled sessions with all his/her patients concerning their problems and psycho-social needs.
• Serves as a Case Manager for each patient to ensure that services are coordinated to meet each assessed need.
• Conducts therapy groups.
• Assists patients in the identification of problems.
• Works with patients in the definition of problems.
• Ensures all necessary forms are completed.
• Maintains accurate and confidential patient records.
• Attends training seminars where instruction on treatment techniques and theories underlying these approaches are provided, and obtain the CASAC credential.
• Identifies and records significant data in the case folder regularly. Develops treatment plans for presentation to the IDT.
• Holds individual conferences with other disciplines when necessary to facilitate effective treatment throughout the agency.
• Meets weekly for clinical supervision with the Behavioral Health Supervisor, concerning work performed, problems encountered in the treatment process, and for case conferences.
• Refers to other clinic disciplines when appropriate.
• Meets periodically with other staff to obtain feedback necessary for case management and treatment planning.
• Performs all forensic collection for patients on their caseload and monitors for treatment related issues in order to update the treatment plan.
• Provides vocational/educational assessment, counseling and follow-up for patients not assigned to the Vocational Specialist, as well as voc/ed support and follow-up of all patients as required.
• Completes the Vocational Profile Form (HS 305) for each caseload patient.
• Provides as an integral service, counseling toward vocational/educational readiness, motivation for vocational rehabilitation, provides initial evaluation for in-house voc/ed services, and provides exploration of voc/ed goals.
• Provides patient referrals to the Vocational Specialist and Educational Specialist for in-depth evaluation, counseling and referral for voc/ed programs.
• Provides case management, referral follow-up and supportive counseling to patients referred to in-house voc/ed programs and external job/school training.
• Meets periodically with the Vocational Specialist and Education Specialist for case consultation and feedback.
• Presents vocational treatment objectives at each IDT.
• Counselors are expected to work on a rotation basis on Saturdays and select holidays. Assigned shifts may change at the discretion of the Clinical Director according to the needs of the Program.

Qualifications:

• Associate Degree in Human Services field.
• Two (2) years of work experience in Human Services providing treatment care with minimal two (2) years of satisfactory experience as a Substance Abuse Counselor.
• CASAC (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor) required
• Possess a demonstrated ability in delivering patient treatment including: communication skills, successful engagement in specialized Human Services training, understanding of human interaction and personality development, and the ability to write and record case documentation.
• Familiar with Regulatory Agency Regulations regarding the operation and practices of patient care.
• Understanding of group dynamics is essential.
• Must be computer-literate with knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Competent in computerized programs that support treatment plans and case notes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to participate in various committees and work well with others in team settings.
• Bilingual in any language a plus.

Physical Requirements

These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the position which are reviewed on each individual case.

Benefits

• Vacation, personal, and sick leave
• Medical, dental, vision plans
• Pension & retirement plan
• Short & long-term disability
• Life insurance
• AFLAC
• Pet Insurance

Student Loan Forgiveness Programs

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• National Health Service Corp Loan Repayment