Chemical Dependency Counselor

Trinity Health•MMCIA - MercyOne House of Mercy Central IA, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

MercyOne is seeking a Chemical Dependency Counselor to complete initial and ongoing substance abuse assessments to determine diagnosis and level of care, utilizing the American Society of Addiction Medicine Patient Placement Criteria (ASAM). The role involves performing comprehensive bio-psychosocial assessments, monitoring client progress in recovery and personal growth, and referring clients for outside evaluations as needed. The counselor will also facilitate the admission process with compassion and empathy, develop and update treatment plans according to program requirements and state regulations, and establish therapeutic relationships with clients. Counseling services will be provided in individual and group sessions, focusing on recovery, self-esteem, self-sufficiency, and grief, while maintaining professional boundaries.

Requirements

CADC certification is required at the time of hire.
Proof of completion of Mandatory Reporter abuse training specific to population served within thirty days of employment.
Ability to understand medical terminology and communicate effectively with healthcare professionals.
High School Diploma or GED, required.
Bachelor’s degree required (in the behavioral sciences, preferred)

Nice To Haves

Previous experience working with chemically dependent and at-risk clientele, including a thorough understanding of chemical dependency treatment concepts, psychosocial assessment, application of chemical dependency diagnosis, provision of therapeutic chemical dependency treatment interventions, facilitation of therapeutic groups, etc., preferred.

Responsibilities

Completes the initial and ongoing substance abuse assessments to determine diagnosis, level of care, etc. utilizing the American Society of Addiction Medicine Patient Placement Criteria (ASAM).
Performs a comprehensive bio-psychosocial assessment to analyze and synthesize the client’s status and addresses the client’s strengths, problems, and areas of clinical concern.
On an ongoing basis assesses client needs/strengths, behaviors, and progress toward desired outcomes.
Specifically monitors client progress in areas of recovery, personal growth, self-sufficiency, living skills, etc.
Determines need for outside professional evaluations (e.g., mental health), and independently refers to appropriate care providers, agencies, etc. as needed.
Facilitates the admission process utilizing a compassionate and empathetic manner to ensure all clients entering the program feel welcome, appreciated and understood.
Helps ensure all clients feel a focus on collaboration and engagement from the very beginning of their involvement with House of Mercy.
Develops treatment plans in accordance with program requirements, state regulations, etc. and communicates pertinent treatment plan information to others as needed.
Updates and revises client treatment goals/objectives on a regular basis consistent with House of Mercy and regulatory expectations.
Establishes rapport and develops a therapeutic relationship with assigned clients.
Provides counseling services in individual and group sessions.
Therapeutic efforts are primarily directed towards addressing issues related to recovery, self-esteem, self-sufficiency, and grief.
Maintains appropriate professional boundaries with all persons involved.