Substance Abuse Counselor

State of North Carolina•Guilford County, NC

72d•$41,655 - $72,897

About The Position

NC Department of Adult Correction is one of the largest state agencies with more than 19,000 employees. It is responsible for safeguarding and preserving the lives and property of its citizens through prevention, protection, and preparation as well as the care, custody, and supervision of all adults sentenced after conviction for violating North Carolina laws. This department includes State Prisons with custody, healthcare, and facility operations staff as well as the division of Community Supervision. Other divisions include Administration, Compliance & Accreditation, Comprehensive Health Services, Internal Affairs & Intelligence Operations, Post-Release Supervision & Parole Commission, and Rehabilitation & Reentry. We have a mission that matters! Employees are assigned to state facilities such as an area alcohol and drug abuse treatment center (ADATC), a state psychiatric hospital, a state developmental center, or a correctional facility. Employees assist clients with substance use disorders with development of cognitive, behavioral, social, and vocational skills through the use of counseling, behavioral and case management interventions. Work involves screening clients who are referred for addictive and/or psychological disorders. Employees use standardized tools to screen clients, conduct intakes and orientations, and complete assessments (social, educational, cultural, psychological, physical, career, and familial histories). Employees provide behavioral intervention therapy related to criminal related behaviors and attitudes for those clients involved with the criminal justice system. Employees may serve as an interface between mental health providers while continuing to provide substance use disorder counseling. Employees may collaborate with other healthcare professionals on more complex cases to facilitate continuity of care.

Requirements

Working knowledge and application of the substance use disorder processes, including psychological and physical withdrawal.
Working knowledge of psycho pharmacy and drug interactions.
Working knowledge of medical terminology, disease processes, and treatment related to decisions regarding clinical interventions and appropriate therapies based on medical and psychological diagnoses.
Thorough knowledge and application of therapeutic approaches including group dynamics, crisis interventions, and family therapy, and behavioral intervention therapy for substance use disorders.
Thorough knowledge of community support groups and resources for individuals with substance use disorders.
Skill in evaluating and screening clients for appropriate treatment and referrals.
Skill in formulating clear, goal oriented treatment plans, and concise record documentation.
Skill in developing and maintaining interpersonal relationships to include effective oral and written communication with team members, clients, and other healthcare providers.
Ability to recognize co-occurring disorders and make appropriate mental health referrals while actively continues providing substance use disorder counseling.
Ability to serve as a resource/peer consultant.
High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Credentialed as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), or as a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist - Associate (LCAS-A), or in an equivalent credential from a governing authority recognized by the NC Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board to practice under the provisions of the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Act.

Responsibilities

Assist clients with substance use disorders with development of cognitive, behavioral, social, and vocational skills through the use of counseling, behavioral and case management interventions.
Screen clients who are referred for addictive and/or psychological disorders.
Use standardized tools to screen clients, conduct intakes and orientations, and complete assessments (social, educational, cultural, psychological, physical, career, and familial histories).
Provide behavioral intervention therapy related to criminal related behaviors and attitudes for those clients involved with the criminal justice system.
Serve as an interface between mental health providers while continuing to provide substance use disorder counseling.
Collaborate with other healthcare professionals on more complex cases to facilitate continuity of care.