Substance Abuse Counselor I- Fitchburg
About The Position
The Substance Abuse Counselor I provides inmates, probationers, and parolees with education and information about substance abuse and dependence at the Fitchburg Community Justice Support Center. The role provides drug and alcohol education, teaches coping and relapse-prevention skills, supports awareness of high-risk behaviors, and connects participants with support agencies and continuing services. The counselor prepares and maintains required records, observes participants’ general condition and behavior, makes referrals to appropriate supportive services, and reports unusual occurrences to a supervisor. The counselor conducts classes professionally using approved materials, supports cooperation between participants and staff, and maintains reliable attendance and punctuality. The position works under the direct supervision of the CJSC Program Director and Assistant Program Director, who provide guidance, assign work, and review performance. No supervisory responsibilities are exercised.
Requirements
- At least one year of relevant experience.
- For OCC positions: a bachelor's degree in psychology, education, counseling, rehabilitative counseling, or social work from an accredited college or university, plus at least two years of supervised counseling experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to maintain accurate and detailed records.
- Ability to effectively convey information to others.
- Ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented verbally and in writing.
- Working skill in using personal computers, particularly word-processing software.
- Working knowledge of support agencies such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
- Working knowledge of the effects of drugs and alcohol.
- Minimal physical effort in a typical clinical setting; frequently required to sit, talk, and hear, with close and distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Nice To Haves
- CADAC certification preferred.
Responsibilities
- Provide drug and alcohol education to inmates, probationers, and parolees.
- Provide education in stress management, anger management, and coping skills.
- Help participants recognize the consequences of substance abuse.
- Teach alternative coping skills for living drug-free.
- Teach Relapse Prevention I and Relapse Prevention II programs.
- Educate participants about high-risk behaviors to reduce the spread of AIDS, Hepatitis A, B, and C, and other sexually transmitted diseases.
- Introduce participants to support agencies such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
- Develop individualized aftercare plans identifying problems requiring continuing treatment and services to help participants remain drug-free.
- Prepare accurately and maintain current required reports and records.
- Observe participants’ general condition and refer them to appropriate medical, mental, and social services.
- Foster cooperation between participants and staff.
- Observe participant conduct and behavior and report unusual occurrences to a supervisor.
- Ensure participants sign the required attendance sheet.
- Conduct classes professionally and use only approved materials.
- Work harmoniously, cooperatively, and courteously with others.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Report to work on time and appropriately attired, and maintain regular attendance.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
