Certified Addiction Counselor (40 Hour)

State of Connecticut•Norwich, CT

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) has an opening for a Certified Addiction Counselor (PCN 26130) in the Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACT) at Southeastern Mental Health Authority (SMHA) in Norwich. This role is for individuals committed to providing structured, recovery-focused support in the community. DMHAS is dedicated to promoting the health and wellness of individuals with behavioral health needs through an integrated, holistic network of services that foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency. SMHA provides high-quality behavioral health services to those in our community with mental health and substance use disorders who are 18 years or older and reside in New London County and its surrounding towns. ACT Teams deliver highly responsive, individualized, recovery-based and rehabilitative services in the client’s natural environment. A comprehensive medical examination, including drug screening, is required following a conditional offer of employment. All state employees must comply with Connecticut’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy.

Requirements

Certification from the Connecticut Department of Public Health as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Three (3) years of experience involving risk education and counseling to assist alcohol and drug dependent individuals
Incumbents in this class must retain the certification and/or licensure outlined above.
Individuals recovering from addiction to alcohol or drugs are required to have two (2) years of substance free time to be considered for a position in a substance abuse program.

Nice To Haves

Experience providing substance abuse assessments, interventions, and treatment for individual with substance use disorders
Experience connecting client to various levels of substance abuse treatment, such as inpatient detoxification, rehabilitation, methadone maintenance, etc.
Experience facilitating substance abuse groups and individual substance abuse counseling
Experience working with clients in accessing community resources/entitlements and in securing and maintaining housing
Experience working with clients who are pre-contemplative and contemplative in their recovery
May be required to speak a foreign language or be fluent in American Sign Language.
May be required to possess and retain a valid driver's license.
May be required to travel.

Responsibilities

Provides counseling services to individuals with alcohol and drug dependence
Screens clients for program eligibility and assesses strengths, needs and treatment goals
Orients clients to the treatment program and participates in individual and group counseling
Delivers case management and crisis intervention services to support safety and stabilization
Educates clients on substance use issues and coordinates referrals for medical or psychological care
Other duties as assigned
Provides counseling services to alcohol and drug dependent clients
Screens clients to determine eligibility for programs
Assesses strengths, weaknesses and treatment needs
Orients clients to treatment program
Participates in treatment planning and individual and/or group counseling
Responsible for case management activities
Provides crisis intervention services in response to emotional and/or physical distress
Makes referrals to outside or other programs for medical and/or psychological intervention
Maintains confidential reports and records of client data
Represents program at community events and seminars
Educates clients on substance abuse issues and availability of resources
Consults with service providers to assure comprehensive integrated care
May escort clients
May provide coverage duties
May collect urine for drug screening