Substance Abuse Counselor for the Adult Mental Health (AMH) Program

Georgia Department of Revenue•Decatur, IL

26d•$52,075 - $61,273•Onsite

About The Position

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is currently seeking candidates for the position of Substance Abuse Counselor for the Adult Mental Health (AMH) Program at Georgia Regional Hospital - Atlanta, located in Decatur, GA. This role operates within an inpatient psychiatric setting, focusing on providing comprehensive care to adults with co-occurring serious mental illness and substance use disorders.

Requirements

Master’s degree in professional counseling, clinical/counseling psychology, or closely related field.
Experience working with serious mental health issues and/or adults in an inpatient setting.
Ability to select, administer, score, and interpret evidence-based substance use screening and assessment instruments.
Ability to tailor assessment methods and therapeutic interventions for individuals experiencing active psychiatric symptoms, cognitive impairment, or co-occurring intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Ability to work effectively with multi-disciplinary treatment teams.
Ability to track referrals, document attempts, and follow up based on required timelines and clinical need.
Ability to develop and implement treatment/case plans.
Bachelor's degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited college or university in a related field and four (4) years of job-related experience; or one (1) year of experience at the lower level Behavioral Hlth Counselor 2 (HCP101) or position equivalent.
National and State background check as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor – CAADC
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor –CADC I or II
Certified Addiction Counselor – CAC I or II

Responsibilities

Conduct substance use assessments utilizing clinical interviews and evidence-based assessment measures.
Develop and communicate substance use treatment recommendations for both inpatient and outpatient treatment contexts.
Provide individual and group therapy utilizing motivational interviewing and recovery-oriented techniques to assist individuals to build coping strategies, understand the relationship between substance use and serious mental illness, and safely transition from a psychiatric hospital to the community.
Provide clinical services on all three AMH treatment units and at the AMH Psychosocial Rehabilitation Mall.
Collaborate with inpatient recovery planning teams and develop knowledge of available community substance use treatment and support resources.
Provide coverage for other Mall instructors and operations as needed.
Maintain confidentiality of records relating to client treatment.
Monitor, evaluate, and record client progress according to measurable goals described in treatment and care plan.
Prepare and maintain all required treatment records and reports.