Substance Abuse Counselor

Community Medical Services•Phoenix, AZ

20d

About The Position

Community Medical Services (CMS) is hiring a Substance Abuse Counselor to support patients recovering from opioid and other substance use disorders. In an outpatient setting, the counselor facilitates individual and group counseling, assists patients with treatment plans and coping strategies, and helps foster a safe and supportive environment for recovery. The role includes managing a caseload, assessing and evaluating client needs and progress, coordinating care with community providers and other systems, and maintaining thorough, compliant client records. The counselor also assists with screening and coordinating primary care services and may involve clients’ families and natural supports in treatment according to client preference. The position follows a Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. schedule.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years of age.
Knowledge of behavioral management, de-escalation, crisis intervention, and techniques to prevent or defuse violent behavior harmful to the client or others, with the ability to apply these techniques to clients at varying levels of crisis.
Academic and working knowledge of DSM-5, community resources, clinical methods, and procedures, and the ability to apply that knowledge.
One of the following education and experience combinations: high school diploma, GED, or associate degree and 2 years of behavioral health experience; a bachelor’s degree in a behavioral health-related field and 1 year of behavioral health experience; or a master’s degree in a behavioral health-related field with no prior behavioral health experience required.

Responsibilities

Maintain and manage a caseload in compliance with regulatory standards and ratios.
Conduct individual counseling sessions, facilitate group counseling, and deliver didactic educational presentations.
Complete comprehensive behavioral health assessments and individualized treatment plans that meet regulatory requirements and clients’ needs.
Assess treatment effectiveness on an ongoing basis, including consideration of clients’ natural supports, and modify service plans when needed.
Coordinate care with recovery and community-based service providers and perform case management activities, including sending referrals and completing documentation needed to secure services.
Maintain chart compliance and thorough, comprehensive client records.
Include family and natural supports in treatment according to client preference.
Maintain and apply knowledge of developments in substance use treatment as required by state licensure.
Maintain collegial relationships with other substance use professionals, programs, and associations.
Serve as the point of contact for coordination and communication with other systems when clinical knowledge of the case is important.
Assist with screening and coordinating primary care services for clients.