ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG (AOD) COUNSELOR

The GEO Group•Santa Rosa, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Under close supervision, the Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor assists in developing, organizing, and conducting programs to provide education for conditions and problems relating to drug and alcohol abuse. Conducts or assists in conducting individual or group counseling sessions and programs. Learns, uses and models principles of the “What Works” system through evidence-based practices in all interactions with clients and other staff members. The Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor facilitates group and individual SUD treatment and documents participants’ attendance, participation and progress in case file and in database. Conducts risk/need and secondary assessments and creates individual treatment plans (ISPs) for each assigned participant, including MAT participants. The Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor reviews plan with participants on a regular basis and document progress or revisions so that they are gaining the life skills necessary to make a successful reentry into the community. Coordinates substance abuse program using principles of the “What Works” system. The Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor facilitates psycho-educational/behavior modification groups and individual sessions using principles of the “What Works” system. Meets regularly with participants and documents participants’ progress or regress in Company database. The Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor notifies the Program Manager and treatment team of any problems/issues involving participants Makes decisions regarding caseload matters. Conducts and participates in case conferences including the MAT provider for each participant assigned to the caseload. Establishes and maintains relationships with outside referral sources, such as MAT providers, in-patient substance abuse facilities or detox facilities. Identifies problem areas that may impact participants’ ability to successfully navigate and/or complete treatment. Guides participants to develop strategies to overcome obstacles to success and completion of treatment. Navigates data collection for tracking participant progress and reports out to customer. Ensures that participants’ records are accurately completed in a timely manner. Mains a treatment case file for every program participant. Mains knowledge of new developments in the field of substance abuse. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent required.
Minimum of one (1) year of experience in counseling duties with a criminal justice and/or substance abuse program.
Certified AODS Counselor, or Registered and in the process of completing the required hours of certification while under supervision by an agency/individual approved and recognized by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).
Ability to interact in a professional manner in both individual and group counseling settings.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work with a team of professionals and have the ability to implement team strategy approaches to work assignments.
Ability to work with computers and the necessary software typically used by the department.
Effective communication skills with internal and external contacts at all levels.
Problem solving ability.
Good interpersonal skills while understanding the boundaries needed for working in custody.
Good facilitation skills.
Good organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
Knowledge of client record management.
Basic computer skills.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in social services, criminal justice preferred or Associate of Arts or Associate of Sciences degree from a granting institution accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) preferred.
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or equivalent preferred.
Knowledge of the transitional process, both documentation and operational, between in-custody and community-based modalities/programs preferred.
Bi-lingual skills (English/Spanish) preferred but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

Facilitates group and individual SUD treatment and documents participants’ attendance, participation and progress in case file and in database.
Conducts risk/need and secondary assessments and creates individual treatment plans (ISPs) for each assigned participant, including MAT participants.
Reviews plan with participants on a regular basis and document progress or revisions so that they are gaining the life skills necessary to make a successful reentry into the community.
Coordinates substance abuse program using principles of the “What Works” system.
Facilitates psycho-educational/behavior modification groups and individual sessions using principles of the “What Works” system.
Meets regularly with participants and documents participants’ progress or regress in Company database.
Notifies the Program Manager and treatment team of any problems/issues involving participants
Makes decisions regarding caseload matters.
Conducts and participates in case conferences including the MAT provider for each participant assigned to the caseload.
Establishes and maintains relationships with outside referral sources, such as MAT providers, in-patient substance abuse facilities or detox facilities.
Identifies problem areas that may impact participants’ ability to successfully navigate and/or complete treatment.
Guides participants to develop strategies to overcome obstacles to success and completion of treatment.
Navigates data collection for tracking participant progress and reports out to customer.
Ensures that participants’ records are accurately completed in a timely manner.
Maintains a treatment case file for every program participant.
Maintains knowledge of new developments in the field of substance abuse.
Performs other duties as assigned.