Certified Addiction Counselor (40 Hour)

State of Connecticut•Middletown, CT

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is seeking a Certified Addiction Counselor to join the Addiction Services Division at Connecticut Valley Hospital (CVH). CVH is the largest state-operated inpatient behavioral health system in Connecticut, offering specialized psychiatric and addiction treatment. The Merritt 3AB unit provides residential rehabilitation services for individuals with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders in a supportive, recovery-focused environment. This role involves providing direct support and treatment services to individuals in recovery, assisting with discharge planning and community connections, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary treatment team to achieve positive patient outcomes. DMHAS aims to promote overall health and wellness for individuals with behavioral health needs through integrated services, while CVH's vision is to promote recovery through compassionate, culturally competent treatment in a safe environment, empowering individuals to manage recovery and return to the community.

Requirements

Certification from the Connecticut Department of Public Health as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Three (3) years of experience involving risk reduction education and counseling to assist alcohol and drug dependent individuals
Individuals recovering from addiction to alcohol or drugs must have two (2) years of substance free time
Must retain the certification and/or licensure outlined above

Nice To Haves

Experience working with multidisciplinary team in a hospital setting or behavioral health residential setting providing care and treatment to clients with substance use and mental health disorders
CT DPH licensure as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Experience with Evidence-Based Practice, focusing on standardized measurable outcomes, and the application of research-supported approaches
Experience utilizing community resources and supports to connect individuals with appropriate services
Active driver’s license for transporting clients
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 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